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Economic boost for Killarney as 1,400 dancers take to the stage

Local businesses are set to get an economic boost this week as the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships kick off in Killarney.
Taking place at The Gleneagle Hotel and Gleneagle INEC Arena, in excess of 1,400 dancers from America, Scotland, England, Europe and all over Ireland, will take to the stage over the course of the six days competing for a world title in the championships which run from November 1 to 6.
Over 19 competitions take place over the six-day championships and winners are announced every day after each competition. The competitions are held in the INEC auditorium and The Gleneagle Ballroom. The age profile of the competitors is nine to over 21-years-old.
An Chomhdháil is delighted to return to Killarney this year having been unable to run the event in 2020. This is Killarney’s fifth occasion to host the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships.
Strict Government guidelines will be adhered to for indoor events. Only adults with COVID certificates will be permitted to enter. Dancers and spectators under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a COVID certificate. Facemasks are mandatory.
The economic benefits of these championships will be felt right across Killarney’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and many other businesses. Studies carried out between 2016 and 2019 calculated the Championships were worth €12 million to the local economy.
An Chomhdháil, the organisation who run the World Irish Dance Championships, have an extensive branch network worldwide and is one of the most progressive Irish Dance organisations, being the first Irish dance organisation to bring in the no make-up rule for girls under 13 years of age in 2007. Both male and female world champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under 10 through to adult.
“We are honoured to welcome the 2021 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships,” Patrick O’Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group, said. “We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and we hope everyone enjoys their stay in Killarney.”