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BREAKING Killarney to get over €16 million in funding windfall BREAKING
Killarney to get over €16 million in funding windfall.
EXCLUSIVE
As predicted in last week’s Killarney Advertiser, Killarney is to receive €16.6 million in funding in the Regional Economic Driver and Destination programme attached to the urban regeneration scheme.
That is not the only good news for the county as Tralee is set to get €15.93 million under the same scheme.
The Killarney Advertiser exclusively revealed last week that Killarney was set to get millions in funding, and that the announcement would be timed to coincide with the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The funding will include monies allocated towards the regeneration of the derelict Áras Phádraig and the designation of the Glebe Craft quarter in the town centre.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today (Friday) welcomed the announcement of €31.90 million in funding for the Tralee and Killarney regions under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).
The URDF part-funds projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places to live, work, visit and invest.
This funding is part of a Government promise to assist with residential and commercial development, supported by infrastructure, services and amenities and within the existing built-up areas of larger urban settlements.
Minister Foley said: “I welcome the announcement of almost €32 million in Kerry by my Cabinet colleague, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’ Brien.
“I have been working on these twin projects for some months with Minister O’Brien and I am delighted with this positive and timely boost for our country.”
“I wish to thank Kerry County Council for their work on the applications. Their support has been crucial to the delivery of both projects.
"This funding will help create opportunities for commercial development in Tralee and Killarney while enhancing the many natural amenities and attractions that make Kerry one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
"I believe that this funding can be a catalyst for regeneration, development and growth.”
Among the projects set to benefit from this funding are the town centre Public Realm works in Tralee which would result in the primary streets of the central area of the town being finished to a high standard.
“This would link the major retail areas of the Mall, Castle Street and Lower Rock Street to the Island of Geese, and strengthen the links to the town park through St John’s Church Plaza.
“It will also help to maximise the wider benefits of tourism in Killarney town centre and to create an experience equivalent to the natural environment that surrounds it.”
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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