Visiting Killarney, Ireland

Learning “Attitude and Gratitude” in Killarney, Ireland

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By the time we left Dublin, we were tired, overwhelmed and grumpy. (Our dealings with Enterprise, during which they more or less gave us a smart car for three people and three pieces of luggage, furthered our state.) Then, it took us more than an hour to get out of the city due to the insane traffic, and our situation was exacerbated. Then, we drove more than three hours in rain and sleet and hail under a veil of darkness to check in very late to the Killarney Park Hotel, and all annoyance dissipated the moment we met the kind staff (whom we had phoned earlier to say we’d be late, to which they responded in a charming Irish brogue: “oh! We were wonderin’ about ya. Drive safe, ya hear? We’ll see ya when ya get here.”)

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

The Irish tie the Scottish for the most genuine and effervescent people I have ever met, anywhere. And I love hotels that employ all locals, because it only gives the place even more authenticity. By the time we checked out two days later, the staff was so chummy with us, even they were trying to marry my little sis off to an Irishman (something my mom and I still vow to do; we want Irish blood in this family!).

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

Even though it was midnight when we arrived, the general manager showed us to our room. She got a little flustered when she saw there were three of us—even though, unbeknown to us, they had already upgraded our room to a suite.

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

There was only a king bed and a couch and so much space we could never occupy it all, but she got worried that we needed more. My sister told her, “don’t worry, this if way more comfortable than what they usually let me sleep on!” (which is the floor … sorry, Kar).

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

But still, the next afternoon, we came back to find they’d brought her a rollaway nonetheless. Excellent service. Kari was so excited, she did a little dance (par for the course).

I mean, really, how can you not be in a good mood when my sister is around? It’s simply not possible.

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

Our bathroom wasn’t too shabby either: It had a TV in the tub, which meant the entire suite had a TV for each of us (not that we watched them, but still, it was cool).

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

When Kari and I got downstairs the first morning, we met Sheila, an 86 year old from Laguna Beach who travels like its her job. She comes to Killarney often, it seems, as everyone at the hotel knew her.

And obviously, Kari needed to dance again—but this time with Sheila.

Sheila was a doll, and she preached “gratitude and attitude,” which are going to be the words by which I live my life going forward. We thought about following her around Killarney, but decided it best to wait for my mom.

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

When mom got downstairs, we opted for breakfast in the hotel. They have the most fabulous spread, complete with juice shots, and a full menu, as well.

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

We wound up eating dinner at Killarney Park Hotel each night as well, because it’s just that good. And my immaturity sure shows when I snap pictures of typical Irish dishes such as the following:

Spotted Dick

Whatever, you would have done the same.

It took us all day to leave the hotel. The place was just so comfortable and cozy and chill—exactly what we needed after a less-than-relaxed time in Dublin—and on top of everything else, there was an indoor heated pool and two indoor and one outdoor hot tub.

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

Killarney was just what the doctor ordered at that point in our trip and made me realize my love for Ireland, after a day or two of the future of our relationship looking grim at best.

Killarney Park Hotel, Ireland

COMMENTS
  • December 15, 2012

    We LOVED the Killarney Park Hotel- the only thing that annoyed me was that we were so busy, I never had time to lounge in the tub and watch TV at the same time. Talk about the height of luxury!!

    • December 17, 2012

      Ha! If that’s your biggest complaint, I’d say your golden =) (But yes, I felt the same!)

  • December 15, 2012

    Oh yea, I like this place. I’d have gone off to explore with Shelia in a heart beat.

    • December 17, 2012

      I feel like you and Sheila would have been big buds! Who knows, if you ever make it to Killarney, you might run into her…seems she hangs out around there a lot =)

  • December 15, 2012
    Kendra

    Well I am sorry to say our stay in Ireland didn’t include the Killarney Park Hotel. Definitely next time (there is always a next time)!!

  • December 15, 2012

    Love the way you infuse humor in your writing!! A wonderful read sprinkled with amazing captures of the room.

  • December 17, 2012
    Lindy

    AH! this place looks so rad! reminds me of our apt in hell’s kitchen! 😉

    • December 18, 2012

      Which could have fit nicely in our hotel room’s bathroom! 😉

  • December 17, 2012

    Your pictures of the hotel are so wonderful. My favorite has got to be the indoor pool and the hot tub. They both look so inviting. I enjoyed reading your post!

    • December 18, 2012

      The hot tub was sinful. I didn’t go into the pool because, well, I was there to relax not exercise, ha 😉

  • December 18, 2012
    World in words

    Any blog that has not one but TWO dancing videos in it is a winner! Loving your style lady!

    • December 18, 2012

      Thank you! Mad props to my sister for not minding that I’m exposing her dancing skillz to the Internet for all to see 😉

  • December 18, 2012

    Love the videos and that hotel looked AMAZING!!!!!

    • December 18, 2012

      Definitely worthy of being one of Andi’s Picks!

  • December 18, 2012

    Whaaaat TV in the tub! I wouldn’t have left

    • December 18, 2012

      I think it was the third hotel ever that I’ve had a TV in my tub, and once again, I didn’t make use of it! a) I don’t watch TV while traveling and b) I don’t think I have it in me to sit still long enough to actually enjoy a bath 😉

  • December 19, 2012

    I don’t know what it is, but something about a TV in the bathroom always makes things seem super fancy. The Go Rooms at the Flamingo in Vegas have TVs in the bathroom mirrors and no matter how many times I visit, I’m impressed every time.

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