Connect with us

News

Be a tourist for the day with free entry to Kerry’s visitor attractions

Published

on

FREE ENTRY: Kerry Bog Village Museum, Glenbeigh, is one of the various visitor attractions where there will be free entry to visitor attractions throughout Kerry on Thursday, July 30 as part of a new initiative launched this week by Kerry County Council and the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF). From left: John Mulvihill (Proprietor), Michael Larkin (KTIF), Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Scarteen O’Connor, Cllr Michael Cahill, Darragh O’Sullivan (Rosspoint Bar and Restaurant, Glenbeigh) and Timmy Mulivhill (Kerry Bog Village Museum). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

 

 

There will be free entry to visitor attractions throughout Kerry on Thursday, July 30 as part of a new initiative launched today by Kerry County Council and the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF).

 

'Kerry Tourism Day' aims to showcase the incredible selection of visitor attractions throughout the kingdom. Locals and visitors alike are invited to experience many of the county’s tourist attractions and experiences free of charge for one day.

The initiative aims to strengthen the referral economy amongst locals and communities by offering a countywide ‘open house’ of visitor attractions and tourist experiences.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, encouraged the people of Kerry to show their support for Kerry Tourism Day.

“We have a fantastic and diverse range of attractions for all ages here in Kerry," he said.

"I would encourage everyone in Kerry to consider being a tourist in their own county for the day by visiting one of our participating visitor attractions – while maintaining social distancing and adhering to public health guidelines. This is a really practical way to show your support for our local tourism industry at this challenging time.”

Participating visitor attractions include: KPR Pony Rides, The Carol Cronin Gallery, Skelligs Chocolate Factory, The Dingle Distillery, Kerry Bog Village Museum, Spirit in the Kingdom Guided Tours, Tig Bhric & West Kerry Brewery, Blennerville Windmill Visitor Centre, Dingle Darkroom, Kerry Writers’ Museum, Sidetracked Kenmare, Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse and Jail, Scanlon’s Pet Farm, Celtic Nature Walking Tours, The Ross Golf Course, Skellig Gift Store and Outdoor Heritage Gallery, Killarney Lake Tours, Muckross Traditional Farms, The Reeks Guiding Co, Wild Derrynane Seashore Nature Trail, Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco and Activity Park, Vincent Hyland Artist Gallery, Killarney House and Gardens, Muckross Traditional Farms, Jane Hilliard Gallery, Muckross House and Gardens and Kenmare Heritage Tours.

To view to full list of participants and avail of either free tickets, complimentary tours or bespoke events simply log onto www.DiscoverKerry.com.

Advertisement

News

Sinn Féin to host public meeting on cost of living at Killarney Heights Hotel

Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty will host a public meeting on the costs of living and housing crises at the Killarney Heights Hotel on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm. […]

Published

on

Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty will host a public meeting on the costs of living and housing crises at the Killarney Heights Hotel on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm.

The Donegal TD will be joined by Kerry TD Pa Daly to discuss the economic pressures facing local households and the policy changes needed to provide financial relief. The main focus of the evening will center on the barriers preventing local people from buying their own homes, alongside broader costs of living challenges.
Speaking exclusively to the Killarney Advertiser ahead of his visit, Deputy Doherty said workers and families across Kerry are being squeezed from every direction by rising weekly shops, high energy bills, increasing insurance premiums, and substantial housing costs.
“Young people are losing hope that they will ever own a home in the county where they were raised,” Deputy Doherty said. “And while all of this is happening, the government is sitting on billions in budget surpluses while telling struggling families to wait. It is simply not good enough.”
The Sinn Féin finance spokesperson highlighted specific regional factors making the crisis acute in County Kerry, particularly regarding home heating costs.
“Almost 59% of homes in Kerry rely on home heating oil, which is nearly double the state average of 34%,” he said. “That means families across the county are far more exposed to soaring fuel costs than households in many other parts of the state. Yet the government withdrew supports that were helping households keep the lights on and heat their homes.”
Deputy Doherty noted that the housing situation in Kerry has moved beyond a social issue and is now impacting the local economy and communities. He pointed to figures showing average rents in the county have reached €1,493 per month, with exceptionally low market availability.
“At the time of writing, there were only 27 properties available online to rent across the entire county. Only 19 were below €2,000 a month and just five were available for less than €1,500. A county the size of Kerry, and only five rental properties affordable to someone on an ordinary income,” he said.
He also raised concerns for first-time buyers, noting that average house prices in Kerry have climbed to €296,000, representing an increase of €33,500 in a single year.
During the meeting, the Sinn Féin representatives will outline their party’s alternative proposals. These include a state-led program of affordable home building, a ban on excessive rent increases, enhanced protections for renters, and immediate energy credits and tax relief for workers.
“The resources exist to do this,” Deputy Doherty added. “The government’s own figures show billions in surplus funds available to the state. The issue is not a lack of money. The issue is political choice.”
The meeting is open to all members of the public, and a discussion session will follow the main presentations.

Continue Reading

News

National Park hosts weekend Bioblitz for National Biodiversity Week

Killarney National Park is taking centre stage for the final weekend of National Biodiversity Week, with the public being urged to get outdoor and explore the local environment. Today, Friday, […]

Published

on

Killarney National Park is taking centre stage for the final weekend of National Biodiversity Week, with the public being urged to get outdoor and explore the local environment.

Today, Friday, May 22, marks the UN International Day for Biological Diversity, and a series of free events will run across the park until the national celebration concludes this Sunday, May 24.
The highlight of the weekend is the Killarney National Park Bioblitz. This event brings families, nature lovers, and community volunteers together to find, identify, and record as many different plant and animal species as possible across the park’s diverse habitats over the next three days.
Christopher O’Sullivan, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, encouraged locals and visitors alike to utiliSe the final days of the festival to experience the area’s unique wildlife, referencing Killarney’s native habitats as key areas the state is working to protect.
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), noted that the week is designed to remind people that native plants, woodlands, and rivers are vital systems that make life possible. OrganiSers are encouraging anyone in the locality to head out to Killarney National Park before Sunday evening to participate in the species count and support local conservation efforts.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport