News
New tourism plan “presents a new vision for Killarney tourism” – Chamber
The future of Killarney’s tourism industry is being safeguarded and the town’s reputation as the country’s premier tourist destination is being copper-fastened by the development of a Killarney specific Fáilte Ireland Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP).
That’s the view of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Niall Kelleher, who was speaking following the formal launch of the project at a reception in Killarney House and Gardens this Tuesday.
The destination development plan is designed to build a new and collective vision for tourism in Killarney and to enhance the way in which visitors experience the town while maximising its role as the principal exploration base for the wider Kerry tourism economy.
The Chamber President said the five-year plan will provide a clear development focus and it will harness existing strategic plans as well as examining new projects to enhance Killarney’s long-held reputation as a world class holiday destination.
Mr Kelleher said it is hugely positive to note that central to the development theme will be the adoption of a very responsible and carefully choreographed approach to maximise potential of Killarney’s natural assets, primarily Killarney National Park.
“The plan will build on and extend the existing culture and heritage of Killarney through the creation of cultural quarters, creating strong new links between areas of historic and cultural significance and the core town experience,” he said.
UNIVERSAL ACCESS
The Chamber President said it was very much in line with current Kerry County Council policy that the Fáilte Ireland vision for Killarney supports universal access and the transition from an over-reliance on vehicular traffic to pedestrian priority and new cycle paths.
“The plan is all about sustainability and ensuring we prepare properly for the future. It is designed to encourage visitors to stay longer in Killarney and to consider it as a base to explore other parts of the county and the Wild Atlantic Way,” Mr Kelleher said.
He believes Killarney needs to remain competitive to extend the tourist season and the plan will help to address the festering problem of low occupancy in the shoulder months.
Mr Kelleher noted that the Fáilte Ireland led plan, which will pull together the experiences of Killarney’s business community, Chamber members, the statutory bodies and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is designed to address the new challenges around re-establishing visitor numbers post pandemic, rebuilding domestic and overseas visitor revenue and securing local employment with a longer-term focus on developing destination resilience.
“Killarney’s world class destination status requires a new development focus to ensure the town experience matches the quality of its stunning natural environment. This plan will develop a coherent Killarney brand and deliver a series of projects that will collectively become transformational in the performance of Killarney.
“At the same time, it will address the challenges identified during the consultation process,” Mr Kelleher said.
The Chamber President said the priorities for Killarney under the Destination Experience Development Plan are to grow year-round business via an extended season, refresh the Killarney brand with the inclusion of all stakeholders and to develop the urban realm to introduce visitors to the full range of Killarney experiences by sharing with them the complete Killarney story.
Mr Kelleher thanked Fáilte Ireland, its chief executive Paul Kelly and its board of directors, for their foresight, their professionalism and their support of Killarney and for the great skill and determination they have demonstrated in steering DEDP through the various stages.
News
Start clocking up those ‘Kingdom Kilometres’
With an increase in daylight hours there’s no better time to clock up the ‘Kingdom Kilometres’ on foot or by cycling along the county’s two new Greenways. The recently opened […]
With an increase in daylight hours there’s no better time to clock up the ‘Kingdom Kilometres’ on foot or by cycling along the county’s two new Greenways.
The recently opened Kingdom of Kerry Greenways between Tralee and Fenit and between Listowel and Abbeyfeale are already proving hugely popular with locals and visitors to Kerry.
Representatives of the tourism Industry, local public representatives, travel writers and influencers gathered in Kerry on Monday to experience the exciting new tourist attractions and welcome the arrival of the longer daylight hours as the clocks changed over to summertime.
Sarah Hanrahan, a social media influencer who posts about Irish travel and has more than 100,000 Instagram followers, described the experience.
“Ireland has some of the most amazing outdoor spaces. For a lot of my followers and other people, connecting with green spaces has become much more important to their overall sense of well-being as well as their health and fitness. It’s been really gorgeous to experience the Tralee to Fenit, and Listowel to Limerick Kingdom of Kerry Greenways; a fantastic trip sampling the warm hospitality of Kerry and a great reminder of the active holiday options that are right on our doorstep.”
The new purpose-built trails provide an accessible and inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities.
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy and the Mayor of Listowel, Cllr Aoife Thornton, said that the greenways offer an exceptional recreational amenity for everyone to enjoy.
“The greenways are situated in some of Kerry’s most scenic landscapes and offer spectacular and safe off-road facilities for people of all ages to enjoy as the landscape comes into bloom. They also offer warm hospitality at the trail head towns of each route.”
Visit www.kerrygreenways.ie to find out more.
News
St Patrick’s Day parade winners announced
Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club has won the sought-after overall award in recognition of their colourful and action-packed entry to this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Killarney. Delighted […]
Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club has won the sought-after overall award in recognition of their colourful and action-packed entry to this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Killarney.
Delighted club representatives were presented with the Seán O’Keeffe Perpetual Trophy – in memory of the former Mayor of Killarney and parade stalwart – at a gala presentation of prizes in the International Hotel, Killarney on Tuesday night.
The award for the Best Interpretation of the Theme, which was Killarney: Experience More, went to the Wander Wild Festival who received the Michael Courtney Perpetual Trophy which is dedicated to the memory of another former mayor of the town who spearheaded the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations for many years.
The John ‘Killer’ O’Callaghan Perpetual Trophy for the Best Sporting Entry was won by Killarney Athletic AFC and the Peter Irwin Memorial Trophy for the Best Marching Group and Cultural/Arts Entry went to Millstreet Pipe Band.
The Best Sports Club was Spa GAA, the Best Children’s Group prize was won by Kilcummin Comhaltas and the Best New Entry was Killarney Rugby Football Club.
There was an international flavour to the Best Musical Entry which was scooped by the Glenridge High School Marching Band from New Jersey.
The prize for the Best Voluntary Group went to the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, the Best School Award went to the Fiona Crowley Stage School and the Best Activity Group was deemed to be Scorchers Cheerleading Club.
The Most Entertaining Entry went to the Killarney Tidy Towns group, the prize for the Most Original Entry was won by Liebherr Container Cranes and the Most Imaginative Entry in the parade was the Art House, Killarney.
The Most Stylish Entry prize was awarded to the Ukrainian community whose representative said they were delighted to play a part in Ireland’s national holiday and thanked the people of Killarney for the warm welcome they have received.
Other prizes presented on the night included the Best Window Display which went to Christy Healy’s on New Street who were celebrating 100 years in business on St Patrick’s Day, while the Europe Hotel and Resort won the Best Green-Themed Building prize.
The judges for the parade were Br Pat Lynch, Guardian, Franciscan Friary, Pam Brosnan, Killarney Musical Society and Denis McMahon.
The awards were presented by Killarney St Patrick’s Festival Chairman Paul Sherry, Mayor of Killarney Cllr Niall Kelleher, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Senior Executive Bridget O’Keeffe, and parade grand marshal Cathal P Walshe.
Start clocking up those ‘Kingdom Kilometres’
With an increase in daylight hours there’s no better time to clock up the ‘Kingdom Kilometres’ on foot or by...
St Patrick’s Day parade winners announced
Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club has won the sought-after overall award in recognition of their colourful and action-packed entry...
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