Heights Hotel leads the conversation on Women’s Wellbeing

This summer, The Heights Hotel Killarney has become the first hotel in Killarney to introduce complimentary Riley period products for both guests and employees, reinforcing a simple belief: period products are an essential, not a luxury.

The initiative has been launched in partnership with Riley, an Irish, female-founded Certified B Corporation (B Corp).
Available throughout the hotel’s guest and staff bathrooms, the initiative ensures that anyone who needs period products can access them freely and discreetly. While the change may seem small, it reflects a much bigger conversation around equality, accessibility and dignity.
For The Heights Hotel, this isn’t about following a trend or adding another guest amenity. It’s about creating an environment where people feel genuinely cared for and helping to normalise conversations around women’s health.
Rachel Murphy, Head of Sales at The Heights Hotel Killarney, said:
“Providing complimentary period products is a simple gesture, but one that can have a meaningful impact. No one should have to worry about whether they have access to period care when they’re away from home or at work. We’re incredibly proud to be the first hotel in Killarney to partner with Riley and hope it encourages more businesses to see period products as an everyday essential rather than an optional extra.”
To celebrate the launch, The Heights Hotel will host a complimentary Women’s Wellness Event on 22nd August, bringing together a panel of guest speakers to explore important topics affecting women’s health and wellbeing.
The event will create a welcoming space for open and honest conversations around subjects including menstrual health, menopause, period poverty, female empowerment and overall wellbeing; topics that are becoming increasingly important, yet are still too often overlooked.
Sean McDermott, General Manager of The Heights Hotel Killarney, added:
“At The Heights Hotel, we believe hospitality is about more than providing a place to stay. it’s about looking after people. This initiative is a reflection of the values that guide our business every day: kindness, inclusion and community. By making period products freely available, we’re removing a small barrier that can make a big difference to someone’s day”
The complimentary Women’s Wellness Event will take place on August 22 at The Heights Hotel Killarney, with further details and guest speakers to be announced in the coming weeks. Enquiries to events@killarneyheights.ie.

Oisín Murphy homecoming a highlight of July Festival

Thousands of racing fans descended upon Ireland’s most scenic racecourse past week as the five-day July Festival delivered increased attendances, off-track entertainment, and top-class racing.

The defining local moment came on Tuesday evening when Killarney native and five-time British Champion Jockey Oisín Murphy returned to his home track to secure a riding double. Cheered on by a large contingent of the Murphy and Culloty families, Murphy scored first aboard Joseph O’Brien’s Celtic Motif before guiding Saga Gaga, bred by local Killarney Racegoers Club member Danny Leane, to victory in the featured handicap.
Off the track, the festival’s entertainment program provided an electric atmosphere. Presenter Frankie Foster from Racing TV’s Raceday channel made his debut at the course, broadcasting the action and Killarney’s iconic landscape to hundreds of thousands of viewers online. In recognition of his promotion of the event, the racecourse presented him with a Kerry GAA jersey from goalkeeper Shane Murphy.
Fashion took centre stage on Friday for the Lee Strand Best Dressed Day. Judges TJ Reid, Kilkenny hurling icon, and top influencer Niamh de Brún-Reid selected the top style icons from a competitive field. The Best Dressed Lady title was awarded to Listowel native Niamh Lordan (now living in Cork), who wore a rented Leo Lin dress with a self-designed glass hat, winning a VIP luxury trip for two to Paris. Tariq Anwar from Dublin took the Best Dressed Gent title in a white Louis Copeland suit and Texas hat, securing a VIP trip to Milan.
Organisers are already preparing for Killarney’s next Summer Festival, set for August 20 to 22. With hospitality packages nearly sold out, racegoers are advised to book early to guarantee entry.