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Customers dine in the dark

By Michelle Crean
Taste, textures and flavours were enhanced during a unique dining experience on Saturday night in the Brehon.

WALK THIS WAY: Pictured at the Dine In The Dark gourmet experience where diners were blindfolded during the meal in Danú Restaurant at The Brehon Hotel in aid of the National Council for the Blind were Sinead Desmond and Den Joe Brosnan from Mastergeeha Killarney being led by Brehon staff member Krtstine Zeiza. Photo: Don MacMonagle

WALK THIS WAY: Pictured at the Dine In The Dark gourmet experience where diners were blindfolded during the meal in Danú Restaurant at The Brehon Hotel in aid of the National Council for the Blind were Sinead Desmond and Den Joe Brosnan from Mastergeeha Killarney being led by Brehon staff member Krtstine Zeiza. Photo: Don MacMonagle
The team at Danú Restaurant at The Brehon hosted the Dine in the Dark event which meant customers are blindfolded.
It was part of a national campaign for the National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI) who provide a range of supports for clients. €10 from every meal will be donated to the sight loss charity.
“We challenged our customers to dine in the dark to raise vital awareness for the NCBI who support those who are affected by sight loss and their families," Sinead McCarthy, General Manager at The Brehon, said.
"Our amazing guests on the night were treated to a wonderful dining experience when the taste, textures and flavours of our food tantalised their tastebuds.”
The NCBI is a charity particularly close to Sinead’s heart, as they supported her brother, Donnacha, and family when he lost his sight at 10 years of age.
"Without sight to guide our guests, they can experience complex tastes, flavours and textures in a completely new and innovative way. Senses are heightened, altering taste, touch, smell and communication during the meal. Sight loss affects one in six people in Ireland, this event brings people together to raise awareness, vital funds and of course to have fun."
News
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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 […]

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.
News
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 […]

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.