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Killarney’s tourism history features in new Sliabh Luachra Journal

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By Donal Hickey

The growth of facilities for visitors in Killarney in the 19th century is recalled in the newly launched Sliabh Luachra Journal.

SHOWBIZ: Stories of the showband era are told in the latest edition of the Sliabh Luachra Journal. Photo: O'Sullivan Family Archive

SHOWBIZ: Stories of the showband era are told in the latest edition of the Sliabh Luachra Journal. Photo: O'Sullivan Family Archive

An article in the 20th edition of the popular publication features the experiences of the authors of two guide books who were among the early tourists who travelled from Cork to Killarney, via Millstreet and Rathmore.

In 1822, George Newenham Wright, an Anglican clergyman, told of finding two principal streets in Killarney, Old and New Streets, and three "tolerable" inns.

However, when William Balch, an American Christian minister and campaigner, came in 1850 tourism had developed further and Killarney had at least seven hotels, including the Royal Victoria (now the Castlerosse) and the Muckross Hotel (now Muckross Park Hotel).

Balch was enraptured by the scenery of Killarney.

“It seemed to me there could not be found a more beautiful place on earth. I certainly do not recollect the sight of one in all my travels,’’ he wrote.

SHOWBAND ERA

Two veterans of the showband era, Neilly O’Sullivan of The Radiant, and Jim McAuliffe of The Specialists, are interviewed for an article which recalls the halcyon days of the 1950s and ‘60s when ballrooms like the Gleneagle attracted thousands of dancers, week after week.

The Radiant was based in Scartaglin and the Specialists in Rathmore.

Neilly O’Sullivan, who has lived for many years in Killarney, drove his band’s Volkswagen minibus to venues all over Munster. On the roof of the minibus was an illuminated sign with the band’s name.

“As the electric sign on the roof ‘radiated’ for miles, dancers could see us coming over the hills of Kerry and the excitement began,’’ Neilly said.

Jim McAuliffe recounted how The Specialists played in many top ballrooms of the era, including the Television Club, Dublin, the Gleneagle, and the Brandon in Tralee, where they once shared a stage with world heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Frazier.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time playing with The Specialists,’’ he said.

However, signs of the demise of the showband era were apparent from the early 1970s as discos and more pop-orientated bands began to take over.

“By 1975, changes in the entertainment scene were clear for all to see,’’ Jim said.

As might be expected, traditional music features strongly in the journal, published by Cumann Luachra, with articles by well-known trad musicians Michelle O’Sullivan and Emma O’Leary.

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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