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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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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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