This past weekend I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of nights in Kerry staying at the fabulous Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney. If you are looking for old world elegance this is definitely the place for you. We were fortunate enough to get a room in the old part of the house which added to the charm and feel of the place. This said I am sure that all rooms are of a high standard. Killarney is a busy and vibrant town and it was really nice to be able to retreat to the tranquility of our hotel. It is a little out of town but still within walking distance or a short taxi ride if it is raining, which is highly likely.
On the Saturday afternoon my wife, Clare, decided to indulge herself in the Spa at the Muckross Park Hotel which is just across the road from where we were staying. Not being one for Spa’s myself I decided to de-stress in Molly Darcys pub and watch the Cork v Galway hurling match with what I thought would be a couple of quiet pints of Smithwicks. I grossly underestimated Clare’s love for being pampered, and mine for Swithwicks. Three hours later looking like Cleopatra herself Clare arrived back at Molly Darcys to find me glued to the TV with several locals who, strangely enough, all claimed to have some Galway roots. At this stage I should point out that one of them claimed to have relations in Castlebar, Co. Galway. I fully appreciate the effects that spending the day in a pub can have on a man’s bearings and being outnumbered I decided to let that one slip by without comment.
Once the match was over (Cork won by the way) it was back to the hotel to freshen up. Later that evening we went into town and dined at a place called Treyvaud’s Restaurant. In a word it was excellent. If you do find yourself there someday I recommend you try the Pan Fried Ostrich Fillet, yum.
The next day up bright and early we met up with some relations who were taking their kids to see Barney who was appearing live in Killarney that very day. I was gutted to hear all the tickets were sold out. Managing to put our disappointment to one side we moved on to Kenmare where the Fleadh Cheol was taking place. I genuinely do love a good session of Irish music and dancing but a certain P Harrington was swinging his way to his second British Open so we just had to watch that. For those of you that saw it his 2nd shot to the par 5 17th was one of the best golf shots you will ever see. His win was brilliant and the perfect way to finish a great weekend.