Issue 60. Is History Repeating Itself?

Reenroe, Cookbook, House, Whales

June 20, 2025

Good Afternoon and Welcome,

To issue No.60. Firstly, a couple of points of order:

  1. You may remember a few weeks ago we had a feature from our new contributor Alyssa. In introducing her article, I, fool that I am, mentioned Alyssa was 12. Alyssa is, in fact, 13. Since April.

  2. LK, Dani, Claire Erin, Alice & Kim would like to say a huge thanks to the amazing support, donations of cakes & plants for the Gathering on the Green, Cahersiveen last Sunday & we raised €2950 for Médecins Sans Frontières - way more than we ever expected & are so grateful - what an amazing community!

  3. Humpback Whales incoming. News just in from Dingle tells us 3 Humpback whales are headed our way, if you're around Bray Head or Valentia Lighthouse over the next few days, keep those eyes peeled.

You don’t want to miss out on those whales, so let’s get to it

South Kerry by the numbers:

  • 3: Houses were sold within the V23 Eircode in April 2025.

  • 233,000: € was the average sale price

  • 21: Properties are currently for sale across South Kerry for less than this average price

  • 130,000: € is the cheapest one available that you could conceivably live in, well I could, could you?

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

And Another

Summer Solstice by the Sea Saturday 21st June. Wave and Cave Morning Club. Join us for yoga on the beautiful Derrynane beach, sauna and healthy breakfast - with Louise Yoga, Kingdom Sauna & Ahamore Tearooms book here

Remembering Reenroe, Recent Rumours

With it being a bit of a slow news week in South Kerry, I took a look at the Irish Times archive and look at the value you could have had 50 years ago! With a half decent pun too. This ad is from May 1975, similar ads continue until 1978 & then the next mention of Reenroe comes from 20 years ago (well, August 2005 for all you nitpickers), when a plan to redevelop the hotel was rejected through the appeals board, were not satisfied “it would not be a predominantly residential complex rather than a hotel based tourist facility”.

For any of you now experiencing hardcore deja vu, some things have changed in the last 20 years. Back then, the abandoned hotel was occupied by cattle; today, sheep are in residence. It was a proposal to rebuild the hotel & 32 acre leisure complex, today we have 28 hectares with no hotel, but every other kind of accommodation imaginable.

The Council’s decision is due on 2/7. Will it be the end of another chapter or the start of a whole new story? As a gambling man, whatever decision is made, my money is on an appeal.

Best Broadband in South Kerry?

So, this is coming along splendidly. We still need a few more though, so click the button below to record your info. I’d also like to humbly request the individual who has recorded a broadband speed of 423Mbps in Cahersiveen, through Eir, to check again. As a former Eir customer I am beside myself with astonishment & am struggling to cope with the concept that Eir, might just be the best broadband provider in South Kerry, are they? Really?

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

So, this is very easy I think. Again, you’ve all passed it. Where is it?

Congratulations to last week’s winners

  • Ella, LilyMay & Mollie O’Sullivan

  • Dave Shortall  

  • A.N Other x2

Well done all of you! Last week, it was, of course, the sign for The Blind Piper, Caherdaniel. Apologies to the dozen or so who were sure it was O’Carroll’s Cove, it wasn’t.

We will start a directory

Good God alive, have I still not finished this? No, I haven’t. Again, the problem with having ideas all the time is that execution suffers... It’s looking good, just a bit empty. If you want your business to be top of the list, click that button below

Auntie Agnes Answers

This week, a reader proves that Agnes is always interested in both sides of the story

Dearest Agnes

What can be done about the explosion in the dog population in SK post Covid? The critters are everywhere now. On the beaches, in the parks, on the footpaths/trails, in the towns, in the bars/restaurants, in the cars (heads out the windows waiting to be decapitated or else at the steering wheel, I'm not sure if actually driving). And all they do is leave a never-ending trail of (unpicked up by their owners) shite behind them. So, Agnes, how can we exterminate these creatures once and for all or would it be better to dispose of their owners instead?

He who is tired of walking in dog shite.

Agnes Answers

Dear He who is tired of walking in dog shite,


Thank you for your woe. I can hear your overwhelm and frustration! It’s true, there are many dogs here in South Kerry . I can understand why, they are good company in a world experiencing a pandemic of loneliness. They help get us out and about as they need to be walked. 

Of course, there is a shadow side, some owners do not pick up the poo, let their dogs run wreck and allow their dogs to hang out the window and some look like they are teaching them to drive !! 

I agree this lack of consideration can feel frustrating. 

A solution Agnes ! I hear you cry, well maybe an active dog warden who is invested in the adequate supervision and care for our canine friends, who can impose fines as a consequence. Maybe the fines can go towards shelters to care for the unfortunate creatures who are abandoned.

As I’m writing this, I feel a strong resemblance to a parenting piece I’ve been working on, but that’s for another day. 

Keep grumbling friend 

We need all perspectives 

Take care out there 

A word to the soul who wrote in to express their joy at the dog friendly experience, keep loving ! 

Are you completely ambivalent towards dogs? Or anything? Or nothing? You know who can help don’t you? Just

The Oracle’s 32nd Cartoon

This week, Tim turns his attention closer to home

Some man. Thanks Tim!

Everything Else

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

  • Sunshine tomorrow, you should start it with some Yoga and a Sauna in Derrynane, 10.30am, more here

  • Its a Marty Party @ O’Carroll’s Cove from 9.30pm tonight

  • Get your shimmy on with Sangria Sundays, disco & funk with DJ Ash (& Sangria) Cafe Cois Tra from 4pm

  • Swinging Travellers have a vintage remix DJ set in The Blind Piper, Saturday.

  • Cahersiveen Regatta is on Sunday from midday.

Thanks

Better late than never I suppose.

As ever, anything strange or wonderful, just hit reply.

Good luck, be well

Dave