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Councillor says “stay away” as Airbnb continues to take bookings

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By Sean Moriarty

One of the greatest supporters of tourism in Killarney has given a stark warning to people who might be considering visiting the town over the Easter weekend in the midst of the current crisis.

Cllr Donal Grady is telling people to “stay the hell away”, and has raised concerns after reports online booking agency Airbnb is still offering vacancies in the Killarney area.

The independent councillor has always been very welcoming to tourists in the town and has worked behind the scenes to promote the town locally and internationally.

His change of attitude is driven by concerns that visitors to the town will spread the virus and that the people of Killarney need to be protected.

“The second this is over we welcome you all with open arms but for now stay the hell away and stop the cross-infection of this awful thing," he told the Killarney Advertiser. "People are fighting for their lives.”

Operators of Airbnb services in Killarney are flouting current COVID-19-imposed restrictions according to Grady who is fielding four and five calls a day from concerned residents who believe the online booking service, which offers rooms in private houses and apartments, is as busy as ever in the town.

An investigation by the Killarney Advertiser revealed that there are over 20 Killarney-based properties promoting availability in the town over the Easter weekend.

Prices range from €50 to €127 per night for a booking commencing on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday at a time when all hotels in the locality have been forced to close in order to stop the spread of the virus.

The booking website does advise to check with individual properties before travelling and to obey HSE travel guidelines.

“They are inviting the virus into town. We must shut them down,” Grady told the Killarney Advertiser. “On Wednesday of this week the Glebe Car park was full of cars – 90 percent of them had out of county registrations.”

Grady also called for the airports to be shut down except for essential services like food and medical distribution or getting Irish people home from other countries.

“What is stopping people coming from England and going to their holiday homes all over Kerry for the Easter break?” he added.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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