Emerald Isle Virtual Tour – County Galway, Part 1, Welcome to Kinvara!

The pretty town of Kinvara is always our first stop on the way from County Clare to County Galway.  The captivating sight of Dunguaire Castle, a 16^th century tower castle named for a legendary king of Connacht, always catches my eye but I have a more personal reason for visiting Kinvara.

Kinvara’s real draw for me is that it is the European home of Flagship Management, a maritime executive recruitment firm of which my brother Jack Mylott is a partner.  Flagship Management Partner Rory McGuire, Office Manager Jenni Bardi and their children have become dear friends over the years and it’s always a pleasure popping in to say hi and grab a coffee or lunch together. 

I like to refer to Jenni as my “Principessa” (Italian for princess) friend as her ancestors are the Bardi aristocratic family from Italy.  Both the Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce churches in Florence have chapels dedicated to the Bardi family.  Castello di Bardi, her ancestral home is located about 72 miles northeast of Genoa and it’s a castle I hope to visit one day.  I’m hoping that Jenni will be able to get me a personal tour.  After all, what are friends for?

On Jack’s travels to Ireland he brings his bagpipes and keeps the tradition of pipe music alive with playing the pipes in various locations.  I love the stirring music of bagpipes, perhaps a carryover from my days listening to the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. 

Before we leave Kinvara for Galway City, how about a look at the largest thatched roof building in Ireland?  Well, the Merriman Hotel in Kinvara is exactly that and a lovely sight to see.  I had the pleasure of staying there last September while in Ireland with my brother Bob and sister-in-law Linda.  So, whichever way you travel into and out of Kinvara, you’ll be met with the largest thatched roof building in Ireland and a 16^th century tower castle – not bad sights either way you travel!

Next stop on our virtual tour of Ireland is Galway City and some sights along Galway Bay so pleased stay tuned for more of the beautiful Emerald Isle.

Note:  At the time of this publication Ireland was in Phase 3 of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Phase 3 allows the opening of many facilities to include hotels, pubs and bars serving food and meeting public health guidelines, requires the wearing of face coverings in shops and sets limitations on the number of people allowed at a social gathering.  Phase 4 openings are expected to commence on August 10.