My Weekend: I love Cork harbour... it has lots of nooks and crannies

TELL us a little bit about yourself:

I was born in Cork. I have always lived close to the sea. I grew up in Youghal having moved there as a young child from Cork initially and then Kinsale, where my father was a doctor.

I always had a passion for drawing so ended up being an architect.

I am a director of JCA architects. We are based in Cork city and have a specialism in building conservation, so I am usually in and out of old buildings, dusty roofs and the like.

I am married to Katherine and we have three kids.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

I like live music and festivals and we were going to ‘Altogether Now’ in County Waterford, which alas, is cancelled this year. But I saw Microdisney’s last gig in Cyprus Avenue. I love the Everyman Theatre — all that Victorian sumptuousness.

Sometimes we go to the cinema with the kids. Its great having the Gate on North Main Street close to where we live.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

A bit of both. I am known to attempt DIY jobs at midnight, so I suppose to be truthful the former!

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

With mobile technology it is difficult to escape, but you can always turn off your phone.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I would love to travel to Biarritz in the South of France (when we can travel again) with all my family.

My brother Dave is a professional rugby player there.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

I love Cork harbour. It is often overlooked but has many nooks and crannies. And if you have access to a boat there is no end of things to do. Not many people know that you can even travel to Midleton up the Owenacurra River from the East channel of Cork Harbour, on a full tide.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

At any opportunity! If the weather allows, I like to jump in the water and explore new bathing spots as well as old favourites like Poulgorm. Cycling with the family is also a favourite, particularly the Blackrock Greenway.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I was known to be good at table tennis but that was a long time ago. But it is making a comeback during lockdown!

I like church architecture and sometimes I give guided tours – Saint Peter and Paul’s is a masterpiece of Gothic revival.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I make a good Manhattan Sidecar Cocktail.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

The Farm Gate in the English Market and Liberty Grill would be top of my list. I also like the Woodford where I can hide away in a corner!

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

I iron my ties for the week ahead.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Too early!

UPCOMING EVENT

Gareth O’Callaghan will give a virtual guided tour of the former Cork Savings Bank on Lapp’s Quay, this Saturday as part of Cork Heritage Open Day.

The Open Day will be celebrated completely online this year with a mixture of virtual tours, interviews, history quizzes and competitions! Tomorrow the website www.corkheritageopenday.ie will go live and members of the public will be able to explore virtually some of Cork’s finest historic buildings including the Old Cork Waterworks Experience, the Unitarian Church, Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills, the Custom House Port of Cork, Blarney Castle, the National Sculpture Factory, Masonic Hall, Heineken Ireland, Cork Chamber and lots more.

See www.corkheritageopenday.ie