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could still fit into my clothes. I think it was outdoor hydro pool with powerful jets.
because the food was so fresh, and we Next, I tried the adult-only saltwater pool,
were constantly active. the steam room and sauna. Finally, I re‐
The following day we checked into The laxed on an outdoor lounger, mesmerized
Europe Hotel Resort, a contemporary all- by Lough Léin glistening in the sun. I could
glass posh spot overlooking the Lakes of have spent all day at the Spa, but the hotel
Killarney and Ireland’s highest mountain had offered us a truly unique adventure: a
range. My spacious room had sliding glass jaunting car tour.
doors leading to an enormous outdoor ter‐ In the early 1800s, jaunting cars (horse
race, but who wants to stay in their room and two-wheeled carriages) were used as
when there’s a 50,000-square-foot Spa public transportation. Today, the carts,
waiting? I donned my bathing suit, slipped driven by a driver called a “jarvey,” offer
into the fluffy bathrobe and slippers, and visitors horse--driven rides through the
took the dedicated glass elevator (with stunning Gap of Dunloe, a seven-mile jour‐
outstanding views of Lake Killarney) to the ney whose narrow winding road is sur‐
gargantuan-sized spa. rounded by magical cliffs and grasses
First, laps in the indoor pool; then I where sheep graze. At one point, the road
swam through the plastic flaps to a heated was so steep, we had to get out and walk to
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