Representing the Killarney Municipal District at Sunday’s Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes launch, Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan praised the enduring partnership between the Rally of the Lakes and the local community.

For the O’Callaghan family, the event is deeply personal; they own and operate the Failte Hotel on College Street, a landmark business that has grown alongside the rally for decades.
Cllr O’Callaghan noted that the history of the Failte Hotel is inextricably linked with the rally’s heritage, serving as a hub for competitors and fans since the early days of the event.
He said that the rally has become a vital part of the fabric of Killarney life, providing a massive economic and social boost to the town. “The rally has been part of the hotel’s history as much as the hotel has been part of the rally’s history,” he told the gathered crowd, expressing his pride in seeing the tradition continue.
He welcomed the organisers and sponsors to Gleneagle, wishing the event continued success as it remains a cornerstone of the Killarney sporting calendar.

Live horse racing returns to Ireland’s most scenic track this May for the highly anticipated Killarney Races May Festival.

The three-day event blends top-tier racing with a vibrant social scene, offering something for seasoned punters, families, and visitors alike.
The season officially opens on Saturday, May 9 (12 noon start), a date that aligns perfectly with the Munster Football Final weekend. The sporting stakes are high for a bumper weekend in Killarney and if Kerry and Cork both progress through their respective semi-finals, A Kerry vs. Cork showdown will be fixed for Sunday May 10th in Killarney, positioning the racecourses opening Saturday fixture as the perfect curtain-raiser for a great weekend of sport in Killarney. The opening card features a feast of National Hunt racing headlined by sponsors TOTE, and racing action will be complemented by lively music from Nicole Lonergan and The Gallivanters.
On Wednesday evening just gone, stars from the Kerry GAA panel (pictured) were on hand to launch the Killarney races Locals’ Family Day, scheduled for Monday, May 11th (4.30pm start). Sponsored by Killarney Credit Union and the Killarney Town Retailers Association, this evening shifts the focus toward the local community. Children’s entertainment specialists ‘Time to Party’ and ‘The MACademy’ will host a dedicated family fun area, perfect for young families to get out on a spring evening and soak up the festive atmosphere. Accompanied by an adult ticket, all kids go free. Entertainment will include, bouncing castles, clowns, an interactive disco, carnival games and much more.
Speaking about the Locals Family Evening, sponsors Karena McCarthy of Killarney Credit Union said, “We are pleased to bring the community together for an action packed locals evening. The Credit Union is committed to supporting local initiatives, and this event is a perfect way for neighbours to gather and enjoy the fantastic festival atmosphere Killarney Racecourse offers.”
William Sheahan, Chairman of the Killarney Town Retailers Association, who are also sponsoring the local’s day said, “Our members are always ready to support local, and we are delighted to support the Locals’ Family Day”. From boutique fashion and fragrances to traditional butchers, footwear and pharmacies, Killarney retailers have an incredible amount to offer both residents and visitors, and we were delighted to come on board as a sponsor of the evening at Killarney Racecourse.
The festival concludes on Tuesday, May 12th (4.30pm start), with the Fexco Festival Finale. The final day pairs a high-quality flat racing card with some great live entertainment, ensuring the spring festival closes on it’s usual high note.

Karl McCay, General Manager of Killarney Racecourse expressed his readiness for the season ahead: “We are eager to welcome the public back to the Killarney Races. Between the calibre of the racing, the community-focused family evening, and our entertainment lineup, we have curated a program that offers something for every attendee this May Festival.”

Tickets are available for just €20 via the official website: www.killarneyracecourse.ie.