No better way: Enjoying rays in sunny Glenbeigh
In a way, O’Connor’s Caravan Park is a home-away-from-home for them and their family as upwards of 85% of people with mobile homes on the site are from Cork.
“I follow the sun,” said a tanned and relaxed Con, as he sat outside chatting to whoever happened to come along.
“Cork is the place I love best and I wouldn’t live in Kerry all year round, but this is the best place you could find for a relaxing break. We know everyone here and I can’t see any other site I’d spend three months in.”
The O’Learys, who once had a landmark shop in Gurranabraher, Cork city, are retired and have plenty of time to enjoy their getaway haven. Con has also had a quadruple heart bypass operation and Glenbeigh proved to be an ideal place for his recuperation.
“We used to live over the shop and the kids had no real break so we decided to get a place here in Glenbeigh, which was actually spotted by my brother, John,” recalled the former independent Cork city councillor.
“Two of my daughters now have mobile homes here and our six grandchildren also love the place.”
The sense of safety and security is what Con regards as most important.
“We always feel very safe here, day and night, and it’s also hugely important to feel the kids are safe,” said Con.
“It’s also a great place in which to teach the kids the simple things in life. There’s no way to spend money on the kids on the site, but when they’re here they’re very happy and interested and they also make friends easily.”
One of Con’s delights is to go to the nearby Blue Flag beach, at Rossbeigh, to watch the sun set.
“I don’t know of any better place to watch the sun go down. The total feeling of relaxation and quietness is just beautiful. You just sit and watch,” he said.
The O’Learys also value the social interaction of a caravan park.
“We don’t want a holiday home halfway up a mountain. We want people around us,” said Con.