Killarney Park Hotel bids farewell to Noreen

The Killarney Park has marked the end of an era as long-serving team member Noreen McSweeney officially retires after nearly five decades with the business.

Noreen started her career almost 50 years ago at The Ross before moving to The Killarney Park. Over the past half-century, she became a familiar face to generations of visitors to the town and a constant presence for her colleagues.
Managing Director Marcus Treacy praised her contribution to the hotel over the decades:
“Hospitality was never simply a job for Noreen; it is who she is. Caring for people came as naturally to her as breathing. Every guest she welcomed felt genuinely looked after, and every colleague who worked alongside her became better because of her example.
As we continued to evolve The Killarney Park, I often spoke about preserving the hotel’s DNA. The surroundings could change and our standards could continue to rise, but the soul of the hotel had to remain the same. If I were ever asked to define that DNA in one person, it would be Noreen McSweeney. She embodied everything we stand for , genuine hospitality, warmth, professionalism and heartfelt care.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Treacys added:
“Noreen has been part of our family for almost fifty years. Her loyalty, kindness and commitment have helped shape The Killarney Park into the hotel it is today, and we will always be grateful for everything she has given to our guests, our colleagues and our family.
While we will miss seeing her every day, we are delighted that she begins this new chapter. She will always have a place at The Killarney Park, and we look forward to welcoming her back, this time as our guest.”

Samhain Chiarraí returns top to streets this autumn

Killarney will take centre stage for major spectacles and cultural highlights as Samhain Chiarraí returns from October 15 to November 1.

The immersive county-wide festival celebrates the ancient Celtic turning of the year through fire, folklore, music, and street art.
The festival kicks off in Killarney with the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) running from October 15 to 18. Based in the town, KIFF will host feature films, documentaries, shorts, and the Kerry premiere of The Biddys documentary.
Killarney will also host the signature An Cailleach Chiarraí celebrations from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25.
The town will host a specially commissioned street performance inspired by An Cailleach Chiarra, the ancient Goddess of Winter, curated by West Kerry street arts company MÓTU.
Award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic will bring his unique blend of folklore and performance, alongside the return of the popular Fire Rituals, Super Céilí, and a full schedule of family-friendly workshops and interactive events.
Meanwhile, after lighting up Killarney, the signature Cailleach Chiarraí street spectacles and fire rituals move to Tralee from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1.
The Samhain Chiarraí festival spans the autumn mid-term break, bookended by the Dingle Food Festival and Listowel Food Festival. It also supports local community initiatives across Kerry, including Féile Éile in Killorglin and the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in Castleisland.
Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland noted that Samhain Chiarraí is a fantastic example of how authentic local culture can create compelling visitor experiences. As part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween programme, the festival showcases Kerry’s unique heritage through storytelling, performance, and community participation.
Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks at <-block _nghost-ng-c78555923=”” class=”ng-star-inserted”>discoverkerry.com/SamhainChiarrai.