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JulyFest at Killarney Races is back!
Killarney Races is set to open their gates for JulyFest running from July 15 to 19.
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.
There is lots to look forward to with a selection of highlights included below. Off-track entertainment plans are set to go down a treat with punters, offering family fun, a visit from The Roses, 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 for the opening day is a flat fixture on Monday 15th with live music on the lawn and post-racing in the Jim Culloty by the very talented Nicole Lonergan.
On Tuesday there is a prize fund of €100,000 on offer for the seven-race flat card which includes a race for qualified riders. This is likely to attract competitive representatives from many of the leading yards in the country. Tuesday will also feature live music from Resolute.
Wednesday is the final day of flat racing of the festival, with some surprises in store. Family Day is back, featuring games and attractions for all to enjoy. A panel of Roses taking part in the 2024 Rose of Tralee Festival will be in attendance. Live music from Resolute and post-racing DJ Ray Stack will ensure the party goes on until late.
As the codes change to National Hunt things step up a gear, Frankie Foster, from Raceday the Racing TV social media channel ,will enjoy the first of his JulyFest racedays at Killarney Races. Frankie will be out and about taking in the great racing, spectacular sights and chatting with the crowd with his famous orange mic. There will also be live music from Resolute and Nicole Lonergan to enjoy.
“I could not be any more excited to come over to Killarney this July. Like many people I've seen the footage and images of Killarney Racecourse and the scenery looks amazing, I can't wait to see it for myself. Since we started #Raceday we have been lucky enough to do several trips to Ireland and we have had nothing but great fun at the races and with the Irish racing fans. I have some great friends from Kerry who have been telling me for years to come over for the craic.”
The final day of the festival is Friday July 19. This is when the competition really heats up off the track with the popular Lee Strand Best Dress Day taking place.
Ten lucky ladies and gents will be selected by celebrity judges, each taking home a prize for their efforts in the fashion stakes.
Ladies and gents will battle it out in style for the chance to be crowned best dressed and take home the covetable prizes of a VIP trip for two to Paris and Milan.
The top tip for Lee Stand Ladies Day is to come racing early, the judges will be out an about from early doors to find this year’s best dressed ladies and gents!
Gates open at 3pm on each day and at the earlier time of 12 noon on Friday with the first race off approximately two hours later each day.
Patrons are advised to come racing early, to nab the best seating areas and soak up the atmosphere, music and the best of Killarney’s renowned hospitality. For further information or to book tickets, bundles and hospitality online visit, killarneyraces.com.
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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