News
Kells Bay Gardens wins gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show
Ireland’s Master Gardener Billy Alexander of Kells Bay Gardens in Cahersiveen was one of those who wowed the judges enough to receive a prestigious gold medal Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show
This is the third gold medal that Billy has been awarded by the RHS for his rare and exotic fern displays, scooping golds at the 2021 Hampton Court, and Chelsea Flower shows respectively.
Kells Bay Gardens is home to one of the largest private collections of exotic tree ferns which grow naturally in the tranquil microclimate at Kells Bay Gardens overlooking the Dingle Peninsula.
The inspiration for this year’s display came from the Irish landscape, and in particular the wild surrounds of County Kerry.
The design simulates a Kerry bog, and along with a myriad of fern varieties, native sphagnum moss features amidst small peaty bog pools. Offsetting this, are large ancient rocks typical of the Iveragh peninsula landscape
Kerry Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill has extended his congratulations to Billy.
He said:
“This is a massive achievement and everyone in the county is proud of the fact that we have Gold Medal standard gardens in our midst at Kells Bay House and Gardens on the Ring of Kerry.
“Billy’s design showcases the wild Kerry landscape and the many types of fern that can be seen all around us, to a world class standard. Kells Bay House and Gardens is another fantastic attraction in Kerry and Billy’s success will continue to draw more visitors here.”
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
FESTIVAL HIT: Liam O’Connor at Electric Picnic – picture special
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards,...
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney...
Chamber schedules future talks with Minister Foley
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has agreed two further meetings for 2027 with Minister Norma Foley following a positive...
Vintage club reveals iconic Coca-Cola Christmas float plan
Killarney Valley Vintage and Classic Club has unveiled plans for this year’s Christmas in Killarney parades following a trailer donation...
Call for strict shopfront rules to protect streetscape
Concerns over the changing appearance of the town centre have prompted calls for stricter local regulation regarding shopfront designs, signage,...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
