News
Hotels operating at just 32 percent capacity
Hotels are calling on the Government to retain existing business and employment supports for the industry which has lost billions of Euro.
Hotel and guesthouses across the country have experienced an estimated €5.3 billion collapse in revenues across 2020 and 2021, according to figures from the IHF.
Chair of the Irish Hotel Federation’s Kerry (IHF) branch Bernadette Randles says the supports are vital for the recovery of the sector and the wider tourism industry.
Occupancy figures nationally are expected to reach just 32% for the year, compared to 73% for 2019.
“As Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, tourism supported almost 270,000 livelihoods including 15,700 in Kerry prior to the pandemic. Our industry has been hardest hit by the restrictions, and the ensuing economic and financial impact of COVID-19 has been devastating. The Government supports so far have been critical, and a lifeline for many businesses, helping to restore employment and support the viability of businesses until we get back to a more stable footing. However, we need a firm commitment that they will be retained until the impact of the pandemic has passed. Tourism will recover, but it will take time,” she said.
The IHF is also calling for the 9% tourism VAT rate to be retained until after 2025, to provide certainty and allow Irish tourism to compete internationally.
“Our industry has a proven track record as a major contributor to the economy. Tourism’s recovery is just beginning. The pro-tourism Government measures introduced have been vital and with their continued support we can fully recover the ground we lost during the pandemic,” she added.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
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