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New contemporary space ready to host first live gig

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Plans are underway for the first live gig at a new contemporary art exhibition and performance space in Kenmare.

LIVE GIG: Kenmare Butter Market is preparing for its first live gig.

Jack O'Rourke and his band will perform at Kenmare Butter Market located in The Square, on May 7.

The large spacious building with a seating capacity of approximately 200, also showcases large works making it a popular venue with artists.

As an open plan space it also lends itself to events such as indoor markets, concerts, corporate team building events to name but a few.

Since opening its doors in July 2021 the works of well known artists have been featured including Paul Hughes, Bridget Flannery, Paddy Lennon, Pigsy (aka Ciaran McCoy), Regina Bartsch and Michael Hales. In March an exhibition of the works of nine female emerging artists was held and further exhibitions are planned for the whole of 2022.

"Since COVID restrictions were lifted we have been able to hold two classical concerts and a play," Claire Bunbury, Creative Director at Kenmare Butter Market, said.

"We held a very successful artisan Christmas Market last year which saw 1,700 attend. Over €5,000 was raised for local charities."

History of the Butter Market

Built in the mid-1800s, the former Kenmare Butter Market was converted to a dance hall in the 1960s. Steeped in history and located in the centre of Kenmare town and on both the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas on the Wild Atlantic Way, this venue is a perfect arts location.

The building was originally purchased to house a whiskey distillery as part of a larger idea to reimagine the whisky distilling of Islay, Scotland that will expand across several new distilleries in other historic spaces including Killarney and on the Iveragh Peninsula. ​Phase One will see the building used as it is now, an industrial urban space. In Phase Two, architectural work will commence along with the addition of the distillery.

"We see the building being used continuously throughout the year. As January and February would not be suitable months for exhibitions as the town is quiet, we plan events such as table tennis or chess tournaments or possibly training events. We are open to many ideas."

There has been huge interest in the repurposing of the building and many locals continue to walk through and reminisce about their days of the ‘Silver Slipper’ ballroom when all the big showbands played here.

"We plan to host a ‘Silver Slipper’ dance in 2023. We welcome interest from artists and performers who can register via our website www.kenmarebuttermarket.com. Plans for the future include the whiskey distillery, further events, weddings and continuing exhibitions.

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Rotary Club’s Wine & Art Night raises €25,000

The Killarney Rotary Club’s annual Wine & Art Night, held before Christmas, was another resounding success, raising a grand total of €25,000 for local community projects. President Ciara Irwin Foley […]

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The Killarney Rotary Club’s annual Wine & Art Night, held before Christmas, was another resounding success, raising a grand total of €25,000 for local community projects.

President Ciara Irwin Foley expressed the club’s delight with the amount raised, thanking club members and everyone who contributed to this impressive sum. She highlighted that this popular annual event directly supports vital local initiatives such as schools, clubs, and charities in the Killarney area.

Ms. Irwin Foley extended particular thanks to the event’s long-standing key sponsors: Daly’s SuperValu, Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co, and Killarney Credit Union, acknowledging their crucial and consistent support over the years. The team at The Great Southern Killarney was also thanked for ensuring the smooth running of the event. Appreciation was also given to the businesses that sponsored door prizes and competitions, including The Rose Hotel, M.D. O’Shea’s, CRL, and The Lake Hotel, as well as to Mike Neeson for providing entertainment.

The Wine & Art Night provides a valuable platform for local artists and craftspeople, with up to fifty showcasing their work. Some artists have been involved since the event’s inception, making it a wonderful networking opportunity. There is always significant interest from artists to participate in this worthwhile cause, with a percentage of their sales donated on the night. Many also generously donate their artwork for the auction, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to the beneficiary fund.

The beneficiaries themselves play an active role by selling tickets for the event in advance, using this as a key fundraising method for their own projects. The schools, clubs, organisations, and charities involved put in tremendous effort, and it is always inspiring to hear how the funds raised have positively impacted them. For example, the Hospice sells their Christmas cards at the event, and the Irish Pilgrimage Trust sells raffle tickets to help bring local people to Lourdes at Easter.

Organising the Wine & Art Night is a significant undertaking for the Killarney Rotary Club, with extensive preparations happening well in advance. Many individuals contribute their time and effort, with numerous volunteers ensuring everything runs smoothly on the night. It is this collective effort that makes the event such a success.

The €25,000 raised this year has been distributed to the following deserving beneficiaries: Faha N.S., Fossa N.S., Gaelscoil Faithleann, Knockanes N.S., Loreto N.S., Loughquittane N.S., St. Brendan’s (Sem), Hospice, Irish Pilgrimage Trust, Kerry Stars Club, Killarney Athletic, and Killarney Valley AC.
The Killarney Rotary Club is already looking forward to hosting their next Wine & Art Night at the end of November.

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Kerry Jobs Fair to connects job seekers and employers

Job seekers and employers in Kerry will have a chance to meet at the Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 on May 20, at the Rose Hotel in Tralee. Over 30 companies […]

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Job seekers and employers in Kerry will have a chance to meet at the Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 on May 20, at the Rose Hotel in Tralee.

Over 30 companies from the county will be there, offering hundreds of job openings across different sectors.
The free event is organised by NEWKD Local Development Company, in partnership with The Rose Hotel and Tralee Chamber Alliance. Anyone interested can attend by registering on the day.
People looking for work can explore opportunities in areas like office administration, IT, accounting, finance, hospitality, manufacturing, food production, and retail.
The event aims to link job seekers and employers with useful information and support related to employment.
Alongside employer stands, there will be a careers clinic offering help with CV writing, interview skills, and information on training and career development.
There will also be workshops for both employees and employers about employing people who are not Irish citizens.
Robert Carey, NEWKD SICAP Programme Manager, said that bringing together many employers, services, and speakers will give job seekers a great chance to talk directly to potential employers, join workshops on career progression, and learn about employment schemes like Tús, CE, and WPEP. He added that employers will get to meet job seekers face-to-face and get information on employing people from abroad, which is important for business growth.
Efforts are being made to help Ukrainian refugees and those seeking international protection attend the fair, with information provided beforehand and interpreters available on the day. NEWKD, as part of the Kerry Community Response Forum, highlights that employment is key for refugees integrating into the community.
During the event, employers can learn about the specifics of employing migrants, get answers to common questions, and raise any concerns. A workshop for employers will be led by Frank O`Boyle from the Irish Refugee Council.
In addition to the job fair, there will be information sessions for all visitors on topics such as CV preparation (led by Sean Connell, HR at NEWKD), interview skills (presented by Lydia Oboryna from the Open Door Initiative), employment law for migrants, accessing the labour market for those with temporary protection, and entrepreneurship workshops on starting a business and finding funding.
The Newkd Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 is supported by the Rose Hotel and the Tralee Chamber Alliance, with funding from the SICAP programme, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

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