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Killarney’s An Óige hostel wins prestigious Experts Choice Award

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SUCCESS: Killarney International Hostel has won the Best of Killarney award at the 2019 ExpertsÕ Choice Awards: Pictured were: Sinead O'Connell, Fiona Curnow, Paul Huggett, John Claffey (Manager) and JC Brosnan. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Killarney International Hostel were big winners at the recent 2019 Experts’ Choice Awards after walking away with the Best of Killarney award.

Now in its fourth year, the Experts’ Choice Awards is much sought after in the travel industry as awards are based on professional expert reviews. Fewer than two percent of hotels and hostels worldwide receive a prestigious Experts Choice award.

The hostel is owned and operated by An Óige – Irish Youth Hostel Association and this week Manager John Claffrey, who has run the business for the past 27 years, said they are thrilled with the news.

“It’s always great to get nominated for an award but to win one is even that bit more special,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“What makes these awards even more special is that they’re based on the reviews of industry experts so they obviously found our hostel to be of top quality and a great experience which is exactly what we always want to hear.”

The hostel itself is housed in an 18th century mansion and set of 75 acres of gardens and forest overlooking the mountains and Killarney National Park. It is considered one of An Óige’s most environmentally friendly hostels as almost all waste produced by the hostel is recycled or composted.

The hostel, located just off the Fossa road, opened in 1959, with an ethos of bringing groups, including disadvantaged children from urban areas to the countryside for a break, John explained.

“We open eight months of the year and cater for 137 in the high season. We cater for groups only during the low season for four months.”

It isn’t the first time that the hostel has received acclaim as it was previously shortlisted in the Top 5 ‘Favourite Irish Hostels’ as voted for by the readers of TNT Magazine in 2012.

He added a huge thanks to everyone involved in running the business including the dedicated staff.

“It’s nice to be recognised and we thank everyone involved.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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