Sir, – My daughter, sister-in-law and I had the joy of spending a week at Powerscourt last year. We had spotted Kennedy’s gourmet food shop in Enniskerry on our way to the hotel and made it our first stop the next morning.

The owner, Santina Kennedy, warmly welcomed us, as did the mostly women patrons. We found some of the best coffee and fresh scones and muffins we had ever tasted. As a bonus, the patrons and Santina decided we should be introduced to real historic sites, and the people and places in Ireland off the tourist bus routes. Kennedy’s became our first stop every morning where the group debated where our adventure would lead us that day. We were sometimes sent off clutching a piece of butcher paper with a hand-drawn map to guide us.

Due to their thoughtfulness, we came back to the United States with a deep appreciation of the history and beauty of Ireland and its people. And Santina Kennedy, her shop and the people of Enniskerry were the highlight of our trip.

We were delighted to find the article about the struggle and now success Santina and her husband Andrew are enjoying with their shop (Magazine, October 1st). They took a chance on her dream and with a huge amount of hard work, and faith in each other, it has paid off.

We three from the United States keep hoping one of us will win the lottery; if that happens we will be on the first plane back to Ireland. In the meantime, we are saving up for our next trip just in case the lottery doesn’t come through for us! – Yours, etc,

PAT (CURTON-LANDERS) LEHMAN,

Manlo Drive,

Wichita, Kansas, US.

We are closing on Christmas Eve at 3 pm and reopen on Weds 28th December.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Every Good Wish for 2012! It will be an exciting year!

Santina and Andrew

Don’t worry – our famous coffee, delicious breads, and all the other Kennedy’s favourites are moving with us as well. We hope to see you there!