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Final Christmas parade an explosion of colour

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They may have been disappointed last week when the icy conditions put a halt to the Santa parade - but Saturday night's final outing was nothing short of spectacular.

Parade Director Kate O'Leary getting her marching orders from MC Kieran Healy at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade on Saturday evening. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Nice travel arrangements home after the final Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Volunteers Mary Lyne (left) and Lisa Hegarty at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Volunteer Paul O'Neill helping out at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Volunteer Fiona Carroll leading out Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Wanderwild Festival Volunteers Donal (Dux) O'Donoghue and Claire Tangney taking part at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Volunteers helping out at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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INCOGNITO WE DON'T THINK SO: Cameraman Adrian McCarthy pictured next to MC Kieran Healy was caught trying to livestream Santa Claus at the final Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The Magic of Christmas begins at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The Magic of Christmas begins at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Volunteer John O'Sullivan helping out at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Volunteer Paudie Spillane helping out at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Christmas begins at the Christmas In Killarney Magic Parade in front of thousands of spectators MC Kieran Healy with Dara and Cillian Birchhill. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Thousands - young and old - lined the streets while volunteers were busy behind the scenes as the Disney-style parade dazzled the town. 

Children cheered as Disney characters, amazing snow horses, dancers, performers and famous US characters showed off their magic and, of course, Santa Claus himself, was on his stunning reindeer sleigh. 

The explosion of colour made it a stunning scene as children spotted Santa Claus for one last time before he hurried back to his North Pole workshop to finish up the last of his special deliveries with his elves. 

Remember kids, go to bed early on Christmas Eve!

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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