A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).

UNVEILED: Cllr Niall Kelleher (Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District) unveiled a plaque at the official opening of the Killarney Outdoor Dining Infrastructure at Kenmare Place Killarney on Wednesday along with Miriam Kennedy (Head of Wild Atlantic Way) Josephine O'Driscoll and Danielle Favier (Fáilte Ireland). Photo: Don MacMonagle

OPEN: Cllr Niall Kelleher (Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District) unveils the plaque at the official opening of the Killarney Outdoor Dining Infrastructure at Kenmare Place Killarney on Wednesday along with Angela McAllen (Killarney Town Manager) and Miriam Kennedy (Head of Wild Atlantic Way). Photo: Don MacMonagle

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INSIDE OUTSIDE: Cllr Niall Kelleher (Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District) enjoying a game of chess with Miriam Kennedy (Head of Wild Atlantic Way) at the official opening of the Killarney Outdoor Dining Infrastructure at Kenmare Place Killarney on Wednesday along with Angela McAllen (Killarney Town Manager). Photo: Don MacMonagle

The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.

“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.

"One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”

The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.

“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.

Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.