Connect with us

News

14 Kerry beaches top of the Blue Flag list

Published

on

0201497_Unknown-2.jpeg

Kerry has been awarded 14 Blue Flags this summer including 12 at beaches around the county, one at Fenit Marina and one at the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons in south Kerry.

The decision of the International Blue Flag jury was announced on Tuesday and sees the following beaches awarded Blue Flags for 2021: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherabeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ventry and Inch. Fenit Marina also retains its Blue Flag this year while the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons, run by Kilrush Maritime Ltd, is a recipient also.

Green Coast Awards have been issued for Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Béal Bán, Castlegregory and Littor beaches.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen welcomed the announcement saying that the awarding of the Blue Flags is a wonderful vote of confidence in the collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters.

“This is fantastic recognition of the quality of our beaches and beach environments in Kerry. Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in keeping County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag list and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of our magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast,” he said.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. The Blue Flag originated in France in 1985 when French coastal Local Authorities were awarded with the Blue Flag for compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.

It was launched as an International programme as part of the 'European Year of the Environment' in 1987. In 1988, the first year sites were awarded outside of France, 19 beaches and two marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland. This year Ireland continues to punch above its weight with a record breaking 93 sites awarded, up two on last year’s total.

Advertisement

News

€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks

Published

on

By

€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks

Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery


Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.


The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year

Published

on

By


Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year


Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.


The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport