Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce held their quarterly luncheon last Tuesday with Kerry County Council CEO Fearghal Reidy in attendance.

The gathering of Killarney business owners took place at the Muckross Park Hotel.

The attendees were informed that the new Kerry-Cork corridor, which involves the construction of a major road from Farranfore to Killarney, could commence within a five-year period.

He explained that €2 million was provided to advance the project last year with another €1 million approved this year.

Mr Reidy advised that negotiations have taken place with Irish Rail regarding the provision of more frequent rail services for Kerry and there has been significant investment in local and national roads.

He outlined several key priorities for Kerry County Council which included housing, climate action and tourism.

He also spoke about the South Kerry Greenway which is set to be operational within the next six months and explained there is an ambitious overall greenway strategy planned to connect the entire county.

Mr Reidy said that Kerry will be a top-class greenway destination.

He praised the council outdoor staff in Killarney and expressed his pride at the work they do.

He said: “I walked the streets of Killarney at 8.15am this morning and the outdoor staff were cleaning, planting and doing brilliant work. Killarney has a great reputation for its Tidy Towns work and for being so well presented.”

The attendees were advised to voice opinions, good or bad, to ensure improvements are always being made.

15 new glamping pods will arrive at Killarney Racecourse by April 2026. Five of those units are set to open by the end of this year. Locals Linda and Mike O’Sullivan founded Killarney Glamping in 2012, and it has grown from strength to strength ever since. Their first site, located in Ballycasheen, is called Glamping at the Grove, and received a Failte Ireland 4-star rating in 2024 and 2025. The expansion of their businesses will see their employees rise from 7 to 12. The pods will be fully self-contained and spacious with luxury bathrooms, king size beds, sitting areas and kitchenettes. Each pod has been built in Killarney by local tradespeople and materials are sustainable and locally sourced. Guests can walk or cycle to Killarney town centre in under ten minutes or explore the National Park by bike. Linda O’Sullivan, owner of Killarney Glamping, described the site as luxurious yet sustainable. She said: “People want an experience that feels special and delivers all the comforts they love, and this new site captures that spirit right in the heart of Ireland’s leading tourist destination.”