My husband Tim and I had secured a week away in our farming calendar. I was still recovering from surgery, so it was as good a time as any to go. Due to the current COVID-19 climate, it was necessary to book everything before we set out. We planned a relaxing week that would see me get my energy back and recover. We love the Smuggler’s Inn in Waterville, so I booked that for the first two nights. I found the Red Cliff Lodge in Spanish Point for the next two nights. Then we had to head home for a hospital appointment. I hadn’t yet broken the news to Tim that I wanted to get my hair done too. The appointment was already in the bag and that was one thing I wasn’t going to miss.

I feel good when I get my hair done. It gives me confidence

Everytime I looked in the mirror I saw silver threads and two big widening solid lines of roots. I feel good when I get my hair done. It gives me confidence. So with hair and hospital sorted we headed off again for the remainder of the week.

Inny Beach

We packed up and set off. Inny beach beside the Smuggler’s Inn is just a magic place. The sea air filled my lungs and I felt immediately better. I couldn’t walk for long but I could do it often with the beach so close and very few people around. We had two scrumptious evening dinners followed with a cheese board. I had exquisite fish on both evenings looking out at a calm sea glinting in the evening sun.

Driving up through parts of Kerry, we remarked on the sadness of a diminishing agriculture

The following day we pulled into Quinn’s in Ventry for our lunch. We sat outside in the sunshine on the side of the street. We could have been in France. The lip-smacking chowder I had and Tim’s fish and chips were marvellous. It was probably our holiday highlight because of the location, its simplicity and friendly staff serving us.

Driving up through parts of Kerry, we remarked on the sadness of a diminishing agriculture. It’s a tough time for people who rely on tourism for their livelihoods.

Spanish Point

From north Kerry to Killimer, around every corner, there were armies of silage bales standing to attention. There will be no shortage of winter fodder. We encountered several McHale fusion machines. We arrived at the Red Cliff Lodge to a big comfy bed! That’s always a game changer for me, especially if one is not feeling the best.

Finger-licking crab claws with chorizo sauce was worth the journey

We had another delicious meal with succulent sauces and exquisitely ordered plates. The restaurant is closed on a Monday night so Eimear, proprietor of Red Cliff Lodge, had booked Tubridy’s in Doonbeg for us. We had scrumptious steaks and all the trimmings. Finger-licking crab claws with chorizo sauce was worth the journey. The big drawback was the crowds around. We couldn’t risk any beach walks in Spanish Point. The beach was thronged with people and groups of teenagers. Social distancing was absent.

There is huge diversity in agriculture on our spectacular little island

On our travels again to Cork, we enjoyed seeing the suckler herds with healthy, happy calves at foot. They are part of the living fabric of the west of Ireland.

We drove from Spanish Point to Banogue near Charleville before we encountered a crop of barley. There is huge diversity in agriculture on our spectacular little island.

Hair do

I was actually excited at the thought of my hair appointment. It was like visiting Santa, only this Santa was wearing a face covering. Michael in Darcy’s gave me a big welcome. I was also wearing a mask and social distancing was top class.

The staff at the hair salon were fully compliant and very professional.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) was in place for customers with disposable towels and disposable plastic aprons. There were perspex dividers at the sinks. It was a strange experience with no magazines or teas or coffees. I was cursing COVID-19 again as it continues to rob us of our little pleasures. Still, I walked out a new woman.

Good Irish food is not cheap but it is amazing. Holidays this year are about the outdoors but if you’re not up to that then it’s all about the food. We had a lovely few days with still a few more to come. If you’re thinking of heading off for a few days; remember to book and make reservations for lunch or dinner as well. We saw so many people being turned away from half empty restaurants. It’s a shame. Happy bank holiday weekend.