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South Kerry proves to be a star attraction

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Nocturnal view during August Perseid looking southwest over McCarthy's Castle and Horse Island Ballinskelligs Beach, the only designated gold-tier International Dark-Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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THE tourism Unit in Kerry County Council and the Destination Kerry Tourism Forum, together with The Skellig Centre for Research & Innovation, and University College Cork presented ‘An Introduction to Astronomy’ weekend course in The Royal Hotel, Valentia Island, last weekend.

This UCC-accredited course was delivered by Professor Paul Callanan of UCC and Dr Michael Connolly, Kerry County Archaeologist. It provided the 28 participants with a working knowledge of the night sky to enable them to develop the business potential of stargazing and expand their skill base to provide an enhanced experience for visitors.

This is the second astronomy course presented by UCC in the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve - an area of approximately 700 square kilometres and one of only three designated gold-tier dark sky reserves on the planet. The skies played their part over the weekend, with an amazing number of stars visible to the participants.

Stargazing is becoming an increasingly popular pastime and astrotourism is a growing niche area within international tourism. This affords Kerry a great opportunity to attract new visitors, especially over the winter months. The County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2022 and the Skellig Coast Visitor Experience Development Plan have identified this niche market and both contain several actions to support and develop an astrotourism product for the South Kerry area.

Some very excited pupils in Scoil Náisiunta Derarca in Chapeltown on Valentia Island were given a wonderful surprise on Friday afternoon when Professor Paul Callanan of UCC dropped in to give them an astronomy presentation. Children from first to sixth class all listened intently as Paul brought them around our solar system and beyond and Valentia has many budding astronomers after the event.
 


 
Above: Nocturnal view during August Perseid looking southwest over McCarthy's Castle and Horse Island Ballinskelligs Beach, the only designated gold-tier International Dark-Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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