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New Kerry tourism brochure launched
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PROMOTING KERRY: A new brochure which showcases and promotes the county's parks, gardens and woodlands was launched in Killarney House and Gardens on Tuesday afternoon. Pictured were: Minister of State, Brendan Griffin TD and Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, with Joan McCarthy (Tourism Development Officer Kerry County Council), Moira Murrell (Chief Executive Kerry County Council) and Cllr Michael Gleeson (Cathaoirleach, Killarney Municipal District). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
By Michelle Cean
Some of Kerry’s most scenic attractions are in the spotlight this week with the launch of a brand new brochure in Killarney.
‘The Parks, Gardens and Woodlands of Kerry’ booklet, published by Kerry County Council showcases and promotes the county’s parks, gardens and woodlands, including Killarney House and Gardens, where the launch took place on Tuesday.
The new booklet, which provides information about, directions to, and images of many of the county’s parks, gardens and woodlands will be widely distributed and is an action in the County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. It includes an introduction by Paul Maher, a native of Kerry, who is curator of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
Among the many amenities featuring in the brochure are Ballyseedy Wood, Bonane Heritage Park, and Childers Park and Woodlands in Listowel as well as, for example, gardens in Derrynane, Killarney, Milltown, Camp and Kenmare. The brochure was researched, designed and produced by the Tourism Unit of Kerry Council with the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The brochure, which highlights what those amenities have to offer, was launched by the Minister of State, Brendan Griffin TD and the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher.
“Several actions contained in the County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2022 emphasise the importance of continued promotion and marketing of niche tourism areas, products and attractions, such as gardens and woodlands, which have the potential to attract high spending visitors and addresses the challenges of seasonality and regionality,” Cathaoirleach, Cllr Kelleher said.
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NEW BROCHURE: Joan McCarthy (Tourism Development Officer Kerry County Council) and Denis Reidy (Manager Muckross House Killarney). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]
“Our parks, gardens and woodlands are year-round attractions and offer the visitor an exceptional experience whatever the season.”
Locations and contact details are included along with information such as opening hours and the key features of each of the attractions.
The new brochure is available on the Kerry County Council website, kerrycoco.ie and will be distributed to tourist offices, accommodation providers and the gardens and woodlands amenities which feature.
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors
Kerry County Council’s Arts Service, in association with the Killarney Arts Working Group, has officially launched the 2026 ANAM Summer Arts Programme (ASAP).
The dedicated arts and cultural space on East Avenue Road is set to host a vibrant mix of live music, theatre, film, and youth competitions designed to appeal to both local residents and tourists throughout the peak holiday season.
The summer lineup aims to provide artists with critical platforms to showcase their work while giving audiences accessible opportunities to experience live art. Councillor Martin O’Grady noted that the programme includes a multitude of performances, offering an important platform for all ages to enjoy the arts. Mary Murphy of the Killarney Arts Working Group added that utilizing the ANAM space successfully draws new audiences to the Killarney arts scene.
Featured events include “Bog Jazz,” an innovative project by musicians Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan and Shane Murphy that reworks traditional Sliabh Luachra fiddle music using electric guitar and drums. Additionally, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence Aidan Connolly will lead a two-night concert series in late July alongside Bryan O’Leary, Colm Guilfoyle, and Charlie O’Brien, exploring the unique history, songs, and folklore of the region.
The programme also features “The Anam Sessions,” a series of five free bi-weekly evening concerts directed by Tim O’Shea. These sessions will showcase emerging local talent across Irish folk, singer-songwriter, and Afro-Irish genres. For younger musicians, the popular “Battle of the Bands” competition returns in August. Organised in partnership with Music Generation Kerry, it will feature separate junior and senior categories to highlight local youth talent.
The summer performance series is fully sponsored by the Kerry Arts Service. For further queries, the public can contact arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066 7183541.
ANAM Summer Arts Event Calendar
Traditional and Folk Music (The Anam Sessions with Tim O’Shea) Dates: ; Wednesday, July 15; Wednesday, July 29; Wednesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 26 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sliabh Luachra Traditional Music Concert Series (Aidan Connolly and Guests) Dates: Wednesday, July 29; Thursday, July 30 Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Senior Competition) Dates: Friday, August 7; Friday, August 14; Friday, August 21; Friday, August 28 Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Junior Competition) Dates: Sunday, August 9; Sunday, August 16; Sunday, August 23; Sunday, August 30 Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Bog Jazz Performance (Eoin O’Sullivan & Shane Murphy) Date: Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
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