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Killarney aiming to be Ireland’s leading accessible destination
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Minister Brendan Griffin recently launched Killarney Chamber Of Tourism and Commerce's development strategy to become Ireland's leading accessible destination to a room full of chamber business members at The Brehon Hotel.
The Killarney Chamber President, Paul O' Neill welcomed everyone, especially the Minister, Failte Ireland and Kerry County Council.
In Paul's address he outlined the plan: “We are trying to create a destination for everyone. As an Industry we have to make sure we give a world class service to all people through the full human life cycle. To do this we must make sure our facilities, products, services and IT are inclusive to all.”
He went on to point out where the journey began through chamber member, Paudie Healy, and Universal Access and the work they were doing internationally. They were selected by the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) to develop and manage the World Tourism For All international pilot and Universal Access selected Ireland and Killarney to run the pilot.
“For this project in Killarney, Kerry and Ireland to be a success it is going to take collaboration between all different tourism service providers in the private sector, local and national government and various stakeholders and tonight we are launching a development strategy, a pathway, an intention - this is NOT the finished article.
“We are by no means currently a leading accessible destination. Everyone here tonight and the wider business community through all different sectors and the public bodies must be part of the journey. Universal Access will be giving this opportunity to all businesses be part of the ‘Killarney: A Destination For All’ programme over the next number of months.
“Capital investment, upgrading and modernising of facilities will develop over time but to begin with it is about showing a desire, knowledge and an openness to help our visitors and their individual needs and that is done through training and awareness”.
Minister Griffin later presented World Tourism For All certificates to the hotels in the world programme at present:
- Gleneagle Hotel
- Killarney Plaza Hotel
- Victoria House Hotel
- The Brehon Hotel
- Killarney Avenue Hotel
- Killarney Towers Hotel
- The Park Place Apart Hotel
- The Maritime Hotel
- Killarney Park Hotel
- Muckross Park Hotel
- Dromhall Hotel
- The Great Southern Hotel
- International Hotel
Pic: Don MacMonagle.
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.
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