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Rally of the Lakes worth €10 million to local economy -Chamber

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4 years ago

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EVENT SPONSORS: At the launch of the Killarney and District Motor Club International Rally of the Lakes at The Gleneagle Hotel on Sunday were from left: Paul Ahern (Aherns Motor Group) Michael O'Mahoney (Rentokil Initial) and Patrick O'Donoghue (Gleneagle Hotel). Photo: Eamonn Keogh

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has advised local businesses to prepare for a particularly busy May Bank Holiday weekend with the 41st International Rally of the Lakes ensuring a bumper long weekend in the town.

With a value to the town of in excess of €10 million, the International Rally of the Lakes is right up there in terms of major attractions in Killarney and it creates a hugely exciting sporting spectacle for the long weekend, Chamber President Niall Kelleher said.

He stressed that the town’s tourism industry relies heavily on flagship festivals and gatherings such as the 4th July Festival, Christmas in Killarney, the St Patrick’s Festival and, more recently, the Wander Wild Festival and events like the Rally of the Lakes, the Historic Rally and Bikefest add a wonderful extra dimension and real colour to what the town can offer visitors and locals.

“Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce is fully supportive of the Killarney and District Motor Club and I congratulate Clerk of the Course Darren McCormick and all involved in organising such a finely-tuned and high quality motorsport event, one of the best run of its kind in the country,” Mr Kelleher said.

He noted that Killarney has been synonymous with rallying for decades, which is hardly surprising given the terrific rally terrain it can offer, with the technically demanding stages matched only by the spectacular landscape.

“The Rally of the Lakes is very much a team Killarney effort with Gardaí, Kerry County Council, residents and businesses all playing their part and, in terms of coverage, Killarney and Kerry benefit enormously through TV, media and social media exposure.

“COVID has played spoilsport over the last two years but, on April 30 and May 1 we should forget all about the pandemic and concentrate instead on a feast of top class rallying and fun,” the Chamber President added.

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X-Factor singer Ben Quinlan to launch new album in Newmarket

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3 minutes ago

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15 April 2026

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Killarney singer and pianist Ben Quinlan is set to launch his latest Irish album with a special concert in Newmarket, County Cork, this August.

The former X Factor contestant and winner of Ireland’s Alternative Eurovision has titled the event “A Night to Remember.”

The concert will take place on Saturday, August 22, at An Cultúrlann, in his grandparents’ hometown.

Quinlan recently returned from a major international tour across the Netherlands with the Celtic Steps show.

His upcoming performance will feature a mix of traditional and modern Irish music, covering artists from Thomas Moore and the Wolfe Tones to Kingfishr.

The setlist will also include crooner classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Michael Bublé.

“I’m launching my new album in my grandparents’ hometown and I’m hoping it will be a successful night,” said Quinlan, who performs professionally on the grand piano.
Doors at An Cultúrlann open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €20 and the night will serve as the official launch for his new CD.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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1 day ago

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14 April 2026

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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