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The Aghadoe Heights is ‘China Ready’

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The renowned five-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney is the first hotel in Kerry to achieve China Ready accreditation, awarded by the Chinese Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI). This guarantees a very special Kerry welcome to our Chinese visitors and guests.

With the introduction of 1,700 airline seats per week, flying directly to Dublin from Beijing and Hong Kong, Irish hotels need to be prepared for a large increase in leisure business from this region.

“Understanding our Chinese guests cultural needs is absolutely pivotal to their overall experience of Ireland,” said General Manger, Niall Coffey.

Colleagues at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa completed specialist training modules that covered areas such as Chinese tourist profiles, communication and language, sales and marketing, product and service needs as well as information on the background of Chinese tourists coming to Ireland. A written test forms part of the individual certification process, which allows the team to enhance their products and services to ensure that they meet the specific needs of the Chinese guest in all areas of hospitality.

Dr Tony Lenehan, Executive Director of COTRI in Ireland, attended a small gathering to celebrate this achievement and to personally award each team member with their certificate. Alongside him were IHF Kerry Branch Chairperson, Niamh O’Shea and Marie Healy from Fáilte Ireland.

During the presentation, General Manager Niall Coffey thanked his team for their continued efforts to develop the hotel’s standards and offering. “The team at the Aghadoe have worked so hard to achieve this special accreditation. We are proud to become the first hotel in Kerry to be ready to provide a special Irish Welcome to our Chinese guests.

“This also coincides perfectly with the EU-China Year of Tourism 2018 initiative, for which we are delighted to offer our support. Recent data released by Fáilte Ireland has shown us how important the Chinese tourism market has become and the potential for growth is significant.”

COTRI is the world's leading Independent Research Institute for training, quality assessment, research and consulting on the Chinese outbound tourism market. The Chinese Tourist Welcome accreditation is the international certified travel service standard and platform recognised by the European Travel Commission and endorsed by the World Tourism and Travel Council.

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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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