Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.

Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.

The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.

Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.

GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference

Kilcummin Men’s Shed goes jaunting!

Three jaunting cars, a gang of Kilcummin characters, two unsuspecting Americans and a few amorous stags. What could go wrong?

There was no shortage of horsepower, laughs or local characters when Kilcummin Men’s Shed descended on Killarney for a memorable morning out on Friday, October 16.
Swapping their usual surroundings for something more traditional, the lads climbed aboard three jaunting cars at the Ha-Ha before setting off through Killarney National Park.
Wrapped up in blankets and looking every inch the distinguished gentlemen, the group enjoyed the spectacular autumn scenery, fresh air and plenty of good-natured banter.
Of course, their timing couldn’t have been better. With the deer rutting season in full swing, Killarney’s famous red stags were busy roaring, strutting and competing for female attention.
Some of the Kilcummin lads reportedly recognised similar behaviour from their younger days, although others wisely maintained a dignified silence!
But the real entertainment began when one carriage picked up two American tourists from Utah.
The visitors had presumably expected a peaceful journey through Killarney’s beautiful countryside, perhaps with a bit of local history and some wildlife spotting.
Instead, they found themselves sharing a carriage with members of Kilcummin Men’s Shed, a group well able to provide their own unique brand of Irish entertainment!
Quite what the Americans made of their unexpected travelling companions remains unknown, but they’ll certainly have a story to bring home.
Meanwhile, the horses patiently carried their cheerful passengers through the park, while the camera captured plenty of smiles, laughter and a few poses worthy of a royal procession.
By the time the three-carriage convoy returned to the Ha-Ha, everyone was delighted with their morning’s adventure.
The group thanked the jarveys, their hardworking horses and everyone involved in organising the outing.
Beyond the laughs, the excursion highlighted the friendship, companionship, and community spirit at the heart of Kilcummin Men’s Shed, where getting together and enjoying life matter most.
As the lads proudly declare, “Growing old is compulsory, but growing up is entirely optional!”
As for the two Americans, nobody knows whether they’ve recovered from their unexpected introduction to Kilcummin humour. One thing’s certain: they got considerably more than the standard sightseeing tour!