We've all been there - it's not even two hours into yet another gloomy Monday morning working from home and you're already seriously contemplating how you might justify an early retirement.
It's easy to idle time dreaming of days you'll spend basking in the Tuscan sun on the patio of your hypothetical villa in the Italian countryside. Or perhaps months you'll devote to chasing the sun around the world's most spectacular slopes with nothing to worry about besides improving your ski posture or what to have for dinner.
Well, the next time you find yourself daydreaming of the golden years, cast your eye a little closer to home. To Kinsale in Co. Cork to be exact because, believe it or not, the historic town was recently named as one of the '9 Best Places to Retire in Europe' by none other than luxury magazine Travel + Leisure.
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The list places Kinsale in very esteemed company, nestled safely between Valletta and Prague as prime locations to settle down in for your final stretch of life. Other recommended locations include Bordeaux, Alicante and Budapest. So what was it about Kinsale that helped it claim a spot on this list over so many of the other quaint, scenic towns Europe has to offer?
According to Travel + Leisure, the oft celebrated town's many 'beaches, marinas, yacht club, fishing, and diving' could make it the ideal destination for retirees who love the outdoors. Cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and strolls through the colourful town are also listed as activities you'll find on your doorstep in Kinsale and well, they're not wrong, are they?
Foodies, the magazine says, are also well catered for in Kinsale as they will surely 'appreciate the restaurants, fresh seafood, and perhaps even cooking classes at the Kinsale Gourmet Academy.' Old Head Golf Course also gets a shout out as 'one of the country's most beautiful golf courses' because, really, what is retirement without golfing?
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The piece was carefully penned by an American journalist who has years of experience covering travel, food and wine for the publication from her home in California. Although given her name is, in fact, Patricia Doherty, we can't help but wonder if she may perhaps have a little Irish blood running through her?
Regardless of Doherty's heritage, she seems to have really hit the nail on the head when describing one of Ireland's most beloved and frequently visited towns. With this absolute gem within our midst, the temptation to hang up our boots to start living the retired life we're almost certain we deserve has never been so overwhelming.
Featured Image Credit: © Peter Zoeller / Design Pics via ZUMA Wire