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Community invited to shine a light for loved ones this December

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It is by far one of the most wonderful visual features in Killarney and now locals are encouraged to 'Shine a Light' this December.

With the spectacular Tree of Light set to illuminate the town from December 1, once again becoming the main focal point of the Christmas in Killarney celebrations, a golden opportunity will arise this year for people to shine their own light on the landmark tree for someone they love or anybody they wish to send a special greeting to.

Over 4,500 bulbs will sparkle on the giant 100ft Californian Redwood on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral and this year people can shine their own light to make it an even more meaningful Christmas.

The public is being invited to contribute €10 to shine a light and, in return, they will receive a special gift scroll on which to include the name of those they wish to remember or thank at Christmas.

A special Mass will be offered early in the New Year for the intentions of all those for whom bulbs were bought.

All proceeds of the 'Shine Your Light' campaign will help offset some of the enormous costs involved in running the Christmas in Killarney festival each year, and of course, ensuring that the Tree of Light will remain an annual feature for the festive season.

Bulbs can be bought and certificates downloaded online at christmasinkillarney.com or, alternatively, they can be purchased at Sheahan’s Centra on Main Street, New Street or Muckross Road, Walsh Bros Shoes on New Street, Eagers Newsagents on High Street, Healy’s Newsagents on New Street, Who’s4Shoes on High Street or Eason on Main Street.

“This year we want to make the Tree of Light project extra special and we invite the whole community at home and away, to play their part,” said Christmas in Killarney Committee Chairman Niall Kelleher.

“There is nothing like the Tree of Light anywhere else in the country and Killarney is very lucky to have it but we must ensure it becomes a festive season fixture every year so community buy-in is essential,” he said.

The Tree of Light project is a collaboration between a Christmas in Killarney Festival sub-committee and the Killarney Parish and it creates a dramatic focal point in the town in the lead up to and during the festive season.

The tree is fitted with lightweight, energy efficient bulbs – with over 1,500 extra added this year – and the project is all about community resilience, celebrating the fact that Killarney is such a wonderful town to live in and to visit, whatever challenges are presented in life.

The feature Californian Redwood tree, adjacent to a Famine graveyard on the church grounds, is one of the most wonderful visual features in Killarney and it will greet thousands of visitors passing the cathedral on their way to and from town during the festive season.

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Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow 

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

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Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.

Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event. 

Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.

The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.

Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.

Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.

“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said. 

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Outdoor dining area officially opens in town

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

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A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).

The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.

“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.

“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”

The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.

“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.

Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.

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