Connect with us

News

BikeFest attracts over 55,000 visitors to Killarney

Published

on

GIRLS ONLY: Fiona Carroll (eft) Holly Richardson (Guest Speaker, Blogger, Biker and YouTuber), and Pauline Lucas, (Ladies of Harley), at the Ladies Garage Party hosted by Ladies of Harley as part of the annual international festival Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

 

Cruising, craic and plenty of chrome – tens of thousands of festival goers soaked up the fun and fantastic atmosphere at Ireland BikeFest 2019.

In excess of 55,000 visitors passed through the Bike Village over the long weekend including motorcycle owners and enthusiasts from over 20 countries including Ireland, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, The Czech Republic, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India, and the United States, gathered at the festival headquarters - The Gleneagle Hotel, where they soaked up the atmosphere and enjoyed the free entertainment.

“This was the 13thyear of Ireland BikeFest and we are delighted to report it was a resounding success,” Breffní Ingerton, Chairperson of Ireland BikeFest, said. “It contributed to a bumper weekend for the whole of Kerry and further afield, with visitor numbers up on last year.”

She added that there was a fantastic programme of biker, non-biker and family activities.

“This combined with an outstanding line-up of free entertainment, the friendly, laidback atmosphere of the bike village and the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the world’s most iconic brands Harley-Davidson once again proved key to Ireland BikeFest’s success and wide appeal.”

Cahal Hayes from County Clare was the lucky winner of the Harley-Davidson Street Rod®motorcycle in the “Win a Harley-Davidson” raffle in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.

And plans are already in place for 2020, with additions to the programme which will be revealed in the coming months.

“Some of the free live entertainment is already confirmed.”

[caption id="attachment_26709" align="aligncenter" width="2688"] PIT STOP: James Buckley and Riain Harty, checking oil, at Ireland BikeFest. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_26710" align="aligncenter" width="2582"] BANTER: John Scanlon, David Enright, Jim Casey, Dan Cotter, Connie OÕConnor, Joe Quirke, at Ireland BikeFest over the June Bank Holiday weekend at the INEC, Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_26711" align="aligncenter" width="945"] HELL'S ANGELS: Br Joel from the Franciscan Friary, Killarney, at Ireland BikeFest Street Parade on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_26712" align="aligncenter" width="1148"] NIFTY FIFTY: Hundreds of Honda 50 riders joined the Ireland BikeFest Street Parade on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_26713" align="aligncenter" width="2688"] Bikes and Trikes: Motorcycles of all descriptions took part in the annual parade through Killarney on Sunday morning. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

 

Advertisement

News

Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best

Published

on

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Ardshanavooley residents attend Community Text Alerts information evening

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport