News
Countywide events to coincide World Mental Health Day
MENTAL HEALTH: Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, launched Kerry's second Mental Health and Well-being Fest at Killarney House. Also included were from left: Pat O'Brien (Kerry Mental Health Association), Lorraine Bowler (Community Development Worker NEWKD), Donagh Hennebry (Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare with the HSE), Deirdre Hegarty (Health and Well-being Officer, KCC), Mairead O'Sullivan (SKDP). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
Over 100 events are being arranged at locations across Kerry which focus on and promote the positive mental health and well-being of all citizens in the county.
Featuring workshops, seminars, coffee mornings, film screenings and a wide range of activities, the Fest will coincide with the annual World Mental Health Day and runs from October 5 to 19 at numerous locations across the county.
Everyone in the county is encouraged to take time out to learn, talk, reflect, and engage with others around the topic of mental health and well-being, and to encourage anyone with mental health issues to reach out and avail of supports and services available.
“The programme of events has come together with the support of all the local statutory agencies working together with the very positive input of community and voluntary groups all over Kerry,” Donagh Hennebry, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare with the HSE, said.
“Among the highlights of the Fest will be a showing of the film, ‘My Other Life’, a discussion on building resilience, workshops on workplace well-being, parkruns, mindfulness, meditation and awareness sessions and more.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, said the initiative will build on the positive feedback received for last year’s inaugural event.
“This is another very positive collaborative initiative between the HSE and Kerry County Council and will, I hope, encourage everyone in the county to take the opportunity to focus mental health and well-being.”
Full details of the programme of events will be made available in the coming weeks at public offices, local libraries, health centres and Family Resource Centres throughout the county as well as on the websites of the HSE and Kerry County Council and on www.healthykerry.ie.
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors
Kerry County Council’s Arts Service, in association with the Killarney Arts Working Group, has officially launched the 2026 ANAM Summer Arts Programme (ASAP).
The dedicated arts and cultural space on East Avenue Road is set to host a vibrant mix of live music, theatre, film, and youth competitions designed to appeal to both local residents and tourists throughout the peak holiday season.
The summer lineup aims to provide artists with critical platforms to showcase their work while giving audiences accessible opportunities to experience live art. Councillor Martin O’Grady noted that the programme includes a multitude of performances, offering an important platform for all ages to enjoy the arts. Mary Murphy of the Killarney Arts Working Group added that utilizing the ANAM space successfully draws new audiences to the Killarney arts scene.
Featured events include “Bog Jazz,” an innovative project by musicians Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan and Shane Murphy that reworks traditional Sliabh Luachra fiddle music using electric guitar and drums. Additionally, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence Aidan Connolly will lead a two-night concert series in late July alongside Bryan O’Leary, Colm Guilfoyle, and Charlie O’Brien, exploring the unique history, songs, and folklore of the region.
The programme also features “The Anam Sessions,” a series of five free bi-weekly evening concerts directed by Tim O’Shea. These sessions will showcase emerging local talent across Irish folk, singer-songwriter, and Afro-Irish genres. For younger musicians, the popular “Battle of the Bands” competition returns in August. Organised in partnership with Music Generation Kerry, it will feature separate junior and senior categories to highlight local youth talent.
The summer performance series is fully sponsored by the Kerry Arts Service. For further queries, the public can contact arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066 7183541.
ANAM Summer Arts Event Calendar
Traditional and Folk Music (The Anam Sessions with Tim O’Shea) Dates: ; Wednesday, July 15; Wednesday, July 29; Wednesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 26 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sliabh Luachra Traditional Music Concert Series (Aidan Connolly and Guests) Dates: Wednesday, July 29; Thursday, July 30 Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Senior Competition) Dates: Friday, August 7; Friday, August 14; Friday, August 21; Friday, August 28 Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Junior Competition) Dates: Sunday, August 9; Sunday, August 16; Sunday, August 23; Sunday, August 30 Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Bog Jazz Performance (Eoin O’Sullivan & Shane Murphy) Date: Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
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