News
Aghadoe Heights Hotel appoints Alan Keaney as Executive Sous Chef
Alan Keaney has been appointed as the new Executive Sous Chef at the five-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa.
His arrival coincides with new dining initiatives at the hotel, which are designed to highlight local Kerry produce.
Originally from Leitrim, Keaney brings 25 years of culinary experience, including training in three one-star Michelin restaurants and five five-star hotels.
He most recently worked as a Sous Chef at the Michelin-starred Chestnut Restaurant in Cork. Keaney's career began in his hometown of Manorhamilton, where he developed an interest in the hospitality industry.
He is a graduate of the National Tourism College in Killybegs and has worked in top kitchens in Ireland and Scotland.
His experience includes working as Chef de Partie at Michael Deane’s Restaurant in Belfast and Number One Restaurant at the Balmoral Hotel, both of which held a Michelin star during his time there.
Speaking about his new role, Alan Keaney said he was "delighted to join the prestigious culinary team" and that he had long admired the "innovation and creativity of Cedric Bottarlini and his team."
He added that his cuisine is "mostly classical with modern interpretation and techniques" and that he looks forward to using local produce to create new dishes.
The hotel’s dining options are evolving with Keaney's appointment. The new Lounge Menu features locally sourced ingredients, and the Lake Room Restaurant has introduced seasonal dishes. The hotel has also launched Plataí Beaga – Kerry Tapas, served on the terrace on Friday and Saturday evenings.
A new family-friendly initiative allows children under 12 to eat for free from a new menu when two adults order from the Heights Lounge Sunday Lunch menu.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
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