News
Coach operators plead for Government aid in budget
By Sean Moriarty
A Killarney tour operator has called for the Government to provide further financial aid for the industry in light of an uncertain 2022 season.
He described to an Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sports and Media on Wednesday how a coach with just two American tourists and two staff is currently touring Ireland.
Representatives from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) including Mike Buckley of Kerry Coaches, were invited to outline the detrimental impact COVID-19 has had on the coach tour industry.
Mr Buckley said he and his industry colleagues were desperate to highlight that Ireland was open for business and that the empty coach was an attempt by tour operators to prove how far they are willing to go to get this message out there.
“There is a reticence by people who travel in large numbers, people are not buying,” he told the meeting.
“There is anecdotal evidence that one coach operator is touring Ireland with two passengers, a driver and a tour guide.”
Mr Buckley said he was grateful for the previous support the industry had received but that funding stems back to the summer of 2020 and they were not included in the July 2021 round of funding.
That money was put towards existing loans on buses and coaches and has now dried up.
“It was like putting a bandage over a major bleed or haemorrhage,” he added.
The CTTC said that the coach industry contributed €215 million to the economy in 2019, the last year full figures are available for.
“Shops, cafes, hotels, attractions are hugely dependent on coach tours,” he added.
Kerry Coaches, in peak times, employ up to 114 drivers and tour guides.
“We are down to a skeleton staff,” he added.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026...
Innovation Centre marks 25 years
Innovation Centre marks 25 years The Killarney Technology and Innovation Centre (KTIC) is celebrating 25 years of supporting local business...
Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish
Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish Following the recent celebration of significant wedding anniversaries in St Joseph’s Church,...
Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success
Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success Organisers of Oireachtas na Samhna have confirmed that the...
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...
