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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.

[caption id="attachment_27983" align="aligncenter" width="1344"] 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.

 

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Sinn Féin to host public meeting on cost of living at Killarney Heights Hotel

Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty will host a public meeting on the costs of living and housing crises at the Killarney Heights Hotel on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm. […]

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Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty will host a public meeting on the costs of living and housing crises at the Killarney Heights Hotel on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm.

The Donegal TD will be joined by Kerry TD Pa Daly to discuss the economic pressures facing local households and the policy changes needed to provide financial relief. The main focus of the evening will center on the barriers preventing local people from buying their own homes, alongside broader costs of living challenges.
Speaking exclusively to the Killarney Advertiser ahead of his visit, Deputy Doherty said workers and families across Kerry are being squeezed from every direction by rising weekly shops, high energy bills, increasing insurance premiums, and substantial housing costs.
“Young people are losing hope that they will ever own a home in the county where they were raised,” Deputy Doherty said. “And while all of this is happening, the government is sitting on billions in budget surpluses while telling struggling families to wait. It is simply not good enough.”
The Sinn Féin finance spokesperson highlighted specific regional factors making the crisis acute in County Kerry, particularly regarding home heating costs.
“Almost 59% of homes in Kerry rely on home heating oil, which is nearly double the state average of 34%,” he said. “That means families across the county are far more exposed to soaring fuel costs than households in many other parts of the state. Yet the government withdrew supports that were helping households keep the lights on and heat their homes.”
Deputy Doherty noted that the housing situation in Kerry has moved beyond a social issue and is now impacting the local economy and communities. He pointed to figures showing average rents in the county have reached €1,493 per month, with exceptionally low market availability.
“At the time of writing, there were only 27 properties available online to rent across the entire county. Only 19 were below €2,000 a month and just five were available for less than €1,500. A county the size of Kerry, and only five rental properties affordable to someone on an ordinary income,” he said.
He also raised concerns for first-time buyers, noting that average house prices in Kerry have climbed to €296,000, representing an increase of €33,500 in a single year.
During the meeting, the Sinn Féin representatives will outline their party’s alternative proposals. These include a state-led program of affordable home building, a ban on excessive rent increases, enhanced protections for renters, and immediate energy credits and tax relief for workers.
“The resources exist to do this,” Deputy Doherty added. “The government’s own figures show billions in surplus funds available to the state. The issue is not a lack of money. The issue is political choice.”
The meeting is open to all members of the public, and a discussion session will follow the main presentations.

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National Park hosts weekend Bioblitz for National Biodiversity Week

Killarney National Park is taking centre stage for the final weekend of National Biodiversity Week, with the public being urged to get outdoor and explore the local environment. Today, Friday, […]

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Killarney National Park is taking centre stage for the final weekend of National Biodiversity Week, with the public being urged to get outdoor and explore the local environment.

Today, Friday, May 22, marks the UN International Day for Biological Diversity, and a series of free events will run across the park until the national celebration concludes this Sunday, May 24.
The highlight of the weekend is the Killarney National Park Bioblitz. This event brings families, nature lovers, and community volunteers together to find, identify, and record as many different plant and animal species as possible across the park’s diverse habitats over the next three days.
Christopher O’Sullivan, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, encouraged locals and visitors alike to utiliSe the final days of the festival to experience the area’s unique wildlife, referencing Killarney’s native habitats as key areas the state is working to protect.
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), noted that the week is designed to remind people that native plants, woodlands, and rivers are vital systems that make life possible. OrganiSers are encouraging anyone in the locality to head out to Killarney National Park before Sunday evening to participate in the species count and support local conservation efforts.

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