SNIPPET: One of the highlights of my recent visit to Ireland was dining one afternoon with my sister and two Irish e-mail friends at the beautiful Lake Hotel, a charming, family-run establishment superbly located on the shore of the famous Lakes of Killarney. It is nestled at the water's edge of the lower lake in the shadow of a picturesque mountain range - what a gorgeous view! Built in 1820, the award-winning Lake Hotel combines old world charm with modern facilities. The hotel is located just 2 km from Killarney town centre and just steps away from Killarney National Park. It is a perfect base from which to explore the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Killarney's many attractions. Guests of the hotel may also avail themselves of the hotel's private tennis court, golf practice area and fishing facilities. Killarney offers outdoor facilities for visitors including golfing, angling, pony-trekking, hill-walking, cycling, boating and botanical study. Note that children under eight years of age are apparently accommodated only between 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the lovely Castlelough Restaurant. Beautiful Muckross House and Gardens are less than five minutes away by car or 25 minutes walking distance, which my sister and I, and our friends, enjoyed touring very much! The Lake Hotel, built in 1820, still exhibits the original elegant lounges, with open log fires. In 1861, the Lake Hotel hosted Queen Victoria of England during her stay in Ireland. Down through the years the families, COTTER, COFFEY, MORROUGH, BERNARD and COURTNEY owned the hotel. In 1897 Mr. HILLARD of Killarney acquired the hotel and in 1940 it was purchased by the HUGGARDs of Waterville, and operated by the late Hilda HUGGARD. The HUGGARDs were also presented with Ashford Castle in Cong, Co. Mayo by the Irish Government to restore the castle to a top quality hotel. This was done under the guidance of Hilda's brother Noel, their mother Mary, as well as the directors of Bord Failte. Well-known for her hospitality, service and friendly welcome, Hilda passed on the HUGGARD traditions and hospitality to her nephews, Tony, Colman, Niall and Joe who are actively involved in the hotel to the present day. Many nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces are also continuing the HUGGARD tradition in the Irish tourism industry. From the window of the Lake Hotel can be seen the ruins of a Medieval Castle. From here Donal MacCARTHY ruled the two Munster's as Titular King of Desmond. He is reputed to have been extravagant and had a fondness for drink. He was a rich and strong leader of Desmond in a difficult era and protected his territory with diplomacy rather than force. More information: www.lakehotel.com