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A week-long Irish dancing event is estimated to be worth between €5m and €7m to the local economy.

Last week the All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships 2020 Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann are taking place in the Gleneagle INEC Arena – with competitors travelling to the town from around the globe.

The week-long Irish dancing event - which had dancers ranging in age from nine years to senior competing in solo and team competitions - commenced on Sunday last and ran until Saturday. It was organised by An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha and the event is expected to have brought in excess of 3000 competitors and 7000 spectators.

The event, which was established in 1932, is the longest running major competition in the Irish dance calendar and is the oldest event of its kind in the world. Such is the popularity and status of the championships that the majority of the competitors in attendance are actually from outside the island of Ireland.

“We are honoured to welcome back the All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships to Killarney for the third year in a row,” Patrick O’Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group, said.

“We thank An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) for choosing our town once again and guarantee that this huge influx of competitors and visitors will have a fantastic week here.”

James McCutcheon, Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee added that they were delighted to return again.

“Killarney has successfully hosted 12 championships in the past and a feast of Irish music and dance is assured,” James said.