News
Dandelion debate goes international
The ongoing discussion regarding the cutting of dandelions in Killarney has reached a wider audience, with readers now highlighting how other European cities manage their green spaces.
The debate began in mid-April when local residents, led by Niall Keogh, criticised the Killarney Municipal District for mowing roadside margins that were filled with wildflowers.
These plants serve as a vital early-season food source for bees and other pollinators. Since then, the Killarney Advertiser has received a steady stream of correspondence from locals calling for a change in policy to align with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
The conversation has now taken an international turn. Reader Kathleen Dennehy contacted the Advertiser this week with photos from a recent trip to Austria. Her images show sidewalks in both Salzburg and Vienna where green areas are left to grow, teeming with dandelions in the middle of the city.
"You may be interested in these photos as a contribution to the discussion on green areas in Killarney," Kathleen said, pointing out that even major tourist cities in Europe are embracing a more nature-focused approach to urban maintenance.
The international examples provide a sharp contrast to the "decapitated" margins recently seen in Killarney. Local campaigners argue that if cities like Salzburg can maintain a high standard of tourism while protecting biodiversity, Killarney should be able to do the same.
The public outcry has led to increased calls for a "No Mow May" policy. Residents such as Annette Dalton and Noreen O’Brien have argued that the council’s current mowing schedule is out of step with environmental needs, prioritising a "neat" appearance over the survival of native species.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National...
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar...
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