Drake’s Pool

DRAKE’S POOL
You will pass Drake’s Pool, a scenic part of the estuary, on the road from Carrigaline to Crosshaven. There is a car park nearby so you can stretch your legs and take in the pleasant view of the historic spot.
Apparently, in 1589 or thereabouts (you will see other dates, though 1589 is the one on the nearby commemorative plaque), Sir Francis Drake (1540 – 96) was being pursued by elements of the Spanish Armada who chased him into Cork Harbour. But the Spaniards didn’t have the local knowledge and sailed past the Crosshaven estuary and up towards the city instead.
They missed Drake and his handful of sheltering ships and sailed out again.
The relieved Englishman allowed a few days to elapse before venturing back to the open sea. It must have been a nervous time but today the location is all about relaxation, plenty of seats around the modest tree lined «pool» and many pleasure craft bobbing at anchor with not a care in the world.