Knightly entertainment as Cork lives up to its reputation as festival capital

FROM medieval jousting to a bone- crunching game of American football – Cork lived up to its reputation as Ireland’s festival capital this weekend.

The grounds of a castle near the city were transformed into a medieval village, with knights on horseback engaged in jousting and period characters giving displays of archery, blacksmithing, crafts and the preparation of old-time meals.

The second annual Carrigtwohill Medieval Festival and Country Fair took place at Barryscourt Castle on Saturday and Sunday and thousands of spectators gathered to hear the ring of clashing steel as sword fights shattered the tranquility of the medieval village.