On the Saturday afternoon my wife, Clare, decided to indulge herself in the Spa at the Muckross Park Hotel which is just across the road from where we were staying. Not being one for Spa’s myself I decided to de-stress in Molly Darcys pub and watch the Cork v Galway hurling match with what I thought would be a couple of quiet pints of Smithwicks. I grossly underestimated Clare’s love for being pampered, and mine for Swithwicks. Three hours later looking like Cleopatra herself Clare arrived back at Molly Darcys to find me glued to the TV with several locals who, strangely enough, all claimed to have some Galway roots. At this stage I should point out that one of them claimed to have relations in Castlebar, Co. Galway. I fully appreciate the effects that spending the day in a pub can have on a man’s bearings and being outnumbered I decided to let that one slip by without comment.

Once the match was over (Cork won by the way) it was back to the hotel to freshen up. Later that evening we went into town and dined at a place called Treyvaud’s Restaurant. In a word it was excellent. If you do find yourself there someday I recommend you try the Pan Fried Ostrich Fillet, yum.

The next day up bright and early we met up with some relations who were taking their kids to see Barney who was appearing live in Killarney that very day. I was gutted to hear all the tickets were sold out. Managing to put our disappointment to one side we moved on to Kenmare where the Fleadh Cheol was taking place. I genuinely do love a good session of Irish music and dancing but a certain P Harrington was swinging his way to his second British Open so we just had to watch that. For those of you that saw it his 2^nd shot to the par 5 17^th was one of the best golf shots you will ever see. His win was brilliant and the perfect way to finish a great weekend.

Back on the road again to Killarney the traffic was heavy but it was only thirty minutes from Ballyvourney to Killarney. I had printed my map so that we could locate the Fairview Guest House. We didn’t need the map as The Fairview is right in the centre of Killarney and easy to find. So while Jimmy parked the car I went into the Fairview to check in and wait for him. On walking into the reception area I was greeted by a beautiful Christmas tree all lit up with decorations. The decor in the Fairview is magnificent, everything so well presented, you can see that so much planning and effort has gone into this beautiful Guest House. We were greeted by the owner James, who went out of his way to make sure we had an enjoyable stay at his wonderful guesthouse.

Our room was fantastic, beautiful timber floors, very spacious, curtains and wallpaper matching so tastefully, and in the bathroom a jacuzzi bath! What more could you ask for when on a weekend break!

There is a car park just up the street from the Fairview where you can park your car, it is free of charge from 6pm until 9am the following morning. It is only three euro for the day. But because it was 1st December we did not have to pay as parking is free for the month of December!

Pubs in Killarney

So we went on the town to check out the pubs in Killarney…such a great selection you have a great choice. There was music in every pub we went to, a different type in every pub. The first pub we entered, the barman (as we later discovered it was the barman) was up with his guitar singing ‘The Galway Girl’ to the crowd! Our first night in Killarney was great craic.

The following morning we were up bright and early for our breakfast in the Fairview to prepare us for our day of Christmas Shopping. We were greeted in the dining room by Maitre’d Tommy Regan. The breakfast buffet table had a selection of juices, cereals and fresh fruit. We ordered the Full Irish Breakfast and it was served up to us very quickly. The presentation was fantastic and it was a very enjoyable breakfast. Our Coffe cups were never empty, Tommy has a wealth of experience and it is evident. Many years ago he served Eamon Devalera and other Irish Presidents. It was a pleasure to meet him.

We travelled to Tralee which is a half an hour drive from Killarney. On the outskirts of Tralee is ‘Manor West’ shopping Mall, great selection of shops you could spend the day there. After lunch we headed back to Killarney to the Outlet Centre shopping and roamed through the streets of Killarney. The Christmas lights in Killarney were amazing, there was a great sense of Christmas spirit around the town that easily rubbed off on us!

Return to the hotel

On return to the Fairview it was time to get ready for dinner in the Fairview’s ‘Fifth Season’ Restaurant. Our meal was booked for 9pm. There was a nice crowd in the restaurant, a nice atmosphere. The food was out of this world and I would recommend for everyone to have a meal at the Fairview!! The service was impeccable, and the wine delicious. It was the most enjoyable meal that I have had in a long time. The deserts are the Chefs specialty; to die for!! We had the Brownie…. when I do go back I won’t share mine the next time!

After our delicious meal we had a great night on the town in Killarney….and still made it down to Breakfast early the following morning! I had to try the Pancakes with Maple Syrup, and they were delicious. Tommy, the Maitre’d offered me more pancakes, But I was too full.

Our weekend at The Fairview Guesthouse was very enjoyable. The accommodation is top class, and you can see why they have received so many awards for their Guest House. It is soo central in Killarney you do not have to move the car. I look forward to returning to the Fairview Guest House in Killarney to be spoilt again soon!! It certainly is the best Killarney Hotel!!!