The 19th Green Guesthouse, Killarney

The 19th Green Guest House

Treasures of Ireland:
Grazing on The 19th Green
(Dispatch #9)
Story and photos by Tom Weber

The 19th Green Guest House sign

ans drivers, irons and putters, but ready to wield knives, forks and spoons, the intrepid "band of merry media," 18 travel writers and photographers invited by Insight Vacations (Insight) to sample a portion of its Treasures of Ireland itinerary, steps down off the motor coach, following a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry, and heads straight up the path to a family-run B&B that's just a lob wedge shot away from three of Killarney's championship golf courses: The 19th Green Guesthouse.

John and Freeda Sheehan

"Céad míle fáilte! One-hundred-thousand welcomes," a smiling Freda, the hostess, and hubby John Sheehan, the chef, announce, while sons Dean, Ryan and Rocco present us with plates of small bruschette drizzled in extra virgin olive oil and topped with melted goat's cheese and sun-dried tomatoes along with glasses of sparkling wine.

bruschette in extra virgin olive oil with goat's cheese and tomatoes

We're here at the 19th Green to be schooled in the art of classic Irish cooking, and not to improve our putting grips and stance.

Jovial John Sheehan

Jovial John, a real cutup in the kitchen – he could do stand-up if he ever decides to hang up the apron – gets down to business straight away, entertaining this captive audience clutching cameras.

"Irish cooking, authentic Irish cooking," John explains, "begins with the freshest of ingredients grown, raised and harvested right here on the Emerald Isle." He adds, "We call it farm-to-fork."

salmon

From the darne of salmon, the beef in the homemade vegetable soup, the mushrooms in the béchamel, the toasted barley oats in the cinnamon crumble and the creme fraiche are all stamped: Products of Ireland. Take my word for it.

John demonstrates and narrates tonight's dinner menu and when class is dismissed we "tuck in," as the locals say, and enjoy the fruits of his labors. Care for a virtual nibble?

Insight Vacations brochure

For complete information on Insight's 100+ premium and luxury-escorted journeys around Europe, including the Treasures of Ireland, where there's always room at the table for food and craic, just click HERE, or call toll free 1-888-680-1241, or contact your travel agent.

Dunmore Head with the Blasket Islands in the background

With a relaxed start on the agenda for tomorrow, I'll see you at nine bells on the motor coach when Eugene, aka The Quiet Man, pilots our way through more of the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, while Big Mike, our tour director/concierge/storyteller, will, no doubt, narrate more tall tales as only an Irishman can.

Oíche mhaith (Good night).

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Let Tom know what you think about his traveling adventure.

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Feedback for Destination Bosnia: Inside Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope

Spent time in Sarajevo in the fall of 1973…beer was excellent!

--- David

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Hi Tom,

I must say, you're photographs are always amazing. They are top notch. You bring so much class to Traveling Boy. It's photographs like yours that make me want to go out and do my own traveling. Please don't get tired of sending us your amazing adventures. It's such a delight for the soul.

--- Raoul, Whittier, CA

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Hi Tom:

I'm also an American living in Italy. I've read with interest your blog and articles. I'd like to speak with you regarding residency and citizenship for Americans in Italy as you do seem to have a great deal of knowledge on all of these subjects. Would it be possible to give you a call on the phone? If so, please let me know how to reach you. If not, I can ask my questions via email.

Thank you!

--- David

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Hey Tom – Wow! Love those photos – they are so super that they make me A) Want to start eating NOW. B) Go there myself. C) See all that pristine beauty that looks so restful and peaceful. Great story, superb pix!!! Bravo!!

--- John, Los Angeles, CA

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Feedback for Destination Southwestern France: Saint-Émilion

Good job, Tom, and timely info. St. Émilion is in the list of places Jim Hayes and I will visit in September 2014. If we get the chance, we will exploit your experience to enhance the trip!

--- Bobby Harper, Dameron, MD

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I lived in Vicenza for 4 years in the U.S. ARMY from 1963 to 1967. A wonderful place to explore. Palladio’s works are amazing. Have been back twice since and find new places to visit. My favorite is MONTE BERICO where I have some wonderful photos of my family.

--- Dr. Albert Pizzi, Hanover, MA

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I liked the new TB particularly the Vicenza article that took me back as a youth when we lived in Naples and travelled up there for a baseball tourney (U.S. Military Bases dependent schools played each other.)

Took me back to the plaza.

--- Bill

Feedback for A Canterbury Trail (Sutri)

Very interesting note. I have wedroned which route the early pre-Christian and Christian pilgrims travelled to Rome from England. Is it still possible to travel the Francigena trail?

--- Pawel

You can find out more info on walking tours of Via Francigena at this site: http://www.compagniadeicammini.it/en/. Thanks for stopping by and commenting..

Tom

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Good article, enjoyed reading it. Saved your recommended sights for future use.

--- Dardenne Prairie, MO

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You're going to be great at this Tom. Congrats.

--- Donna Vissa -Montreal

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