The O’Donoghue Ring Collection organised a seven-week summer wellness programme for their staff this year.

Employees participated in a 5km walk to end the successful campaign, with families also invited to join an optional 2km walk.

The initiative featured a variety of activities designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul, from in-house fitness classes including mat pilates and circuit training to an engaging book club with lively discussions, as well as a competitive steps challenge.

A new highlight this year was the launch of the running and walking club, created and led by team members themselves.

Chefs from across the Collection also shared their expertise through a healthy recipe’s initiative, promoting wholesome meal planning and mindful eating.

Participants also benefited from expert training plans, nutrition and sleep-hygiene guidance, and tailored recovery routines.

After completing the Fun Run, team members came together at Café du Parc to celebrate their efforts with a well-earned spread of light bites and refreshing spritzes crafted by the O’Donoghue Ring Collection’s mixology team.

Gemma Ring, Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, said working in hospitality is both challenging and rewarding.

She said: “The well-being of our teams is always our top priority. We thoroughly enjoyed this year’s wellness programme and event, and we hope everyone carries the benefits of the past seven weeks into the winter months.”

A new Halloween festival is coming to Kerry this year with events being planned in Killarney, Tralee and Listowel to celebrate the spooky season.

Samhain Chiarraí will run from October 16 to November 9, and it aims to celebrate the county’s ancient traditions and cultural spirit.

Kerry was selected as one of the destinations for Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Home of Halloween’ pilot scheme.

The initiative forms part of the national strategy to establish Ireland as the home of Halloween.
Samhain Chiarraí is a celebration, rooted in Ireland’s authentic Samhain heritage drawing inspiration from the Cailleach, the wise and wild Goddess of Winter who emerges each year to mark the end of the harvest and the turning of the Celtic year.

Three new Samhain experiences will take place in Killarney, Tralee, and Listowel, and these family events will tell the story of the Cailleach Chiarrai.

It will take the form of Street Processions, Awakening Spectacles, Fireworks, Céilis, Willow Workshops and Treasure Hunts.

Samhain Chiarraí intends to transform towns and villages into immersive landscapes of fire, light, and story, connecting visitors and locals with Kerry’s dúchas, its heritage, belonging, and sense of place through a variety of workshops, street spectacles, light projections and rituals.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mike Foley explained that Samhain Chiarraí is about much more than celebrating our past, it’s about bringing families, schools, and communities together to create new memories and experiences.

He said: “From spectacular parades to community gatherings, Samhain Chiarraí will highlight the county’s rich traditions while introducing new and engaging experiences for both residents and visitors. This festival is a chance for Kerry to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and showcase the warmth and creativity of our communities.”