28 Jun 2012 – Bye Bye Co Kerry

Sun: Baile an Bhuinneánaigh/Ballybunion, pop app 1,400 is where Catherine’s parents retired to from DUB. Wanted to pay respects. Mr&Mrs Carrick’s hospitality to my mother during her early 1960s visit to DUB was vaguely mentioned a couple of years ago. Ballybunion is known for its summer seaside location and a golf course that Clinton has been. Today the Traditional Irish music lives on and could be heard by the old castle wall!

Lios Tuathail/Listowel=Tuathal’s ringfort pop app 4,000+. Sometimes known as the Literary Capital of Ireland and a number of internationally known playwrights and authors have lived there, including Bryan MacMahonand John B. Keane. Here in Nunday, trying to break the Guinness World Record where the largest gathering of people dressed as nuns will be happening this weekend!

Mon: Baile Uí Shíoda/Ballyseedy=town of Sheedy and a lovely walk in Ballyseedy Woods where I finally found a Paddy who will not give any grief 🙂

Trá Lí/Tralee=strand of the River Lee with a pop app 23,000 and rich in history. Kerry County Museum, a good exhibit which depicts life in medieval Geraldine Tralee. And the only place with Drinking Consultants that has crossed this life’s journey… 🙂 🙂

Oileán Chiarraí/Castleisland was described by one of its most well-known citizens, journalist Con Houlihan, as not so much a town as a street between two fields. A pop of 2,300 with charming main street; often considered the Gateway to Kerry, as the main road to all towns in W & S Kerry passes thru’ here. N21 from Limerick continues on to Tralee while the N22 goes to Killarney and other towns in S Kerry.

I’m full of uncertainties; but what about it. they keep me going – Con Houlihan