Listowel Writer's Week Bus Tour 2011

For the 5th year (MFE) or 4th year (DS) we went on the Listowel Writer's Week Historical and Literary Bus Tour. As usual, we really enjoyed it, learned a lot, and saw a few familiar faces who take the tour each year.

The first stop was right in Listowel - the Laratigue Monorail museum. There was a monorail which ran from Listowel to Ballybunion, taking tourists to the beach. The museum has been gradually improved and is really very good. You can take a short ride on the re-built car, but we did not get to do that.

The next stop was Ballybunion where we had an excerpt from a John Keane play, presented at the Castle Green amphitheater,overlooking Men's and Ladies' Beaches.

Following this, we had a speech about Ballybunion history - very interesting, especially the part about the Men's and Ladies' beaches - a priest used to go out at low tide and put a rope between them!

The final entertainment here was the traditional Irish music provided by our friend, banjo player Killian and his group. And, Dana got a great action shot of the dancer!

We then went on the buses up a very  narrow mountain road to            , the only mountain in North Kerry. It provided gorgeous panoramic views of No. Kerry including the Shannon and the ferry crossing.

The final stop was Keneally's Pub in Ballylongford, where they provided us with a great snack and our music group once again entertained. There were lots of old photos and memorabilia on the walls - this one seemed to tell the best story:)

We got back to Listowel in time to have a cup of tea with our good friend Paul Pierse. A great day!