Samhain Chiarraí returns top to streets this autumn

Killarney will take centre stage for major spectacles and cultural highlights as Samhain Chiarraí returns from October 15 to November 1.

The immersive county-wide festival celebrates the ancient Celtic turning of the year through fire, folklore, music, and street art.
The festival kicks off in Killarney with the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) running from October 15 to 18. Based in the town, KIFF will host feature films, documentaries, shorts, and the Kerry premiere of The Biddys documentary.
Killarney will also host the signature An Cailleach Chiarraí celebrations from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25.
The town will host a specially commissioned street performance inspired by An Cailleach Chiarra, the ancient Goddess of Winter, curated by West Kerry street arts company MÓTU.
Award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic will bring his unique blend of folklore and performance, alongside the return of the popular Fire Rituals, Super Céilí, and a full schedule of family-friendly workshops and interactive events.
Meanwhile, after lighting up Killarney, the signature Cailleach Chiarraí street spectacles and fire rituals move to Tralee from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1.
The Samhain Chiarraí festival spans the autumn mid-term break, bookended by the Dingle Food Festival and Listowel Food Festival. It also supports local community initiatives across Kerry, including Féile Éile in Killorglin and the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in Castleisland.
Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland noted that Samhain Chiarraí is a fantastic example of how authentic local culture can create compelling visitor experiences. As part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween programme, the festival showcases Kerry’s unique heritage through storytelling, performance, and community participation.
Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks at <-block _nghost-ng-c78555923=”” class=”ng-star-inserted”>discoverkerry.com/SamhainChiarrai.

Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins to dispose of household waste.

The matter was raised at the Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Martin Grady, who called for additional litter bins to be installed along Lower New Street, specifically along the stretch from Christy Healy’s shop to Presentation Secondary School, citing a lack of disposal facilities in the area.
In response, Kerry County Council confirmed that while bins had been taken away due to inappropriate domestic waste dumping, a litter bin will now be reinstated on a six-month trial basis.
Council officials stated they will closely monitor usage over the trial period to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is used properly.

Litter bins to return to New Street

Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins to dispose of household waste.

The matter was raised at the Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Martin Grady, who called for additional litter bins to be installed along Lower New Street, specifically along the stretch from Christy Healy’s shop to Presentation Secondary School, citing a lack of disposal facilities in the area.
In response, Kerry County Council confirmed that while bins had been taken away due to inappropriate domestic waste dumping, a litter bin will now be reinstated on a six-month trial basis.
Council officials stated they will closely monitor usage over the trial period to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is used properly.