‘It’s like going to another planet’

GEORGE and Enda Manzor are currently enjoying their 26th summer in their mobile home, in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, but both had been coming to the area before they met.

Their three sons had such happy and carefree times there as children that they also keep coming back. “I think the boys would be very upset now if we broke the connection with the site,” said Enda.

The retired couple’s story is replicated in caravan parks everywhere with a strong family tradition. When their children were small, Enda would spend July and August with them in O’Connor’s Caravan Park and they would be joined by George, at weekends.

“When I was working, I used to love heading off on a Friday evening – it was like going to another planet – and back again on Sunday evening. I would also manage a few weeks’ holidays here during the summer,” he George. Their sons made friendships with local boys which have lasted through the years.

As they sat in the sun reading books and catching up on the newspapers, the Manzors spoke about the sense of security a well-managed caravan park offers. “It’s a completely relaxed life and very safe. We’re close to a beautiful beach, a nice village and the people are very welcoming,” said George.

The couple, who live in Birr, Co Offaly, have a pitch in the oldest part of the park and have made many friends there down the years. Mixing with people is one of the main attractions of a caravan park, in their view.

They now spend about 10 weeks in the park each year, starting usually at Easter. Enda believes more Irish people would opt for caravan sites if more sites were available.

Visiting on a weekday in mid-June, it was noticeable that many of the mobile homes were unoccupied but, according to the Manzors, the place comes alive at weekends and during July and August, especially.