Tourists ???

Most of the local businesses are very grateful for and accommodating of the small number of tourists who are around the place at this time of year. Most are of the elder variety and a large proportion are Americans – which provides some amusing people watching. When we were in Linnane’s pub in Kilfenora last week, we listened to an American lady quizzing the landlord about a location which she vaguely remembered from her last trip. Having been told that he had “.. lived in the area all his life and had no idea what she was talking about” she then approached the other foreigners in the place – including us – to see if we could help.

This week we were in Logue’s Lodge in Ballyvaughan – Guinness and a burger to keep body and soul together before a walk – when we met Timmy O’Brien – “from Kansas City – where the Chiefs come from”. Apparently Logues was previously “O’Brien’s” and he was trying to track down any possible relatives. He introduced himself to everyone who came into the bar – including all the staff – but didn’t come across a single other O’Brien or anyone admitting to being one!