News
Killarney back in business after restrictions lifted
By Sean Moriarty
Killarney hotels and hospitality sector businesses are preparing for a bumper season after the majority of pandemic-related restrictions were lifted this week.
The news, which came late on Friday, gave hoteliers and publicans little over 12 hours to prepare.
The Government announcement ended the 8pm closing time for pubs and restaurants and allowed nightclubs to open for the first time in nearly two years.
“It has been all go since the announcement and it's very positive,” Bernadette Randles, Chair of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), told the Killarney Advertiser.
"It is great news and now we are getting ready to rebuild our businesses, this is really positive news for hotels and tourism in Killarney.”
Despite the short notice Ms Randles said there were large numbers of people out enjoying themselves since the 8pm curfew was lifted.
She was full of praise for her staff at her family run Dromhall Hotel who had to cope with yet another change in work practices.
“For us in Dromhall it was good. People did venture out after 8pm and the best thing was to see our teams motivated and to see a renewed buzz about the place,” she added.
She said that Kerry can look forward to a busy season but warned that it could take years to recover after two years in some form of lockdown or restrictions.
“We are seeing a big increase in bookings, however there is a lot of ground to be made up and it will be a long road to recovery. Overall we remain very optimist but we cannot take anything for granted and it may take more time for some businesses to recover.”
Last summer Irish people were encouraged to holiday at home and she is hopeful this will continue this year, however the international market may take some time to recover.
“One of the positive impacts over the last couple years is that people have rediscovered Ireland as a holiday destination and we feel this will stand to us as people rediscover the beauty and what Ireland has to offer and they can travel Ireland at their ease,” she added.
“We are hopeful of overseas visitors, but it will be a number of years before they get back to pre-COVID levels. This means ongoing Government assistance is going to be essential.”
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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