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1.7m visited Killarney National Park in last year

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The importance of the National Park to the Killarney economy was outlined in great detail to members of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce last week.

Members attending last Friday’s Annual General Meeting at the Killarney Avenue Hotel were told that 1.7 million people visited Killarney National Park last year.

Chamber recently engaged the services of Repucon Consulting, a company that specialises in tourism research and economic strategies.

Counters in place at the key attractions showed that 200,000 people passed through the gates of the park at Knockreer, 106,000 visited Muckross House and 56,000 people enjoyed the traditional farms at Muckross.

In addition, 55,000 people walked Dinis and a further 50,000 climbed Cardiac Hill.

“While we acknowledge that the park is important for tourism, it is just as important for everybody that lives and works in the town of Killarney and we saw that during COVID when the park was such a release for everybody,” outgoing Chamber President, Niall Kelleher, said.

“When the Chamber advocates in relation to projects for tourism it is equally important for the town’s people. What’s good for tourism is good for the town of Killarney.”

Plans in the pipeline include an upgrade of Knockreer House and its Italian-style gardens, a review of the park’s biodiversity plan, the development of a major new car park at Muckross House and Gardens and a novel project to attract more osprey birds to the park given that the species have a link with Killarney going back generations.

The glasshouses in Muckross Gardens will be upgraded, toilets for the disabled will be built at Ross Castle, a new thatched roof will be erected on Deenagh Lodge for the first time since 2008 and a signage survey will be undertaken throughout the park.

A plan to develop a new loop from Muckross to Dinis, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists returning along the N71, is another priority.

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Soroptimists to host annual Pancake and Coffee Morning

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Killarney Soroptimist Club has announced the return of its annual Pancake and Coffee Morning, which will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 17.

The event will be held at the Killarney Avenue Hotel starting from 10.30am.

Attendees can look forward to a morning of music and entertainment featuring Tim Gleeson and friends.

Along with pancakes and coffee, the event will feature various raffles and a door prize on the day.

This year’s door prize is a two-night bed and breakfast stay at the Hayfield Manor Hotel.

The event is a significant fundraiser for the club, with all proceeds being donated to Rockmount Care Centre in Kilgarvan and St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort.

Tickets for the morning are priced at €20 and are available for purchase from, Soroptimist Members, the chosen beneficiary charities or Sheila Casey at 086 814 9677.

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Julie Deady wins first Camera Club competition of year

The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of “Sunset” attracting a wide range of high-quality entries. Top honours went […]

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The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of “Sunset” attracting a wide range of high-quality entries.

Top honours went to Julie Deady, a former Photographer of the Year winner with the club, for her image titled Church of St Primoz and Felicijan. The photograph was taken in Slovenia and captured a striking sunset, with deep reds and strong orange tones stretching across the sky. The setting sun silhouetted a bank of clouds, while warm evening light spilled across the surrounding landscape.
The nearby church, trees and open fields were softly lit, adding depth and balance to the scene. The image impressed judge John Hootan, a distinguished photographer, who praised its exposure, composition and timing. He awarded the photograph full marks, describing it as a benchmark for the competitions ahead.
Members said the standard of entries made the judging particularly competitive and set a positive tone for the year. With such a strong opening round, anticipation is already building for the next monthly themes as members continue to develop their skills and creativity.
The club thanked all members who took part, noting that the growing level of participation and friendly rivalry continues to raise standards across the competitions.

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