News
JulyFest ready to welcome spectators after a two-year absence
After two editions ‘behind closed doors’ Killarney Racecourse is set to host JulyFest, an exciting five-day summer horse-racing festival from July 11 to 15.
JulyFest is the Killarney Races’ flagship event, a firm favourite with horse racing fans and it is also one of the main society events of summer in Killarney.
“Killarney Races is a boutique festival. It encompasses a wonderful mix of summer horse racing blended with live entertainment on the lawn and indoors, a wide variety of delicious food and beverage offerings, family fun and fashion,” said chairman Chairman Gerard Coughlan.
“The stunning backdrop we race against is without question one of the finest in the world and we’re just a stone’s throw away from the town centre where there will be lots of aprés racing fun and frolics also. The team here simply can’t wait to see crowds back this July, as it really is the people who attend that make this place come alive and a special thank you to our wonderful sponsors who have made all of this possible. Killarney Races is unique, things are a little more special and remarkable here than your typical day out so if you're new to racing come along, all visitors and regular racegoers are so valued and most welcome to join us for a great day at Killarney Races.”
Highlights include the return of the Dawn Milk Ladies Day. Set for Friday, July 15, ladies and gents will arrive in style for the chance to be crowned best dressed lady or gent and take home prizes of a trip for two to Paris and Milan.
This year celebrity judges are TV presenter Anna Daly and Kerry’s own Aidan O’Mahony who will be tasked with choosing the winner!
There will be seven races on each day of the programme and these will be backed up by a full schedule of entertainment.
There will be music on the lawn and in the Jim Culloty Bar after racing each day throughout the festival which will be provided by Tom Cats, SuperCéilí, Jason Fallon, Donal Lucey and Ciaran Wrynn.
“Patrons are advised to come racing early, to nab the best seating areas and enjoy something to eat or drink before racing, gates open two hours before the first race each day. Killarney Racecourse is just a stroll from the town centre with ample on-site free car-parking also. Enhanced facilities are complemented by new hospitality partners and an atmosphere you’ll want to bottle and bring home with you, the only question left is, have you booked yet?” added Mr Coughlan.
Adult admission tickets are available from €20. OAPs and students enjoy a reduced rate admission from €15 per person with appropriate ID and all children under the age of 14 are free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
For further information or to book online visit www.killarneyraces.com.
KWD Recycling shortlisted for national environmental awards
Killarney-based KWD Recycling has been announced as a finalist in the 2026 Repak Resource Awards, securing a spot on the national shortlist for environmental achievement.
The local waste management company has been nominated in the Best Recovery Operator Innovation category, sponsored by DNV, for its state-of-the-art residual waste recovery system.
The Killarney facility utilizes optical sorting, screening, and mechanical processing to extract recyclable plastics and organic material from municipal waste. In its first year of operation, the technology recovered more than 10 per cent of plastic packaging from residual waste for recycling and diverted almost 50 per cent of organic material toward composting.
KWD Recycling will compete alongside Dublin operators Panda and Thorntons Recycling for the category title.
Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh commended the Kerry firm for demonstrating environmental leadership and bringing local ambition to the national awards.
Category winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin on Friday, October 23, where each winner will also compete for the Overall Repak Resource Award.
Local businesses have a strong track record at the national event, with Killarney town venue The Killarney Park and The Ross previously taking home the overall title in 2023.
Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins
Motorists in Killarney are being urged to exercise extreme caution as the annual deer rutting season gets underway, causing animals to stray far beyond their usual habitats inside Killarney National Park.
The autumn mating season sees deer becoming highly active and unpredictable, leading to increased sightings and collisions on local roads outside traditional park boundaries.
Two separate incidents highlighted the growing hazard on local routes this week. A reader contacted the Killarney Advertiser to warn drivers after spotting a deer roaming near Tiernaboul towards the school on Sunday afternoon around 7.30pm.
Later that same night, in the early hours of Monday morning, a local driver collided with a deer near Kerry Airport around 1am while returning home from an event.
Despite attempting evasive action, the motorist struck the animal, which died at the scene and temporarily blocked the road before local Gardaí were alerted to clear the obstruction.
The driver sustained substantial vehicle damage, requiring repairs to the bumper, headlamp, and internal components, leaving her facing significant garage costs and time off the road.
Gardaí and road safety advocates advise motorists travelLing during early morning and late evening and remain vigilant along tree-lined routes.
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