News
Rare moth discovered in Killarney National Park

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A very rare moth has been discovered in Killarney National Park.
The White Prominent Leucodonta was believed to be extinct in Ireland and Ireland.
Local moth enthusiast and orthodontist Stephen Cotter made the discovery last Friday.
“A mysterious and iconic moth, assumed extinct in Ireland and Britain by the 1930s but re-found in 2008 in a remote area near Glencar. For the past 80 years various surveyors have tried to locate it in Killarney national park, but no success until last Friday night,” Stephen told the Killarney Advertiser.
“This is a very striking moth, and enthusiasts from the UK come here annually to try and catch a glimpse. It is only on the song for a few weeks a year.
“I was surveying a remote area in the National Park for moths, targeting its preferred habitat of ancient birch. I was stunned to find an adult male in the trap, the first found in Killarney National Park for over 80 years.
“It means a separate population of this very rare moth probably exists here, making the species less vulnerable.
“I am an orthodontist and have a very keen interest in insect science and moths in particular.
“They are an amazing group, though most people consider them dull and a pest. They are vital pollinators and benefit all of us. We should be very proud of our moth diversity in kerry, we are a stronghold for very many species. I alone have recorded over 400 separate species in the county. That is amazing when you think about it.”
”The plan is now to try and establish just what the population is like out there.
"The National Park is such as treasure, you just never know what you can find.”
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.