Issue 91. The Results Are In...

PINTS, PODCASTS, MACRAME APOLOGIES, COMEDY

January 23, 2026

Good Afternoon and Welcome,

To issue No.91. Late again, I won’t keep you…

South Kerry by the numbers

  • 1078: Of us within the Kenmare electoral area are employed in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing. According to the 2022 census.

  • 774: Of us work in Buildings & Construction.

  • 639: Work in public administration.

Is it any wonder it’s tricky to find a tradesman.

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

Now is the time for setting intentions and preparing for new beginnings. I love to offer restorative yoga at this time of year. We haven't yet left the dark half, so there's still listening to be done - so much easier when we are peaceful and relaxed. In my upcoming workshop you will have the opportunity to go inwards, determine what you really want this year. And have the time and space to nurture its beginning. 4pm, Sunday February 1st. Book here.

Best Pint in South Kerry 2025 Results

Without further ado

So there you have it. The Lobster have held off a valiant challenge from The Waterville Inn/Swagman to take the 2025 title by the finest of margins. Just 8 votes separated the top two. Congratulations also to Rosie’s, Murts & The Royal Hotel for making it into the top 5, particularly to The Royal Hotel for making their first appearance in the top 5 & putting Valentia on The Best Pint in South Kerry map.

What do you good people of South Kerry think makes a good pint? Well, by far and away, creaminess was the most often cited reason. Followed by consistency, taste, clean lines & atmosphere. Many of you had more specific reasons for your votes. Censored (you terrible people) highlights include:

Cold & creamy and served with a dash of dry wit!. A Rosie’s voter

Creamy. Perfect temp. Doesn't go flat. Fire going all the time puts a subtle hit of smokeyness on the glass for flavour. Beautiful. A Lobster voter

Maintaining a pipe flushing schedule at least twice weekly. A Murts voter

Ger the painter threatened me/Micky bullied me into it. A Lobster voter, let’s face it, it’s the same one.

GOAT. A Rineys Bar voter

You know yourself. A Waterville Inn voter

Thanks to all for taking the time to vote & for engaging in a decent bit of craic. Here’s the full list of South Kerry establishments, which, in your opinion, serve the best pints

  • The Lobster

  • The Waterville Inn

  • Rosie's

  • Mike Murts

  • The Royal Hotel

  • The Blind Piper

  • Craineen's

  • Riney's Bar

  • Staigue Fort

  • Inny Tavern

  • Caitins, Kells

  • The Sheebeen

  • Bridies/Keatings Derrynane

  • The Villa

  • Driftwood

  • The Black Shop

  • The Bridge Bar

  • The Fishermans portmagee

  • Dooley's

  • The Point

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

Another reader submission this week. Where’s this? At least, where have you seen it most often?

Congratulations to last week’s winners

  • Fr Patsy Lynch 

  • Noreen K

  • Glenda

Well done all! The difficulty with a last weeks sign is it may be in more than one location. So congratulations to the three of you!

Auntie Agnes’ Angle

Hello Dear Readers, 

At this time of year, the going gets tough for many. The buzz of Christmas has lulled. Some resolutions have already been broken. A feeling of disappointment may creep in. Other common experiences are feeling low, uninspired, uninterested, a persistent feeling of blah.

If this in any way describes how you may be feeling, I gently encourage you to reach out and talk to someone. Tell them how you are feeling.

If you notice someone you know is not going out, not answering calls. Call around to make sure they are doing ok. It may make all the difference. At this time of year, the going gets tough for many. The buzz of Christmas has lulled. Some resolutions have already been broken. A feeling of disappointment may creep in. Other common experiences are feeling low, uninspired, uninterested, a persistent feeling of blah.

Let’s show a little more care

Stay safe & well 

Thanks Agnes.

The Oracle Cartoon

This week, Tim very much does his thing

Thanks, Tim.

Everything Else

  • Storytelling project looking for storytellers out Sneem way, more here

  • Robbed. A new comedy play is at Foilmore Community Centre 1st Feb. More here

  • Tech Amergin have ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ next Thursday.

  • Only a few spots left for next Sunday’s Mindful Macrame (shocking I commended the title but spelt it wrong last week, apologies) more here

  • Noreen Ashe is playing at Foilmore Community Centre on Saturday 24th January. Doors open at 9.00. Dancing at 9.30. Admission €10. Raffle with great prizes. Everyone & I mean everyone, welcome.

  • Talking of festivals, we have one right around the corner.

  • There’s Ciarraí Art Nexus event marking St Brigid’s Day — an evening of site-responsive projections and performance, created especially for Cahersiveen. More here

Thanks

Thanks for reading & for your patience.

Thanks again to Tim & Agnes.

Insert standard magnet apology here.

Today I learned that Jackie Healy-Rae has started a podcast. As I know what fiends for local government you are, I thought you’d like to know. It’s only 16 minutes long, have a listen, like me, I imagine you’ll be amazed at just how long 16 minutes can be.

Good luck, be well.

Dave