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Applications open for Junior Ranger programme in National Park

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service is inviting applications for the Junior Ranger+ Programme, which will take place in Killarney National Park from March 2026.

The popular programme is being hosted once again by staff at the Killarney National Park Education Centre and is aimed at teenagers aged between 14 and 17 who have an interest in the outdoors, wildlife and conservation. The programme will begin on Saturday, March 7, and will be based at Muckross School House, the Arthur Vincent Hostel and other locations throughout the National Park.
Junior Ranger+ runs one Saturday per month in March, April and May, with a final double session taking place on Friday evening and Saturday morning on June 26 and 27. Each session will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm, though some days may run slightly longer depending on activities.
The programme builds on the experiences offered through the regular Junior Ranger camps and gives participants a more hands-on role in caring for the National Park. Activities will include conserving plants, animals and habitats, exploring lesser-known areas of the park, map reading and navigation, footpath maintenance, guided hikes, invasive species management and ecological surveys. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop new skills while working as part of a team and making new friends.
The cost of the Junior Ranger+ Programme is €100, which can be paid on the first day of the course. Places are strictly limited and demand is expected to be high.
The closing date for applications is Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants will be notified by February 28 if they have been successful.
Application forms are available online and can be accessed by following this link:
https://forms.gle/4Q6Rmzq2cHwtSSnj8
Further information is also available on the Killarney National Park Facebook and Instagram pages.

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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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