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roads to remember
My Favourite Drive: Patricia Greene makes a poignant journey to Kenmare
‘It’s the most beautiful part of Ireland – it’s so rugged and wild and untouched.’
Journeys, even everyday ones, can mean a lot. Patricia Greene is Head of Communications at Volvo Car Ireland. As someone with a passion for cars and motoring, Patricia told TheJournal.ie about a drive that meant a lot to him.
First up, describe the drive.
Around this time last year, I was driving down to stay in Park Hotel in Kenmare for a conference. I had left my house at 6 in the morning and it was quite a poignant drive – my best friend’s husband had just died and the funeral was happening in Australia that day. It was nice to think about them both and their memories. He had spent three years in Ireland down around Cork and I kept thinking how much he would love the drive.
The sun was coming up while I was starting the journey, I had the main motorway which was great for driving, then suddenly I was exploring all the beautiful nature when I hit the twisty roads in Kerry. It was lovely to have time to myself, to think about him and to know that he would appreciate the beautiful Irish countryside.
Is there a view or moment that sums it up?
There was a place with an amazing view just before Kilgarvan on a section where you come around the bend and are met with the most breathtaking scenery. There are valleys of green and mountains in the background, with the sun cutting through the mountains in the background.
Then I arrived to the Park Hotel, where you get such a great welcome. They bring you into a roaring fire after a long journey. It’s the most beautiful part of Ireland – it’s so rugged and wild and untouched.
What makes it special?
Firstly, it’s the fact that you’re on the usual motorway drive and then suddenly you depart and you’re on this rugged country road – it’s so diverse for the driving experience alone and great to experience the dynamics of a car.
Secondly, it’s the experience of going off track on the older country roads and the scenery. Everything is at such a slower pace in Kerry – you feel like you’re in a different part of the world when you go down there.
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