VIDEO: Chris Hadfield gets ‘grounded’ view of Cork in visit to city

Though he has “seen the beauty of Cork” many times from orbit, astronaut Chris Hadfield just had to take a closer look now that he’s back on terra firma.

The down-to-earth Canadian took a trip to the Rebel County at the weekend, signing copies of his two books at Eason on Patrick’s St.

“I’m having a chance to visit Cork for the first time today and it’s a beautiful sunny day, glad to be here,” he said.

“I’ve seen Cork many times from orbit , I took a lot of photographs of it, but it’s nice to be here in person and see the city.”

Cork is lovely from orbit, but tomorrow will be my 1st visit! Signing books 3 PM at Easons. http://t.co/s692tgSM9A pic.twitter.com/WSqfkXM36S

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) April 10, 2015

Cmdr Hadfield won a special place in Irish hearts when he began tweeting photos of Ireland from the International Space Station. He also made the first as Gaeilge tweet from space.

Tá Éire fíorálainn! Land of green hills and dark beer. With capital Dublin glowing in the Irish night. pic.twitter.com/djLZhn3f

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) February 18, 2013

Since his return, he has been to Ireland many times to visit his daughter, who was studying in Trinity College Dublin, and to take up a role as an ambassador for Tourism Ireland.

You Are Here — Around the World in 92 Minutes is a compilation of 150 photographs selected from some 45,000 snaps Cmdr Hadfield took while in space.

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