Killarney

 I’m sorry I haven’t posted over the last few days, but Eircom broadband has been down in Dingle (and Shannon and Limerick, it seems). We can’t seem to get word on when the problem will be fixed. What a shock to go back to the snail’s pace of dial up! Arrgggh!

A bit of good news, meanwhile, is that the refurbishment of Main Street in Killarney is pretty much complete. It looks quite well, and it is great for our shop, which has been surviving in a construction zone. We’re in the process of applying for outside seats, which should make all the difference!

Technorati tags: Dingle, Killarney, Kerry, Main Street, broadband, shopping

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I have written here before about Killarney National Park, and I still remain in awe of the beauty to be found within its boundaries.

Just before this busy weekend, I had to visit our shop in Killarney to drop off a few things, and I decided to bring along the bicycle for a spin in the park. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of this before!

After I was done with my errands, I pulled out the bike and spent a few peaceful hours with the birds and the scenery. The park is a cyclist’s dream, with perfect paths along the lakes and good protection from the wind that usually makes cycling in Kerry a challenge.

I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Killarney, since you will see much more than if you were on foot. If you don’t have your own bicycle, there are places in town to rent one. Pack a lunch if the day is fine, roll up your trouser legs, and head away…

Technorati tags: Killarney, Kerry, national park, Ireland, bicycle

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 Anyone visiting or living in the Killarney area would do well to seek out the German Butcher Shop in Aghadoe (halfway up the hill on the road to Milltown). That is, if you’re not already one of their many happy customers. It’s the kind of place you’re most happy to have in your life.

Besides all sorts of meats, including Killarney Park venison, they have an interesting array of German foods that are not so readily obtainable. For people like me, with a serious sweet tooth, they have a tantalising selection of German biscuits and chocolates…

Technorati tags: butcher, Killarney, Kerry, German, Aghadoe, chocolate

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 Things seem to be looking up for our poor, beleaguered shop in Killarney, as the construction on Main Street is continuing apace. The Killarney UDC promised us that the sidewalk outside our shop would be finished by the end of January, and it looks like they have made good on that promise.

You can see from the photos that they are putting down the paving slabs outside our door…

Hopefully the entire project will be complete by the middle of March, which means that we will be operating in a construction zone for the next month and a half. However, as we open the shop for the season day after tomorrow, at least customers will be able to get to us!

We certainly hope that the redevelopment of Main Street will improve the town, and it will give more of a plaza feel to our street. The downside is it might make traffic worse and parking more difficult.

We’ve also been promised permission for a couple of tables outside, and the happy thought of people drinking coffee and eating ice cream outside helps to mitigate the construction disruption to our business…

Technorati tags: construction, Killarney, Kerry, Main Street, town, shopping

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 Killarney doesn’t really have the best reputation among many Irish people, who view it as a tourist trap. However, there are reasons that it has been popular among tourists, both foreign and national, for so long (my great grandfather used to visit it from Cork). The top reason is the National Park, with its mountains and lakes. Whether for hiking, strolling, boating, or simply walking the dog, it’s a treasure.

Even in the depth of Winter, the beauty is stunning. I managed to sneak an hour of walking in yesterday, and I’ve made a vow to make more of the park on my frequent trips to Killarney to visit our shop there. It’s such an amazing resource…

Technorati tags: Killarney, Kerry, national park, Ireland

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 It’s always wonderful to discover hidden talents in people, and Riadh, who works in our Killarney shop, has really outdone himself in that regard.

Yesterday, he presented me with these beautiful cakes he has been working on at home.

The presentation and care to detail is surely extraordinary for someone who doesn’t have a background in baking.

I suppose it shouldn’t come as such a surprise, since he gives phenomenal care and attention to making coffees, and he is one of the best baristas we have ever had.

I was a happy fork-wielder on this occasion, and we had a good tasting session. I’ll have to bring this man into the kitchen soon!

So, for my last post of 2006, I leave you with these cake photos and Riadh, because my brother and I certainly don’t exist in a vacuum here, and there are so many people who make Murphys Ice Cream possible.

Thanks to all our dedicated staff and to our customers and suppliers.

I wish you all the best for a Happy New Year. Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh!

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For any food producer in the Munster area who is interested and hasn’t received a flyer, the Rural Food Company, which is a part of Leader Network, is offering some interesting and very heavily subsidised courses in Killarney and in Cashel. They include:

Business Growth and Development (€150) – 5 nights over 2 months, starting Nov. 29th

New Product Development  (€65) – 3 nights, starting Nov. 22nd

Intermediate Food Hygiene (€45) - 2 nights, starting Nov. 29th – Killarney only

Other courses for the future will include brand development, digital photography for food producers, packaging, etc.

Contact details for the courses are here.

Technorati tags: production, food, Killarney, course

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