News
Killarney’s 4th of July celebration another success
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of the town centre on Monday evening to welcome back the first 4th of July Parade since 2019.
FESTIVAL: The town centre is awash with colour this 4th of July.Photo by Sean Moriarty
FESTIVAL: The town centre is awash with colour this 4th of July.Photo by Sean Moriarty
FESTIVAL: The town centre is awash with colour this 4th of July.Photo by Sean Moriarty
FESTIVAL: The town centre is awash with colour this 4th of July.Photo by Sean Moriarty
It was the key event in Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce's annual celebration of The United States' Independence Day.
The festival’s official opening ceremony took place just after 3pm on Monday when Mayor Niall Kelleher and Chamber of Tourism and Commerce vice-president hoisted the American and Irish flags over the town hall.
“It is very important that we are back after two years,” Mayor Kelleher told the Killarney Advertiser.
“It is great to see all the vibrancy and craic and welcome our American visitors.”
A local group of musicians entertained the large crowd that had gathered outside the town hall and they sang both the Irish and American national anthems.
Pat Mulcahy, the first lieutenant of the American Legion pledged allegiance to the American flag and many of the gathered crowd joined him in his recitation of the verse.
New for this year was the presentation of state flags to US visitors. American visitors were invited to take their state flag and join in the celebration and there was at least one person there from each of the 50 states.
These people were invited to lead the parade later that evening and added extra colour and vibrancy to the event.
Thousands of people, many waving American flags,lined the streets of the town for the big parade and that was followed by a lively hour-long Beat on the Street from 8pm.
Ireland’s multi-award winning soul performer Buck Taylor entertained the masses at the Soul in the Park at 9pm and at 10 o’clock the celebrations continued in fabulous fashion with an open air screening of the hit movie 'The Greatest Showman' on the lawns of Killarney House and Gardens.
The Killarney 4th of July celebration concluded with a fireworks display just after 11pm.
The festival is organised by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland as well as sponsors Heineken.
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held...
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in...
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