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What would a cable car mean for tourism in Killarney and Kerry?

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FINDING a super-swift way of seeing as much as possible in as short a time as possible is what most holidaymakers seek. Blame it on the frantic pace of today’s travel scene or our ever-diminishing attention spans – particularly when we are on holiday.

But should visitors land in Killarney with only 24 hours or less to spend here, do they have adequate options to get a fast, enjoyable overview of our town That’s why we were so intrigued by a proposal to develop a cable car tourist attraction in Kerry, which is likely to be examined in detail next year.

The idea was proposed by Councillor Michael Cahill and while it is still early days, Kerry County Council informs us that it is a medium-term objective in the Kerry Tourism Strategy adopted last year. “As such, it is at a very preliminary stage and the council is looking at options for such a facility at sites around the county,” stated a council spokesman.

So, let’s for a moment allow our minds to whizz along like the mode of transport under discussion and imagine the possibilities a cable car would open up to tourists, both short and long-stay alike. The need for such an attraction begs the question: Are we hiding too much of what Killarney has to offer because there is no whistle-stop means like this of seeing everything?

Zipping along overhead on a cable car could also result in less damage to any protected areas or sensitive grounds below. While red bus tours, town trains, jaunting cars and boat, bike, waterbus and walking trips are unrivalled ways of exploring Killarney, there is a lot to be said for an accessible, airborne tour of the town and its hinterland.

Several years ago, I enjoyed a hot air balloon trip over Killarney. And although Killarney born and bred, I would feel there is no argument that a bird’s eye view gives you an extremely welcome and very different overview of our locality’s many attractions. A cable car also ensures Killarney is more accessible for people of every ability.

And as an added bonus, following a cable car trip, it’s fair to say a short-stay visitor who may not otherwise have had a chance to see all Killarney has to offer would be more likely to plan a return visit to explore further.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS!

 


 
Above: Cartoonist Martin Carey gives his take on the concept of a cable car visitor attraction in Killarney.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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