We visited Molly Gallivan's on a Tuesday and had reserved ahead for the American Homecoming. We all loved every minute, even my two teenagers who at first were not that enthusiastic about attending. This is a small, intimate event. There were probably about 12 people attending, and the owners and the people that participate in the reenactment were absolutely wonderful. The food was fantastic, and the traditional musicians and the little girl that danced for us were great too. It was my oldest son's birthday, and they all sang Happy Birthday to him, which he liked. We even got up and danced, which was fun - thinking especially that the cottage had been a site for dancing and parties for over 200 years. I was nervous about driving back to Kenmare in the dark, but it was very easy. The setting is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen ,and don't miss the walk behind the cottage. The cottage was apparently in major disrepair when the owners bought it and they have done a wonderful job of restoration. It is truly one of Ireland's treasures. The drive to Glengariffe is amazing, and well worth the time it takes to do it. We stopped briefly at Molly Gallivan's in the afternoon, drove to Glengariffe, then backtracked and went back for the Homecoming event which starts at 7:30. It was one of the best days of our two week trip.

Molly's do tasty home made made food, the home made ice cream is divine. On Tuesday we attended the American wake/homecoming. Really takes one back in time to what Ireland was like almost a century ago. Great dancing, recitations, music and craic.
Well worth a visit.

The owners are fabulous. This is a little tradition irish cottage that about 80% of their items for sale are made locally in that county (the rest is what you would typically find in other gift shops). You can see how a tradition irish farm looks (it's free, with a donation if you feel inspired). Try some of the "bootlegged" Irish Whiskey poitin when you check out (they have it for sale as well). Fabulous place to stop, beautiful scenery! One of my favorite stops of the trip!!!

If you are within a day's drive of Bonane, near Kenmare, in County Kerry, you must not miss the opportunity to visit Molly Gallivan's Cottage and Farm. Molly Gallivan's Farm was restored by owners Stephen (5th generation in the area) and Frances O'Sullivan in the 1990's to it's original working state of the late 19th Century. Tour the farm, view the artifacts, and experience a slice of Irish history that will take you back to the years 3000 BC, the Famine years and the turn of the last century. Upon completing the tour, stop in the cottage, and chat with the owners who are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoy some of the creamiest ice-cream and tastiest vegetable soup every. You must also plan to experience an evening at Molly Gallivan's Cottage. On certain nights, Molly Gallivan's invite you to the traditional "The Homecoming." This is an evening of traditional Irish food, song, dance and storytelling that was thrown for town members upon coming back from the United States. As the evening progresses, you begin to feel more and more like you are apart of the Bonane community...and that you always will be. A fantastic travel back in time. Shuttle buses can also be arranged from the town of Kenmare to take you to and from Molly Gallivan's for the Homecoming evening. Don't miss out on this experience!