News
It’s game on in Killarney
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Insomnia Gaming is coming to Killarney. Pictured are Minecraft fans ready for the event, Ellen McSweeney, Eoghan McSweeney, Feithleann Somers, Jennifer Rae, Arywnn O'Donoghue and Joe Scanlon. PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN
COMPUTER gamers, young and old, from all over Ireland and the UK will descend on Killarney this June for the first ever Insomnia Gaming Ireland festival. From June 10 to 13, the INEC in Killarney will be transformed into a gamers’ paradise, featuring console and PC tournaments, appearances by YouTube stars, interactive stage shows, demos of the latest products and retail zones.
The Minecraft Zone will be one of the biggest attractions at this event. Here gamers can play in tournaments, shop the latest Minecraft merchandise and get to hear special guests from the world of Minecraft. And while the kids are building worlds in Minecraft, Mum and Dad can take a trip down 8bit memory lane in the Retro Zone which will feature a variety of old school games on classic consoles.
YouTube stars Amy Lee, Choochoosgaming, Ashdubh, Nettyplays, AmyLee, Inthelittlewood, Mini Muka, Gassy Mexican and Terroriser will attend the festival and form part of the line-up of interactive stage shows and special guest areas.
The Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) LAN Hall will open for 72 hours and will host 250 gaming enthusiasts playing multiplayer games with and against each other. Visitors will also be able to delve into the eSports scene with popular competitive tournaments occurring throughout the event such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League, League of Legends and Hearthstone. Daily console tournaments will be taking place, as well as the BYOC LAN Hall hosting tournaments of its own.
Insomnia Ireland is hosted by Multiplay, organisers of the UK’s largest gaming festival, Insomnia, and a subsidiary of GAME Digital plc (“GAME Digital”), the UK’s leading video gaming specialist.
“With an even busier year of Insomnia events, we‘re delighted to bring the Insomnia brand to Irish gamers,” says Craig Fletcher, Founder and CEO of Multiplay. “Insomnia already reaches tens of thousands of gamers in the UK and we can’t wait to witness Irish gamers’ passion for all things gaming for the first time.”
“Insomnia Ireland is a place for gamers of all backgrounds to congregate, socialise, discover new things and ultimately just play. Our Exhibition/Retail Zones will contain a variety of feature zones and games for all ages. These include a Minecraft Zone, Indie Zone, Retro Zone an Over 18s area, Main Stage, where special guests will be playing the latest games as well as panel talks and Q&A sessions.”
Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster. Day tickets for Insomnia Gaming Ireland cost €24 and €99 for the Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) LAN Hall. For more information visit https://insomniagamingfestival.com/ireland
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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