A Californian couple currently holidaying in Kerry said they have been so captivated by the county’s “spectacular scenery” and their “two wonderful evenings” in Killarney, they will definitely return.
Michele Gorman contacted The Irish News following its report on the controversial description of The Kingdom’s second town as a “tourist trap” by US travel writer, Rick Steves, earlier this week.
“Although I have read several of his books, and viewed many of his shows, I don’t always agree with Rick Steves, and certainly do not share his opinion on Killarney,” said Ms Gorman.
She added: “My husband and I are currently visiting Killarney and enjoying it very much.
“We toured the Ring of Kerry and enjoyed the spectacular scenery, lovely driver, and very good lunch.
“We have also spent two wonderful evenings in the town, including walking in the National Park, which is free and very lovely. Everyone has been charming and very helpful.
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“The variety of foods on offer is delightful too. We are looking forward to visiting the Dingle Peninsula as well,” said Ms Gorman.
Refuting Mr Steves accusations Killarney was “a place where most tourists wear nametags – a traffic jam of tour buses”, Ms Gorman said the town, situated on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, was “crowded because it is clearly very popular, even in late September, the shoulder season, and Killarney handles it well”.
“There are so many shops and eateries here, we were never crowded in a shop or rushed in a restaurant,” she added.
“Shopkeepers and restaurant staff have all been very gracious.
“There are also plenty of independent shops that are clearly serving the local population,” said Ms Gorman, “but they also welcome visitors and are very helpful.
“We would definitely come back to Killarney on another vacation,” said Ms Gorman, who urged people to remember “Rick Steves is just one person”.
“Although he does have tour guides who visit places, too, his opinions are just that - his opinions, based on his experiences.
“In my opinion, he just doesn’t always get it right but who among us is perfect? Certainly not I.
“Savvy travellers don’t rely on only one source and given the number of happy visitors we’ve observed in Killarney, Mr. Steves’ opinion doesn’t seem to be hurting business, thank goodness.”
Ms Gorman was also keen to pint out, Rick Steves is not a Californian, as was widely reported.
“He is from Everett, Washington, not too far from Seattle. California sometimes gets bad press, so please don’t add to it.
“I’m a native Californian (northern CA), and love the varied natural beauty we have, as well as our small towns and big cities.”
