‘It’s even more frustrating when people are ringing about booking’
MORTIMER Mannix said he has never cut lawns at Mannix Point Camping Park as often as he has in recent months.
It’s a means of mental preparation for when visitors are allowed to return, and a way of keeping busy at a time of year when keeping busy is usually not an issue.
But in all of Mortimer’s 37 years running Mannix Point in Cahersiveen, he has never faced an impediment to a busy year like COVID-19.
The busy south Kerry destination is a sanctuary for thousands of guests since 1984, but 2020 has thrown up a new challenge to the tourist season.
“I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s extraordinary. My main concern is getting a holiday for my regulars. I get a great clientele here that have been coming to me for years and years. They are desperate for a holiday,” Mortimer says.
Like most caravan and camping sites across the county, optimism is building as more people express an interest in staycations.
If handled correctly, Mortimer believes this sector can offer a way back for tourists, and local economies, later in the season.
“The bookings have been rolling in, but we’ve heard nothing yet from Fáilte Ireland or the HSE. We don’t know what to do, but I suspect they may be waiting before changing the rule from two meters to one meter. That would change everything,” he adds.
Traditionally, Mannix Point kicks off its season at Easter time. But this, coupled with the loss of trade for the May and June Bank Holiday weekends, has been a blow.
Mortimer said even guests from places such as Germany,
Holland and the UK have not yet cancelled their booking, in the hope that things may improve.
“The talk is about opening in July 20, but until such time as we have guidelines, we’re in limbo. It’s all the more frustrating when the phone never stops ringing with people looking to book; it would drive you crazy. All the regulars want to come.”
Mortimer concludes: “The place has never looked better and I’m cutting the grass every few weeks. We’ve used the time to do up the place. I miss it as I love the buzz when it’s opened. It’s something I love as much today as I did when I first started. I have great staff who will be doing everything to ensure that people are abiding by the rules. I have health issues, so I’ll be on the balcony waving and welcoming people,” he laughs.