‘Samhain’ Autumn Gathering will take place from October 17 until October 19 in Killarney this year.

It is a series of free events being organised by the Conservation Rangers and NPWS.

Rutting season is now underway, and this is a popular time for photographers who travel from all around Ireland to capture the renowned Native Irish Deer that reside in Killarney National Park.

On Friday, there will be a talk on ‘The Chough’, an insight into the life of a rare bird, by Clare Heardmanm, NPWS Ecologist in the Conservation Measures Unit. It will take place at Killarney House auditorium at 7.30pm, and bookings are made through Eventbrite.

The very popular ‘Morning Deer Walks’ with Conservation Ranger Padruig O’Sullivan are planned for Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 18.

The meeting point for these is Deenagh Cottage just inside the front gate of the Demesne.

It starts at 7.00am. Padruig’s informative walks are always very engaging, no bookings are required.

The distinctive bellowing and fierce rutting behaviour has fascinated Killarney for a long time.

The rich colours of Autumn, the morning light and shadows of evening light make the park so spectacular at this time of year.

On Saturday evening, a talk ‘Toads in Trouble’ will focus on protecting Ireland’s endangered Natterjack Toads by Brid Calhoun, NPWS Conservation Ranger.

‘Nocturnal Ramble’ will take place on Sunday evening at 6pm and this event will include walking through woodlands in the dark. Booking will be online closer to the event.

While several participants remain committed to the Killarney Coffee Cup Project, many businesses in the town have withdrawn from the initiative posing significant challenges for the project.

Once non-participating outlets enter the market, many customers revert to convenience and single-use cups.

As a result of this, small businesses also revert to single-use cups to compete with competition.

Organisers of the project say that without universal rules, convenience wins, and single-use cups will end up in general waste which undermines the national waste reduction goals.

Johnny Maguire, co-president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, said it is disappointing that the government are unwilling to move forward with the latte levy legislation.

He said: “The project showed that businesses and consumers were willing to adapt their behaviours with the right incentives. We proved that the latte levy, which had been promised by government, would work.”

Despite the withdrawals, the project continues with the support of Kerry County Council, Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, the NPWS, Failte Ireland, local hoteliers, local businesses and the wider Killarney community.

Since its launch, there has been positive outcomes.

There has been a reduction in litter and single-use waste, which saves an estimated 18 tonnes of waste annually.

There has been interest from 35 towns across Ireland who are eager to replicate the model in their own communities.

The Killarney Coffee Cup Project remains committed to reducing waste and inspiring change locally however they warn that lasting impact requires leadership and policy support.