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Killarney retains Purple Flag status

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Killarney has been officially accredited with being a vibrant, exciting and safe place to live in and visit by night­.

It has been confirmed this week that the town has retained its prestigious Purple Flag status which is an international awards scheme for towns and city centres that excel after dark.

The recognition, considered a major international brand, is the gold standard for night time destinations and, like the Blue Flag scheme for beaches, recipients must meet exceptionally high standards and strict criteria to receive approval to fly the flag.

Killarney has received Purple Flag accreditation annually since 2014 and the official emblem flies proudly over the town hall as well as in the Glebe car park and Killarney Garda Station.

Killarney’s Purple Flag Working Group is spearheaded by the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and it involves Killarney Municipal District Council, An Garda Siochana, local businesses, community organisations and schools.

Purple Flag locations are deemed vibrant and well-managed between 5pm and 5am and the accreditation recognises excellence in the management of the evening and night-time economy and the creation of a safe and friendly environment in which to live, socialise and work.

​​​​​​​ADJUDICATION PROCESS

Factors taken into consideration during the adjudication process included after dark safety, cleanliness, vitality, cultural stimulation, lighting, the provision of public transport and broad appeal.

Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Marie Moloney, said for Killarney to secure the Purple Flag this year was a more significant achievement than ever given the unprecedented two years experienced in the town.

“It is great so see that Killarney had emerged from the pandemic with its reputation as a great place still very much to the fore. The recognition just goes to prove that Killarney is a great place to be and a great place to visit,” she said.

Purple Flag Committee Chairman, Frank Doran, has attributed the success to the quality and commitment of the working group and the businesses in Killarney town who operate in the night-time economy.

“In order to retain the Purple Flag we must continue our work on an everyday basis to develop the entertainment, food, hospitality and public transport offering in Killarney,” he said.

“The town will be subject to assessment again in 2022 and we look forward to working with local businesses and key stakeholders to help promote the area to the widest possible audience,” Mr Doran added.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Niall Kelleher, said the last two years have not been what anyone expected and businesses and locals have had to explore new territory in the fightback against COVID-19.

“Retaining the Purple Flag is very important as Killarney needs every advantage it can get in order to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“People all over the world are very much aware of just how wonderful Killarney is as a visitor attraction and as a welcoming, busy and fun place to be and this latest success just goes to prove that Killarney is just as charming after dark as it is by day,” Mr Kelleher said.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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