Connect with us

News

Killarney’s An Óige hostel wins prestigious Experts Choice Award

Published

on

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertisement

News

Boxing brothers aim for European Championship

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring. Both national champions for […]

Published

on

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring.

Both national champions for 2025, the talented siblings are in preparation for crucial national competitions. Pa is gearing up for the junior cadets in three weeks, while Jamesie will compete in the under-18 championships in July.

Victory in these national events would automatically earn both boys an invitation to the high-performance unit, bringing them a step closer to being selected for the Irish team heading to the European championships.

Both Jamesie and Pa follow a rigorous training schedule, working out six days a week, twice a day – before school and work in the morning, and again every evening.

They are currently in camp, preparing for their respective national competitions.

The brothers understand the commitment required at this level of boxing, describing it as a lifestyle demanding 100% dedication, including twice-daily training, healthy eating, weight management, strength and conditioning, running, sparring, and technical training.

The Casey brothers thanked Bobby Enright of Peak Performance Academy for strength and conditioning and nutrition guidance, ProActive Physiotherapy for their support and the coaches and volunteers at Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club

Continue Reading

News

Killorglin’s RDI Hub to hosts open week

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23. They are encouraging people who are curious […]

Published

on

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23.

They are encouraging people who are curious about what the hub offers, or anyone needing a different place to work for a day, to come and visit.
During the week, people can use a desk for free at any time. They can also stay for just an hour or for the whole day. There will be lunchtime events each day featuring guest speakers. On Friday, visitors can try out the Media Lab with free podcasting sessions, but booking ahead is needed for this. The hub offers a lively space where people can work together.
The lunchtime events include Chris Barrett talking about his Arctic journey on Monday, John Ryan from Gigable on business growth strategies on Tuesday, Gavin Henrick from Brickfield Labs discussing accessibility on Wednesday, Hugh Reynolds from the RDI Hub talking about online marketing on Thursday, and a VHI Wellness Station on Friday. The Media Lab will also be open on Friday for podcasting sessions.
Anyone interested in attending the Open Week is asked to sign up using this link: https://bit.ly/4jlJlD3.

Lunchtime Events During Open Week:

Monday 19: Chris Barrett – Journey to the Arctic on the Fjällräven Polar Expedition
An incredible story of resilience, adventure, and pushing boundaries.
Tuesday 20: John Ryan, Gigable – Go-to-Market Strategy Session
Practical strategies for launching and growing your business.
Wednesday 21: Gavin Henrick, Brickfield Labs – Tearing Down the Accessibility Barriers
Why accessibility matters and how to build inclusive digital experiences.
Thursday 22: Hugh Reynolds, RDI Hub Entrepreneur in Residence – Zero to Online Hero
Explore what happens when a community experiment meets digital marketing.
Friday 23: VHI Wellness Station
Close out the week with the VHI Wellness Station which will give you insights into Body Composition, Diabetes Risk and More!
Bonus Friday Activity:
🎙️ Open Media Lab Access and Complimentary Podcasting Sessions
Explore our new Media Lab and try out a mini podcasting session with expert support.
Sessions are free but must be pre-booked in advance – limited slots available!
For more information, you can contact Megan Daly Tyrrell at megan.dalytyrrell@rdihub.com.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport