Issue 58. Make Them Wait

Herbs, Joules, Chef Wanted

June 06, 2025

Good Morning and Welcome,

To issue No.58. I can’t believe it’s taken 58 of these to use a bingo call in the title, they normally take me ages, so expect more of these. Agnes & Tim return & I think I might have a ‘best of’ that could benefit us all…

South Kerry by the numbers:

  • 53.5: mm of rain were recorded in May at Valentia Observatory, we’ve had 40mm in June already.

  • 64010: Joules/cm2 was the total solar radiation recorded in May, the highest of any month for at least the last 4 years. Essentially, it represents the amount of radiant energy, or energy in the form of light, that is received by a square centimetre of surface over a specific period of time. Alternatively, was sunny enough.

  • 13.1: degrees was the average temp.

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

And Another

The wonderful people @ The Watch House Valentia are looking for a chef/experienced cook to join their small team. Can you think of a better place to be making pizzas? I can’t. Click the above or email [email protected]

Best Beach in South Kerry?

No movement in the top 5 this week, as I fear that somebody who really, really likes Glanleam may give themselves repetitive strain injury from all their entries. Given it’s now June & we have a new ‘best of’ incoming, this is your last week to vote.

It’s your last chance so

Best Broadband in South Kerry?

Whilst the ‘best pint’ was great fun, ‘best mince pie’ very festive & ‘best beach’ has encouraged some top level voter fraud, I thought we might be able to do a ‘best of’ that was of some practical use, so here we are.

Instead of opinions, I thought we might have a go at some actual data, so before voting, test your speed here. I’ve linked on the form too, you can’t miss it. It’s straightforward enough, just press the big ‘go’ button and remember the first figure, download speed. I was thinking that once we get enough responses in, I’ll put a map together with actual, factual data. Who’s the best supplier in your townland? What speeds could you expect? Would be handy that, wouldn’t it?

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

So, last week, I may have been (I was) accused of using the power of suggestion to lead you all to a specific answer, which wasn’t the right one. So this week, an easy one. Where is it?

Congratulations to last week’s winners

So last week, all of you gave the same answer. It wasn’t Siopashoo, although given the reopening celebrations, it probably should have been. It was the sign for the leisure centre of the former(?) Skellig Star Hotel, Cahersiveen.

We will start a directory

The problem with having ideas all the time is that execution suffers... It just needs a polish, will be done before next week! If you want your business to be top of the list, click that button below

Auntie Agnes Answers

This week, a reader was prompted by the fascinating debate in the council meeting to ask:

Dearest Agnes

Why are there so few free drinking fountains in South Kerry? Kerry? Surely these are of the utmost importance to our good health and vitality and keeping us all hydrated?

He who do be dying for a good drink of water after a big night on the beer.

Agnes Answers

Dearest He who do be dying for a good drink of water after a big night on the beer., 

Thank you for your woe. This is indeed something I have been pondering. Particularly since The Oracle relayed the recent account of the local council meeting addressing this very issue. You are correct, keeping us hydrated is extremely important to our physical and mental health, don’t get me started on the spiritual drought we are all experiencing!

However, this week I attended a Biodiversity event and was saddened to learn that water quality in Ireland is not great. In fact, it rates pretty low in comparison to our European neighbours. 

So I was left feeling relieved that we don’t have access to free drinking fountains, as they need to improve the quality of water first. 

But let’s keep the pressure on and continue to ask questions. In the meantime, it’s bottled water I’m afraid, at least you can recycle the bottle for 20 c nowadays. Stay hydrated and safe out there! It ain’t easy 

Don’t suffer in silence when you can

The Oracle’s 32nd Cartoon

This week, Tim’s back with a sort of familiar face

Rules the roost, does Tim.

Everything Else

  • Looks like a brighter morning tomorrow, you should start it with some Yoga and a Sauna in Derrynane, 10.30am, more here

  • Caherdaniel Country Market is on now what are you waiting for?

  • Ger Shea is in The Villa, Waterville tonight

  • Discover Derrynane is here again all weekend more here

  • Dr. Fiona McLoone - a Herbalist & Naturopath is in Foilmore Community Centre, Tuesday 7pm.

  • Cahersiveen Tidy Towns are litter picking the Marina tomorrow @ 12.30

  • Talledega Nights is at Supervalu CAhersiveen tomorrow @ 10.30am, some serious looking cars on show, 100 of them 

  • Cois Tra, Ballinskelligs have the Country Markaet on Sunday 10-4pm

  • Sneem Regatta is on Sunday

  • There’s a Rambling House tomorrow evening from 7pm in the Templenoe Community Centre

Thanks

We’ll finish on the excellent news that, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of the Skellig Coast Network, landings are set to resume tomorrow. Mighty stuff!

Enjoy it at your leisure over the long weekend. As ever, anything strange or wonderful, just hit reply.

Good luck, be well

Dave