For the first time in close on quarter of a century, a major multi-day orienteering event is to be staged in Killarney.

The town will play host to the prestigious 2022 Irish Orienteering Championships over the May Bank Holiday weekend with close to 500 competitors from throughout the country and overseas participating.

The four-day event, from April 29 to May 2, is being organised by the Kerry Orienteering Club who will have full responsibility for three days of the action while Cork Orienteering Club will organise the fourth day.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has enthusiastically welcomed the big event and praised those involved for their hard work and dedication in securing the championships for the town.

President, Niall Kelleher said, as an activity, orienteering is exactly the type of event that the new Destination Plan that Fáilte Ireland and the industry have agreed for Killarney.

“The orienteering event will generate over 1,500 bednights in the greater Killarney area and 95 percent of participants will be staying in the town for three nights. It is a very high-quality event and the great Killarney outdoors will provide the perfect course for those involved,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming them all to town and we trust that they will enjoy the wonderful attractions and majestic outdoor playground Killarney has to offer.

"The Chamber sends Brendan O’Brien and all the organising team our very best wishes for what we know will be will be a tremendous event.”

EVENTS

On Friday, April 29 there will be an evening sprint race around the grounds and gardens of Muckross House while Saturday will see a middle distance race based at the Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre with events that evening at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney.

Sunday morning will feature a long race on Crohane Mountain in Glenflesk with a lively hooley and prizegiving ceremony in ANAM that evening.

The long weekend’s events will conclude on Monday morning with a relay race in Killarney National Park at Knockreer.

Further details are available on www.irishorienteeringchampionships.org.