By Michelle Crean

The arrival of over 1,400 dancers and their supporters, who are competing in the World Irish Dance Championships over the next six days, is set to bring as much as €12 million to the local economy - a huge economic boost for the town.

Competitors have travelled from America, Scotland, England, Europe and all over Ireland to take part in the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships which kick off in Killarney today.

They will compete for a world title in the championships at The Gleneagle and INEC Arena which runs until Saturday.

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.

The competitors will be accompanied by an entourage of organisers, teachers, adjudicators, musicians, families, friends, supporters and spectators.

This is Killarney’s sixth occasion to host the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships.

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 to bring in the no make-up rule for girls up to and including under 12 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 2022 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.”