News
New Tomies car park exceeding capacity
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EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
The new car parking facilities at Killarney’s latest tourism attraction at Tomies Wood does not have the capacity to cope with its popularity. That is according to Mayor of Killarney Brendan Cronin who is calling on the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) to join forces with Kerry County Council to solve potential traffic management issues at the amenity before the anticipated summer rush.
The Tomies Wood car park and walkway to the O’Sullivan Cascade’s Waterfall was officially opened to much fanfare last December.
Access to an area that was once described as "Killarney’s Hidden Gem" has opened the beauty spot to more locals and visitors.
However, the parkland walkway is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success unless action is taken now to prevent major traffic congestion in the area – something that is expected to increase once the current 5k pandemic restrictions are lifted and a projected increase in staycations this summer.
The new car park has a capacity for around 25 to 30 cars but at peak time, especially at the weekends, the car parks become full and visitors start parking on the public roadway.
This has caused access problems for local residents and Cllr Cronin fears that it will someday lead to access problems for emergency vehicles.
He will contribute around €5,000 from his personal annual councillor funding allocation to be put towards access solutions on the public road. Kerry County Council will transfer around €200,000 from another road project that cannot be completed this year towards roadside drainage and access issues.
Cllr Cronin, who has been a long-time supporter of the project, will now write to the NPWS, asking them to play their part in the continued success of the walkway but without an inconvenience to local residents.
“One simple solution is to trunk the side of the road that leads from the entrance to the car park. This would account for another 20 or so cars. The problem is that the car park’s capacity does not fit with the area’s popularity and people start parking in an irresponsible manner. The day an ambulance or a fire engine cannot get in – it will be too late then,” Cllr Cronin told the Killarney Advertiser.
He also pointed out that he very much welcomes the new facility and that it is a welcome addition to Killarney's tourism package.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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