A stunning video showcasing Killarney’s fascinating history, lore and legend has been produced as part of this year’s unique virtual St Patrick’s Festival in the town. Chronicling the monasticism and ecclesiastical heritage of the town and its surroundings, from the arrival of the monks on Innisfallen Island to the building of the landmark St Mary’s Cathedral, the production will be beamed into homes all over the world as Killarney marks the national feast day in a very special way.

In the absence of the colourful parade and street celebrations that have traditionally made Killarney a must-visit town on March 17, the St Patrick’s Festival Committee has opted for a virtual celebration to allow people everywhere to celebrate the town, its history and its people.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have joined forces for the project which will promote Killarney as a destination with a treasured history.

This year’s celebration will be much different to previous years – for obvious reasons – but it will still be quite spectacular as the town will turn various shades of green to mark the annual feast day with several iconic landmarks in the spotlight.

The specially commissioned video, titled 'Killarney: A place between heaven and earth', captures Killarney in all its glory with dramatic footage of standout mythical and magical features and contributions from high quality local performers.

[caption id="attachment_36474" align="alignleft" width="457"] The Venerable Simon J. Lumby, Rector of St Mary's Church of Ireland, Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

It tells the story, in words and pictures, of how the beauty of the surrounds which now form Killarney National Park set the scene for monks, writers, poets and mystics down through the centuries and the production culminates in a spectacular fashion with St Patrick lighting the fire on the Hill of Tara which is depicted in the stained glass windows of St Mary’s Cathedral.

Soprano Sharon Lyons performs 'The Deer’s Cry – a hymn by St Patrick' composed by Shaun Davey – and the video also features performances from David Rea of Celtic Steps and his daughter Jennifer, as well as interviews with the Venerable Simon J Lumby of St Mary’s Church of Ireland and St Brigid’s Secondary School students Éabha and Kate Rudden.

The video production is the work of award-winning Killarney photographer Valerie O’Sullivan with voiceover by Breda O’Farrell, lighting and effects by Kieran Somers, and Killarney National Park and Wildlife Conservation Ranger Seán Forde.

The Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, said he is really looking forward to what will be a very different St Patrick’s Day in 2021.

“After what has been a difficult year, we are delighted to have an opportunity to be able to celebrate our national holiday in what will be a very unusual but very exciting manner,” he said.
“Kerry County Council is delighted to work with St Patrick’s Festival Committee to develop this unique celebration of our people and place."

[caption id="attachment_36473" align="alignleft" width="708"] This year's greening of The Methodist Church, Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan [/caption]

St Patrick’s Festival Chairman, Paul Sherry, said the committee understands that many people who would like to be in Killarney for the event this year will be unable to do so as they are stranded elsewhere because of pandemic restrictions.

“We are instead calling on Killarney people all over the world to join us in our virtual celebration as we await better days ahead,” he said.
“The video is a splendid piece of work and it will be a very valuable and important tool in the promotion of Killarney going forward."

[caption id="attachment_36470" align="alignleft" width="1024"] Bean an Tí Joan, at Foley's Farm House, Muckross Traditional Farms, Killarney, celebrating a virtual St Patrick's Day this year on the farms. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]