Tord Hasselquist

Ireland 2000

Since many years I had a dream to go to Ireland, where we had never been despite extensive traveling through the years.Now I had a chance to decide:we shall celebrate my 75th birthday in Ireland!

Planning started January-February, when I was scanning Internet for a suitable hotel in County Cork. Why Cork? Because of it´s airport reachable via London with Ryan Air flying from Stockholm, Farsta, so close to our summer house.

Between Midleton and Ballycotton, east of Cork, I found this mansion owned and run by the Allen family.

Ballymaloe House

Here we arrived on the 10th July by car from the airport. A place with atmosphere and tradition, a place where they trust you: There are no keys to the old rooms in the main building. They remain unlocked day and night!

The food adds to the reasons to make a detour to visit Ballymaloe House. It is excellent and should so be: the Allen family run their own cookery school close to the mansion.

The Birthday

The old man and his wife	Our guests studying the menu of the day.

Killarney
After nine sunny days at Ballymaloe House including trips to Ballycotton and golf at the Cork GC we left for a westward journey to Killarney.

Randles Court, the hotel, where we were able to get a room, when booking early February.	Killeen House, where we really wished to stay, but it was already fully booked at the time!
Randles Court is definitely not a bad hotel. Large and nicely furnished rooms and a service minded staff is a good basis. The situation on the outskirts of Killarney, though, is not quite as fine as it probably was in the old days. The real drawback of Randles Court, however, is the fact that charter groups are accepted. When they storm into the restaurant the otherwise elegant atmosphere is definitely gone. This should not be necessary during the high season! We recommend that you book well in advance at the Killeen House. Small, personal and beautifully situated on the heights northwest of Killarney. You will find Killarney Golf and Fishing Club nearby and that is certainly not a disadvantage...

Two pictures from Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

Kiki in front of the incredible Hortensias surrounding the clubhouse and the putting green.	The green of hole No 1 on the Killeen Course, one of three courses at the club.

Killarney is surrounded by a fascinating landscape with numerous historical memories.

22 km (=45 minutes driving on narrow, dwindling roads) south of Killarney you will find Moll´s Gap. At the crossroads Avoca has a strategically situated store full of temtations. A "tourist trap"? Certainly, but in all respects on a high level!	Ross castle in Killarney´s National Park gives you a chance to learn about life in medieval times..

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