Francis Brennan The Loves of my Life
The hotelier and TV personality chats to Chloe Brennan about his favourite people, places and things The loves of my life
The person
Comedians make me laugh, so I’ll choose Billy Connolly. He’s such an exciting person to listen to, as he has a different perspective on everything.
The memory
I was working with Tourism Ireland in the mid-80s in Washington DC. We went out one evening after work to a heritage house with grounds similar to Powerscourt Gardens, but we were looking at the Delaware River under a blossoming tulip tree, while watching the sunset — it was amazing.
The moment of the day
Sunrise at Kenmare Bay overlooking the Caha mountains. For a spilt second, the mountains look incredible, almost like a painting.
The song
Adios by Linda Ronstadt — the note she hits at the end of the song is unbelievable. “I have hundreds of pocket hankies and like to mix and match them”
The movie
My Cousin Vinny. I always remember laughing uncontrollably when it first came out. It’s a great family friendly movie to watch on a Sunday evening.
The book
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I cried all the way through it.
The hero
Wace Philo, with whom I worked in Jersey, Channel Islands in 1976. He was the general manager of a hotel, but he was fresh out of the army and was unbelievably organised. He had a system for everything, which I admired greatly. He taught me so much about work ethic, and running a business.
The outfit
I love a nice suit! My favourite style is a Canali suit — they fit me perfectly.
The accessory
A pocket hanky — I have hundreds, and I like to mix and match them.
The gadget
My iPhone — it’s an essential part of travel for me.
The holiday
Route 66 — my niece and nephews got me a 21-day trip as a Christmas present. It was my first time doing it and I really, really enjoyed it.
The pet hate
People scraping plates when they’re eating. I nearly have to leave the table as I can’t stand it as a noise.
The hotel
Abroad, it has to be Chewton Hotel in England, a beautiful destination that does everything right. At home, I’m going to be shameless and say Kenmare Park Hotel.
The friend
Frank — an old school friend from Dublin. We keep in touch all the time and travel together. “My late father always told me that money doesn’t last forever, just always be careful” The piece of advice My late father always told me that money doesn’t last forever, just always be careful. What you have today, could be gone tomorrow. The beauty product Bamford Edition 1 Moisturiser — I love the Bamford men’s grooming range.
The bar
Crowley’s Bar in Kenmare — it’s an untouched 1920s bar. It’s so classic and timeless, and everyone from the town loves it. I hope they never modernise it.
The drink
Coke Zero. I have diabetes, so now can enjoy it guilt-free!
The hobby
I read all the time, and always have a book on the go. Currently, I’m enjoying
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri.
The part of my body
My hair — dead simple.
The celebrity
Maeve Binchy. We had a great relationship. People say I act like her sometimes, as I’m always observing.
The virtue
Honesty. I’m always honest and don’t see any other reason not to be.
The vice
A bag of Tayto — every now and again. I don’t like any other kind of crisps.
The smell
I’ve loved Eternity Calvin Klein for over 30 years — it’s such a classic.
The taste
Wexford strawberries.