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Reeks District launches ‘Big Five’ outdoor adventures

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THE BIG FIVE: Kerry’s Reeks District has launched 'The Big Five', a collection of the biggest, best and most thrilling outdoor adventures in the country. Pictured were: Siobhan Griffin (Kerry County Council), Jens Bachem (Reeks District Chair), Josephine O’Driscoll (Fáilte Ireland) and Noel Spillane (CEO SKDP). Photos: Riona MacMonagle

 

A new initiative could bring a lot more visitors to Killarney and even encourage more locals to enjoy the Reeks District.

Kerry’s Reeks District, voted one of Rough Guides top places to visit in 2019, launched the ‘Big Five’ – a collection of the biggest, best and most thrilling outdoor adventures in the country.

Activities include climbing the country’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil (1,039m), and enjoying a night-time stand-up-paddle experience on Lough Cloon near Glencar, a remote mountain lake which sits on the edge of the only Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere and only one of three Gold Tier reserves in the world.

Other activities in the ‘Big Five’ include cycling the Ring of the Reeks, paddling the length of Caragh Lake and surfing Inch Beach.

“The Reeks District offers something of interest for everyone – with an array of natural amenities such as the towering peaks of the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks and the two Blue Flag beaches of Rossbeigh and Inch; festivals like Puck Fair and K-Fest; and activities such as climbing, paddle boarding, biking, kayaking and surfing, that sets it apart from its surrounding towns and attractions,” Minister Brendan Griffin said.

Those taking up the ‘Big Five’ or ‘Big Five Challenge’ can also use the experience to raise money for a charity of their own, or one of the Reeks District’s chosen charities, Kerry Mountain Rescue Team or the RNLI.

 

 

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Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best

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Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best


Boardwalk Coffee Killarney secures 48th place in prestigious European awards


There is great excitement in Killarney this week as Boardwalk Coffee Killarney has officially been ranked 48th Best Coffee Shop in Europe for 2026, following the prestigious Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala held in Brussels.
In a competition where over 5,300 coffee shops across Europe were evaluated, the Killarney outlet secured an outstanding place among the continent’s elite, putting both Killarney and Kerry firmly on the international coffee map.
The achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that Boardwalk Coffee Killarney is the only coffee shop in Munster to make the Top 100 list and is one of only nine coffee shops in Ireland to be recognised.
Adding to the success story, the Killarney branch only opened its doors in April 2025, making this international recognition all the more extraordinary in such a short space of time.
At the centre of the achievement is Jason Murphy, manager of the Killarney branch, who was recently named among the Top 12 Baristas in Ireland — recognition of his skill, dedication and passion for the craft.
Jason’s leadership, together with the strength of the wider Boardwalk Coffee team, has played a major role in securing the prestigious European ranking.
Located in the heart of Killarney, one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations, Boardwalk Coffee has quickly built a strong reputation for premium coffee, excellent service and a warm welcome for both locals and visitors alike.
Speaking after the announcement in Brussels, Boardwalk Coffee founder Ger Flanagan praised the Killarney team for their commitment and professionalism.
He paid special tribute to Jason Murphy and Vadym Zvarch, Head Roaster at Boardwalk Coffee, for helping build the brand’s growing reputation for quality.
The achievement has also been warmly welcomed by civic leaders, with Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, describing it as a major Irish success story and congratulating the entire team.
To be ranked 48th in Europe, and to be the only Munster coffee shop to achieve the honour, is a major milestone not only for Boardwalk Coffee, but for Killarney, Kerry and Irish hospitality.
It is another strong example of how Irish independent coffee culture continues to gain recognition on the world stage.

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Ardshanavooley residents attend Community Text Alerts information evening

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Residents of Ardshanavooley and members of An Garda Síochána gathered at the Killarney Pastoral Centre on Rock Road recently for a community information evening to launch a new Community Text Alerts initiative.

The event focused on encouraging local people to get involved in making their area a safer place to live, work and visit.

The programme aims to strengthen links between residents and Gardaí by sharing important safety information and alerts quickly within the community.

During the evening, attendees heard practical advice on crime prevention, including home security, protecting vehicles and property, and raising awareness around scams and fraud.

Information was also provided on how the programme works, the benefits for residents, and the importance of neighbours working together.

Attendees were given the opportunity to register their interest, sign up to the system and volunteer for future community safety initiatives.

Cllr Martin Grady welcomed the new programme and said he was delighted to see it being rolled out, with hopes that it will now expand to other areas.


“The initiative would be particularly beneficial for those who are not active on social media, ensuring that nobody is left out when important community information is being shared,” Cllr Grady said.

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