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Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures

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Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures

Concerns have been raised following the revelation that the main visitor centre for Killarney National Park is closed two days every week during the peak summer tourism season.

Following a multi-million euro refurbishment, Killarney House officially opened as the national park's visitor centre in July 2017.
The property was originally bequeathed to the State in 1998 following the death of Mary McShain, wife of US businessman John McShain.
Diarmaid Griffin, a local boat driver, guide, and a member of the Kerry Green Party, highlighted the issue after learning that the visitor centre had reduced its schedule from seven days a week to five. The facility is currently closed to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday.
"We are coming into the peak season of tourism in Killarney, with visitors from around the world coming to experience the lakes, mountains, and forests," Mr Griffin said. "Surely, the visitors that arrive to our town on Tuesday or Wednesday deserve to learn about the history, geography, and ecology of Killarney National Park also. I would like the beautiful building to be open to the public seven days a week during the summer months."
Mr Griffin confirmed that he has contacted Christopoher O’Sullivan, the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to question the decision. He added that his email has been noted, but he is still awaiting a formal response.
The Killarney Advertiser contacted the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for comment on the operational reasons behind the weekly closures, but no reply was received before going to press on Thursday afternoon.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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