Tarbert goes west
When I arrived for my break in The Derrynane Hotel I was surprised to see so many Tarbert people in the hotel lobby. It transpired that Joan Murphy was with a Tarbert group on a historical tour of the peninsula when they called in to meet their old friends, David and Mary O’Connor in the Derrynane Hotel before going home.
The hotel is a lovely family run, family friendly retreat in an absolutely beautiful corner of this lovely county.
The view from my hotel room window. The seagull came every morning.
Food miles are kept to a minimum here. This is the hotel’s herb garden.
The O’Connors believe in supporting local producers and everywhere you looked in the hotel, there were local crafts on display and in use.
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Derrynane Fairy Trail
Regular readers of this blog will know that I am a big fan of the fairy folk and this summer, in the company of my lovely grandchildren, I have enjoyed many fairy related experiences.
Derrynane is the best.
The woods are dense and the path surrounded by lush greenery. A great habitat for fairies.
The little fairy houses are beautifully constructed and often concealed in the trees. Looking for them was part of the fun.
This is the fairy restroom, a kind of public toilet for fairies who might find themselves short taken while out and about in the woods.
There is a ruined tower in the wood. Nearby a fairy architect has designed a replica for his fairy client.
I have given you just a taste of this magical place. The Fairy trail is in the woods beside Derrynane House. When you are finished visiting the fairies, you can have tea in the tearooms and visit Daniel O’Connell’s chariot. Derrynane beach is also within walking distance so this is an ideal place for a day out with small ones.
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Loom Banding; Summer 2014’s craze
Three year old Cora gets to grips with her loom.
So many bands, so little time!
You can also make loom bracelets on your fingers.
Voilá
Garvey’s Super Valu are having a loom banding day on July 25th next with demonstrations and competitions galore.
By the way I could swear that I noticed that Rory McIlroy wore a band bracelet throughout the Open and his mother was wearing one on Sunday. Rory’s Sunday one matched that fashion mistake of a grey and pink get up that Nike kitted him out in.
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Savannah McCarthy
(Photo from Listowel Celtic’s page)
Savannah and the Ladies U19 Football team will play their semi final in the European Championship on Thursday July 24 2014.
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Homeward Bound
Photo: Athea Tidy Towns
Lovely study of man and horse. I love the way the absolute trust between man and beast is conveyed…reins loose and hand in pocket, both in working mode yet totally relaxed…perfect harmony and understanding.