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Killarney businesses awarded for excellence

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Kerry’s status as a leading tourism destination was confirmed at the prestigious CIE Tours International Annual Awards of Excellence which took place in Dublin’s City Hall this week.

Now in its 29th year, the annual awards of excellence recognise the best hotels and attractions across Ireland and are based on feedback from over 32,000 customers throughout the year.

In total 77 hotels and tourist attractions won awards, with 13 overall category winners being awarded a Gold Award.

Cahernane House Hotel is celebrating after being awarded A Gold Excellence Award and the status of ‘Best 4 Star Hotel’ in Ireland; Killeen House Hotel won the Special Dinner Feature category while Killarney Horse & Carriage Tours won the Best Tour Feature category.

In addition, merit awards were presented to nine hotels and three tourism destinations in the Kingdom. Hotel Merit Award winners included; Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Great Southern Killarney, Killarney Avenue Hotel, The Brehon, Killarney Plaza Hotel, International Hotel Killarney, Dingle Skellig Hotel, Killarney Towers Hotel and the Europe Hotel Killarney.

Muckross House and Gardens, John B Keane’s Pub in Listowel, Tangney Tours Jaunting Cars, Killarney, also received Merit Awards from CIE Tours International.
Each of the winners achieved a customer satisfaction rating of over 92 percent from CIE Tours International visitors, delivering an exceptional quality experience and welcome to tourists.

The honours were presented by Vivienne Jupp, Chairman and Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive Officer, CIE Tours International.

CIE Tours International (www.cietours.com) is one of Ireland’s longest established heritage tour operators, celebrating 87 years in business this year. In 2018, the company enjoyed €120 million in revenues and over 400,000 bed nights booked throughout the country. It is the most successful tour operator involved in delivering tourism to Ireland from North and in 2019 is expanding its destinations with new tours to Italy and Iceland.

Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive Officer, CIE Tours International said that 2018 was a fantastic year for the tourism industry in Ireland, with next year expected to be as good, in spite of uncertainties created by Brexit and other external factors.
“The hotels and attractions which have been recognised all deserve acknowledgment for the roles they play in making Ireland a leading destination for visitors across the globe and ensuring tourists enjoy a memorable experience,” she said.
“And this is not me saying it, it is the 32,000 visitors who filled out our survey forms and told us about their experience.”

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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