Killarney Charms

 I am amazed how wonderful I feel when I am in Killarney. It’s as though the cool, damp air transforms me. The sun will sneak a peek through the clouds every once in a while, and them all at once a sunburst across the skies.   

We’re staying at Scotts Hotel. The hustle- bustle of being in Town Center is exhilarating and yet taking a walk in the lush-ous Killarney National Park is like being in prayer. The massive green lawn and the flowers are in full bloom. 

Scotts has recently been renovated and is very convenient to a lot of the near-by sites. It’s a comfortable walk to everything you’d most want to see; however, you wouldn’t want to pass up a Jaunty car if he came by.  The Jarvey will be only too happy to fill you in on the history of the park, Torc waterfall, Muckross House and Ross Castle.  

Our first night, we had dinner in the dining room here at the hotel and then took a drink outside to where a wonderful guitarist/ singer sang all the good ones. He was taking requests for Abba, Queen, Johnny Cash.  just a great mix of oldies and popular songs.  

Everyone joined in, and we were especially entertained by a table of young women who, much to our surprise knew all the words to all the songs. They weren’t a bit shy about singing along and dancing. especially to the ABBA songs.  

One minute everyone was singing along to Adele or Amy Winehouse, and then the mood would change, and a few tears shed for the lovely, heart-wrenching “Fields of Athenry” and “Grace.”

It was so much fun, and it became more apparent to us, even more than we already knew just how important music is to the Irish. 

This venue is every night, with music under a covered area, lots of heaters and the bar is just inside the door. Since we were there on a Sunday night, the big screen, I mean BIG screen T.V. outside was showing the NFL football. Guess who loved that. Denny thought it was pretty ideal being able to watch football and listen to great music all at the same time. 

Last night we went to The Flesk Restaurant, it has become one of our favorites. We both had steaks but when we looked over at the couple next to us, we were wishing we had gotten the fish instead. 

It’s pouring rain right now, 7:30 AM and we’re looking forward to breakfast here at the hotel. it won’t be long, and the rain will clear, we’ll be out walking about the town and we’re looking forward to having dinner tonight with my friend Eileen and her husband. 

Eileen is a wonderful Irish poet. I’m always very inspired by her. 

Off to Cork tomorrow!