My Weekend: 'Nothing clears the head like a surf in Inchydoney'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work

I’m originally from near Ballydehob in West Cork. I did my undergrad at UCC, where I spent all of my time in the drama society making tons of shows and life-long friendships.

My mum was the producer of the West Cork Fit-Up Festival for many years and that’s how I fell in love with theatre. In 2020 I graduated from The Lir Academy and since then, I have worked with many of Ireland’s leading theatre companies, including: The Gate, The Abbey, Rough Magic and ANU.

I now live in Dublin with my wife, Margaret and our five-year-old daughter, Marlowe.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

There is nothing better than a meal out with Margaret and then heading to the theatre... bliss.

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

We’re up early and usually do a bit of streaky bacon with eggs on the weekend. Marlowe’s bacon excitement is contagious.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

As busy parents, we have to keep all of the plates spinning, so we often help each other with auditions or self tapes on the weekend. In the main though, we take it easy and catch up with friends.

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

No hesitations, it would be Paris with Margaret. The food. The culture. The style.

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

Whenever I get the chance, usually when I’m down home visiting my folks, I head out to Inchydoney for a surf. Nothing clears the head better. Lough Hyne is a favourite too. I definitely need to immerse myself in the Atlantic to feel restored.

Marlowe’s favourite is to play with her cousins. We have four gorgeous nieces now, so any time we get to spend with them is heaven.

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

When I can, I get out for a surf or if we are doing something as a family, we go kayaking on Lough Hyne. My dad is an excellent paddler, and it’s something we’ve done since we were kids. It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. We’ve had many happy times there.

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

I love to cook for friends and family. My grandmother used to do the most amazing Sunday roast, so I have my own version of that now. You can never have too many roast potatoes.

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

Any time I’m back in the city, it’s not long before I find myself in Cork Coffee Roasters. Fionnbarra on Douglas St always gets a visit for pizza and good company. Wabisabi is a family favourite for sushi... My brother never misses an opportunity to put in a takeaway order for my folks to taxi back to West Cork.

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

We usually keep it simple and try to put the feet up and watch an episode of something.

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

7am, but I usually just let Marlowe wake me up.

Anything else you are up to right now...

We’re in the thick of rehearsals right now and it’s shaping up beautifully. You should come check us out. Pool (No Water) directed by Des Kennedy runs from June 12 to 27.

Rowan Finkin will be appearing in Pool (No Water) by Mark Ravenhill, directed by Des Kennedy, presented by The Everyman as part of Cork Midsummer in the Swimming Pool, underneath the Metropole Hotel until June 27. See www.corkmidsummer.com