News
Jack Patrick to headline JulyFest Entertainment
Next week Killarney races opens its gates for JulyFest running from July 17 to 21.
All the key ingredients that make festivals at Killarney Races such a remarkable event will be present.
Top class summer racing, food, fashion, live music and a fantastic atmosphere are all guaranteed.
Visitors from home and abroad are set to gather to enjoy a proper day out in style at Ireland’s most scenic racecourse.
Internationally renowned Jack Patrick Healy will be joining in the festivities, providing music after racing on Thursday and Friday and early booking is advised.
There are a selection of highlights to look forward to this JulyFest. Off-track entertainment plans are set to go down a treat with punters, offering themes and entertainment from The Roses, Family Entertainment, Live Music and of course the highly anticipated The Lee Strand Ladies Day fashion event, there is something for everyone on and off the track during JulyFest!
Kicking the festival off is a flat fixture on Monday the 17th as the racecourse opens the gates and celebrates 40 years of the Killarney Racegoers Club. Killarney’s Racegoers Club is one of the oldest Clubs in Killarney and it’s run by members in conjunction with Killarney Racecourse.
Tuesday 18 is family day with something for all the family to enjoy, from arts and crafts for the kids to the fast paced racing action for the grown ups. Live music from Resolute will kick off after racing in the Jim Culloty Bar.
Wednesday is the final day of flat racing at the festival, with some surprises in store, including a selection of ladies from this year’s Rose of Tralee, who will be meeting their escorts for the first time.
As the code changesto National Hunt and things step up a gear on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 when talented entertainer Jack Patrick Healy will finish out the festival in style each evening after racing. Healy is also well known for being the resident piano man in The Grand Hotel’s Liquid Lounge.
Jack is an aspiring singer/songwriter based in London but originally from Beaufort, Killarney. His introduction to music was traditional Irish style and he has grown to star in some of Ireland's finest musical theatre productions, Cork Opera House's production of "Sweeney Todd" and Bryan Flynn's masterpiece, "Michael Collins" to name but a few. Recently Jack opened his first Piano bar in London The Cellar Piano Bar situated in north Kensington.
The final day of the festival is Friday 21 as the much anticipated competition heats up off the track with Lee Strand Ladies Day taking place. No less than 10 lucky ladies and 10 gents will be selected by the judges, each taking home a prize for their efforts in the fashion stakes. The overall Best Dressed Lady will win a trip for two to Paris and a specially commissioned crystal vase and the overall Best Dressed Gent will receive a Trip to Milan for two and a specially commissioned crystal decanter.
Ladies and gents hoping to participate in the fashion event are advised to arrive early as the judges will be selecting finalists on the racecourse from early doors with gates open from 12 noon. With more details to follow and surprises in store and the judging panel will be announced soon.
Gates open at 3pm on each day and at the earlier time of 12 noon on Friday with the first race off approximately 2hrs later each day. Patrons are advised to come racing early, to nab the best seating and viewing areas and to enjoy the atmosphere, music on the lawn and the very best of Killarney hospitality. For further information or to book your tickets, punter packs and hospitality online, visit killarneyraces.com.
Killarney Executive Tour Co. officially launched its new eco-friendly Hop On Hop Off Red Bus at Ross Castle last week.
Unlike standard double-decker buses, this new single-decker vehicle is low enough to travel through the Killarney National Park without damaging overhanging trees or bird nests.
Additionally, the design allows for standing passengers, which was not possible on the previous double-decker model.
To achieve this, the company worked alongside Transport for Ireland to establish a dedicated public transport route within the park, marking a first for the area.
The service now functions as both a hop-on, hop-off tourist route and a practical transport option for locals, who can use the bus to travel between specific pickup and drop-off points along the way.
Pat Moynihan, founder and manager of the tour, spoke about the growth of the service since 2014.
“We started this service in 2014 on a wing and a prayer, but thanks to the steadfast support of Kerry County Council, local councillors, the National Park, and the tourist office, it has grown into a vital community asset,” Moynihan said. “Partnering with Philip O’Callaghan during COVID was a natural fit, as proud Killarney natives, we shared a vision for a service that mirrors the ethos and conservation values of the National Park. By introducing this compact, low-emission bus, we are reducing emissions by over 90% and minimising our environmental footprint. We are incredibly proud to offer a sustainable, accessible transport link that now allows local residents, including older generations, and tourists alike to experience the beauty of the National Park with near-zero impact.”
Philip O’Callaghan also welcomed the new sustainable transport option for the area.
“I am incredibly proud to stand here today as we introduce a significantly more sustainable transport option for anyone wishing to experience the heart of our beautiful National Park,” O’Callaghan said. “This launch marks a major milestone in eco-tourism for the area, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. The continued support of the National Park, Kerry County Council members, Fáilte Ireland, and the Tourist Information Centre has been fantastic. Together, we are ensuring that Killarney remains at the forefront of green, accessible tourism.”
The launch event was attended by local councillors and tourism industry representatives, with hospitality provided by the Ross Castle Garden Cafe. More details on the service can be found at killarneytour.com.
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