Killarney musician Liam O’Connor and his family band are to hit the Italian Alps bringing their brand of high tempo Irish music and dance to an Italian audience in the unique surrounds of a 14th century mountaintop castle overlooking the town of Verrès in northwestern Italy.

In the shadows of some of Italy’s highest peaks like Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) and Cervino (the Matterhorn), Liam is certain to be hitting the high notes with two concerts in the Castello di Verrès, which will take place on the 15th and 16th of February, thanks to grant funding received from Culture Ireland and a growing connection between the towns of Verrès and Killarney.

The concerts are the centrepiece events in this year’s 77th rendition of the Alpine town’s medieval Carnevale celebrations and an Irish delegation led by Verrès native and long-time Killarney resident Davide Mosca and Killarney Chambers and Killarney Celtic’s Paul Sherry will be among the guests of honour.

Verrès hosted a visit by Killarney Celtic teams in 2023 and reciprocated with brilliant colour and sounds in their medieval costumes at the St. Patricks Day parade in Killarney in 2024.

The town then hosted an Erasmus+ Youth exchange from Celtic in 2025 and they are bringing their Carnevale pageantry back to Killarney for the St. Patrick’s Day festival in March.

Carnevale supremo Tiziana Balma is delighted with the deepening cultural, sporting and economic relationship between the Alpine town and Killarney.

“Liams concerts are going to add a new layer in the relationship between our two communities. The whole Aosta Valley (province) is excited, and we are also looking forward to joining in Killarney’s St. Patricks Day parade”

The Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has announced a collaboration with Irish supplement brand Sisterly to host a ‘Morning of Calm, Connection and Care’on Sunday February 15.

The event is designed to provide women with a space to reset through restorative sound, nutrition, and expert health advice.
The morning begins at 10:00am at Café du Parc with health shots, teas, and coffees. This will be followed by a sound bath session led by Emma West. The practice is aimed at reducing stress levels, improving sleep quality, and enhancing mental clarity.
Following the relaxation session, a brunch buffet will be served in Café du Parc, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect.
The event will conclude with a practical talk led by the founders and nutritionists behind Sisterly. The discussion will focus on evidence-based nutrition and how women can support their energy levels, focus, and overall wellbeing while managing busy schedules.
The event runs from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Sunday February 15. Tickets are priced at €35 (plus booking fee) and are available now through Eventbrite. For further information, visit www.killarneyplaza.com.