Ballina Live

August 2010: I was in Ireland with my hubby on holiday; we mostly drove along the West coast. One evening, after a very soaking wet afternoon, we stopped in Ballina for something to eat, parked in front of The Bard, walked in and were warmly welcomed by a warm-hearted gentleman! John is one of a kind. While we were waiting for our food, John made himself available for a wee chat. We had dinner (which we both enjoyed!) and about an hour later we were ready to leave to go back to our hotel in Sligo (about an long hour's drive), but I was definitely in need of a conversation with true Irish people, and ta-da, John's friends walked into the pub and so we decided to stay for another round (which John actually bought!). We definitely had a fantastic evening.
When we arrived in Ballina, we actually thought we would stay there for 45 minutes max and quickly forget the place afterwards, but that evening is one of my best memories, thanks to John, his kindness, his pub and customers!! We arrived there around 7p.m, and we left The Bard just before midnight. Does that speak for itself?
John, I hope you will enjoy Switzerland! Hope to see you soon.
Marie & Bertrand