Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members.

Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club.

Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening.

A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway.

Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained chef.

Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability.

The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team.

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub”

To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

Members of Kerry County Council today adopted a variation to the current Kerry County Development Plan which has zoned sufficient residential and employment lands to meet the future development needs of the Killarney Municipal District.

In terms of lands available for employment, there are now approximately 75 hectares of undeveloped lands across the Municipal District. With respect to lands for residential development, there are now about 95 hectares of new or proposed residential lands available within the Municipal District. These lands have the potential to accommodate 4,415 units.

The newly adopted plan aims to set out a comprehensive local planning framework with clear policies and objectives including land use zoning, in the interests of the common good. The successful implementation of the Plan will have a positive impact on the Killarney MD, ensuring it develops in a sustainable manner.

In conjunction with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 (KCDP), this Variation will complete the planning framework for the area and complement the implementation of the policies and objectives contained in these higher-level plans.

The principal town in the Municipal District is Killarney which is designated as a Key Town in the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 (KCDP).

Rathmore, Barraduff and Kilcummin occupy important roles as District Towns for the area as identified in the County Development Plan.

Developers urged to act as deadline looms for Killarney affordable housing

Kerry County Council has issued a final call to developers to submit expressions of interest for affordable housing and turnkey acquisitions in Killarney. The deadline for submissions is set for 4:00 pm. on Friday, February.
According to the CEO report presented at Monday’s full council meeting in Tralee, the council is seeking developers for turnkey acquisitions across the county, as well as specific affordable housing submissions for Killarney and Tralee.
These initiatives are aimed at increasing the local housing supply through advance purchase arrangements for residential developments.
Enquiries regarding the Turnkey Open Call can be made to turnkey@kerrycoco.ie, while those interested in the Affordable Housing call should contact affordablehousing@kerrycoco.ie.
Speaking after the meeting, the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, made a strong appeal to developers to engage with the scheme before the February deadline. He esiad that the current shortage of affordable options is pricing a specific group of residents out of the town.
“Killarney is currently experiencing a serious shortage of affordable homes, especially for individuals and families who do not qualify for social housing because they are above the income threshold, yet still cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market,” Mayor Grady said.
He added that this gap in the market is having a “profound impact” on young families and first-time buyers who want to remain in Killarney but are struggling with escalating house prices and the high cost of living. “I wish to strongly encourage developers to express their interest in developing affordable housing on suitable sites within the town,” he siad.