News
Applications open for Junior Ranger programme in National Park
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is inviting applications for the Junior Ranger+ Programme, which will take place in Killarney National Park from March 2026.
The popular programme is being hosted once again by staff at the Killarney National Park Education Centre and is aimed at teenagers aged between 14 and 17 who have an interest in the outdoors, wildlife and conservation. The programme will begin on Saturday, March 7, and will be based at Muckross School House, the Arthur Vincent Hostel and other locations throughout the National Park.
Junior Ranger+ runs one Saturday per month in March, April and May, with a final double session taking place on Friday evening and Saturday morning on June 26 and 27. Each session will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm, though some days may run slightly longer depending on activities.
The programme builds on the experiences offered through the regular Junior Ranger camps and gives participants a more hands-on role in caring for the National Park. Activities will include conserving plants, animals and habitats, exploring lesser-known areas of the park, map reading and navigation, footpath maintenance, guided hikes, invasive species management and ecological surveys. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop new skills while working as part of a team and making new friends.
The cost of the Junior Ranger+ Programme is €100, which can be paid on the first day of the course. Places are strictly limited and demand is expected to be high.
The closing date for applications is Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants will be notified by February 28 if they have been successful.
Application forms are available online and can be accessed by following this link:
https://forms.gle/4Q6Rmzq2cHwtSSnj8
Further information is also available on the Killarney National Park Facebook and Instagram pages.
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
FESTIVAL HIT: Liam O’Connor at Electric Picnic – picture special
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards,...
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney...
Chamber schedules future talks with Minister Foley
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has agreed two further meetings for 2027 with Minister Norma Foley following a positive...
Vintage club reveals iconic Coca-Cola Christmas float plan
Killarney Valley Vintage and Classic Club has unveiled plans for this year’s Christmas in Killarney parades following a trailer donation...
Call for strict shopfront rules to protect streetscape
Concerns over the changing appearance of the town centre have prompted calls for stricter local regulation regarding shopfront designs, signage,...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
