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Killarney back in business after restrictions lifted

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney hotels and hospitality sector businesses are preparing for a bumper season after the majority of pandemic-related restrictions were lifted this week.

The news, which came late on Friday, gave hoteliers and publicans little over 12 hours to prepare.
The Government announcement ended the 8pm closing time for pubs and restaurants and allowed nightclubs to open for the first time in nearly two years.

“It has been all go since the announcement and it's very positive,” Bernadette Randles, Chair of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It is great news and now we are getting ready to rebuild our businesses, this is really positive news for hotels and tourism in Killarney.”

Despite the short notice Ms Randles said there were large numbers of people out enjoying themselves since the 8pm curfew was lifted.

She was full of praise for her staff at her family run Dromhall Hotel who had to cope with yet another change in work practices.

“For us in Dromhall it was good. People did venture out after 8pm and the best thing was to see our teams motivated and to see a renewed buzz about the place,” she added.

She said that Kerry can look forward to a busy season but warned that it could take years to recover after two years in some form of lockdown or restrictions.

“We are seeing a big increase in bookings, however there is a lot of ground to be made up and it will be a long road to recovery. Overall we remain very optimist but we cannot take anything for granted and it may take more time for some businesses to recover.”

Last summer Irish people were encouraged to holiday at home and she is hopeful this will continue this year, however the international market may take some time to recover.

“One of the positive impacts over the last couple years is that people have rediscovered Ireland as a holiday destination and we feel this will stand to us as people rediscover the beauty and what Ireland has to offer and they can travel Ireland at their ease,” she added.

“We are hopeful of overseas visitors, but it will be a number of years before they get back to pre-COVID levels. This means ongoing Government assistance is going to be essential.”

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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