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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.