After more than 8 months away, we returned to the Kingdom for our Covid-affected summer holiday in July. We were officially required to self-isolate for two weeks, and the Kingdom is the perfect place to do it. When we emerged, after extensive painting, sanding, digging and a bit of drinking, it was into a mostly familiar but subtly different place.
Everywhere was PACKED, but almost exclusively with Irish people, and very few European or American visitors (as requested). The 'wet" pubs, not serving food, were closed by order, but many pubs, cafes and hotels, locked-down for months, failed to open when restrictions were eased. Had they just miscalculated how enthusiastically Irish people would fill the void left by overseas tourists, or have they closed permanently? I hope that this is not the case, but some looked as if there will be no return. Those that did open had their capacity limited by social distancing. The chocolate factory had queues out of the door at all times, and some restaurants were booked out days in advance. We were disappointed that the Driftwood cafe at St. Finian's Bay, which was supposed to start operations in the Spring, has not yet opened its doors. Fingers crossed it gets going next year, it looks great.
One piece of excellent news - we still have hares! We think a family may have taken residence in the field in front of the house, and we were able to see a couple in the garden a number of times. With luck, we can all have more relaxing holidays next year in the Kingdom.
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