Today we’re on following the ring of Kerry from Waterville to Killarney train station to pick up my brother John and his daughter Bridget, who had just flown to Dublin and headed our way by train. But first, there was one important stop to make — the Kerry Woollen Mills. Because in Ireland, even a trip to the train station deserves a little detour!
Kerry Woollen Mills near Beaufort, just outside Killarney, is much more than a wool shop — it’s one of Ireland’s last surviving traditional working woollen mills.
What makes it especially interesting is that they still carry out much of the process right there at the mill — dyeing raw fleece, blending and carding it, spinning it into yarn, weaving the cloth, then washing and finishing it. Their products include beautiful wool blankets and throws, tweeds, knitting yarn, scarves, hats and other wool goods.
Theresa outdid herself, buying enough Irish yarn to knit a full-size sheep!
We made it to the Killarney train station in plenty of time to welcome our first Flannigans. They said their train ride from Dublin was pleasant and easy, with their names digitally displayed above their assigned seats — a nice touch.
With everyone accounted for, the next order of business was food. Hannigan’s — which conveniently rhymes with Flannigan’s — sounded like just the place for us!
The aroma of hearty shepherd’s pie filled the table, while Bridget was delighted to discover plenty of vegan options on the menu.
It was about an hour’s drive back to the house, and by the time we arrived, our guests who had flown in from Minnesota and Texas before taking a 5-hour train ride were more than ready for a good night’s sleep.
Terry, on the other hand, was ready to sit by the fire and dive into her newly acquired stash of yarn.
The end of another day in Ireland, where the skies are moody, the weather unpredictable and life moves at a gentler pace.
Jane in Spain 