This week marks 25 years since Gleneagle Arena was officially opened by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Sunday, June 4, 2000.

Originally named Ireland's National Events Centre (INEC), the venue has since grown to become one of the country’s most versatile and iconic event spaces.
Over the past quarter-century, Gleneagle Arena has hosted numerous memorable events, including sold-out concerts by internationally acclaimed artists, major conferences, festivals and sporting events.
Thanks to its cutting-edge facilities and dedicated team, Gleneagle Arena has established Killarney as a year-round destination for both tourism and large-scale events. Its reputation for excellence in hosting events has made it a prominent fixture on Ireland’s entertainment and conference landscape. Gleneagle Arena exists today because of the vision of the late Maurice O'Donoghue.
“This was our father’s most ambitious project,” said Patrick O'Donoghue, CEO of Gleneagle. “He believed deeply in what a facility like this could bring to Killarney and to the wider region. He had a quiet determination and a deep sense of community. I think he’d be proud to see how far the venue has come. As we move into the next 25 years, we aim to continue providing a welcoming space for great events.”
This year, the venue was renamed Gleneagle Arena as part of a strategic rebranding initiative to align more closely with Gleneagle under whose umbrella it has always operated. The name change reflects the broader scope of the venue, not just as a national stage but as a cornerstone of the Gleneagle experience. The rebrand also pays homage to the long-standing heritage of the Gleneagle Hotel, a name synonymous with hospitality, entertainment and innovation in Irish tourism.