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BikeFest attracts over 55,000 visitors to Killarney

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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]

 

 

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Park Road location for new teen hangout space

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The long-awaited Teen Hangout Area for Killarney looks set to be developed on Park Road, with the proposed location identified as the layby across from the entrance to the Ardshanavooly estate, the Killarney Advertiser understands.

The project, which received €50,000 in funding earlier this year, is being advanced by Kerry County Council and will now go through a Part 8 public planning consultation before it can be approved by the elected councillors of the Killarney Municipal District.


The proposed site will feature an outdoor shelter, seating area, Bluetooth speakers, outdoor exercise units, bike racks, and a secure outdoor locker.


The design will also include wheelchair-accessible facilities to ensure it can be enjoyed by all young people.


Mayor Cllr Martin Grady welcomed the progress, saying it was “certainly not before time,” adding that Killarney has long lacked suitable youth amenities and spaces for both young people and community groups.

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KWD Recycling wins prestigious National Environmental Award

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KWD Recycling has taken home top honours at the inaugural Repak Resource Awards 2025, winning the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award at a ceremony held in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.

The new-look Repak Resource Awards, formerly known as the Pakman Awards, are Ireland’s National Environmental Awards, recognising excellence in waste prevention, recycling, reuse, circular design, and community-led sustainability initiatives

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Sponsored by the Irish Waste Management Association, the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award celebrates companies that set the standard for innovation and leadership in resource recovery.


KWD Recycling, one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, was recognised for its significant investment in a state-of-the-art Killarney facility that recovers recyclables from general waste.


Working in partnership with Tomra and European processing plants, KWD now diverts over 10% of plastics and 50% of organics from disposal.


Beyond its technical achievements, KWD has also led strong community education programmes and continues to play a key role in the annual County Clean-Up.

The company views residual waste as a valuable resource and plans to expand recovery rates further by adding new metal separation systems and developing an Irish-based plastic recycling facility.


Speaking after the awards, Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh praised KWD Recycling’s innovation and leadership in the sector.


“We are delighted to recognise KWD Recycling for its outstanding commitment to innovation and leadership in waste management.

As one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, KWD continues to demonstrate how investment in advanced infrastructure and technology can deliver real progress toward a circular economy.

Their new Killarney facility, community engagement, and ongoing efforts to treat residual waste as a valuable resource reflect best practice in Ireland’s recycling sector,” she said.

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