News
Randles Hotel to host inaugural Christmas Gift Fair

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With a central location on the Muckross Road, access to high quality unique exhibitors and bustling festive atmosphere, it’s sure to be one of the must attend events on the Christmas in Killarney calendar for 2022.
A festive inspired weekend is planned and includes the best of locally produced and sustainable gifts, homeware and giftable foods.
As well as complimentary entry for all, shoppers will also enjoy free mulled wine on arrival, soak up the festive spirit amid the crackling log fires and wander at ease through the exhibitor stands.
The Christmas Gift Fair at Randles Hotel will run over the weekend of Saturday December 17 and Sunday 18 inclusive from 1pm - 6pm each day with 20 stalls ranging from Christmas decorations to jewellery, festive food and hampers to stunning prints, candles, ceramics and much more. A great event to include on your Christmas shopping list, while supporting local artisans.
“The fair will allow shoppers to browse some wonderful stalls all under one roof," Tom Randles, owner of Randles Hotel, said.
"With something for everyone, we will help get your Christmas shopping off to a great start (or finish if you are ultra-organised!). There are makers, creators, bakers and much more. All are small local independent businesses that would really love your support this Christmas. So bring the whole family for a unique shopping experience.”
Keep an eye out on Randles Hotel social media pages for updates on the weekend and supplier features over the coming weeks.
For more info call 064 6635333 or email christmas@randleshotel.com.
News
Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections. The previous record […]

Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.
Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.
The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.
Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.
Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.
She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.
“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”
In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.
In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.
last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History – Irish Life and Lore’.
During the broadcast she talked about her parents’ membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.
This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.
News
Philip is running over 100kms for Cancer charity
Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday. Phillip has already […]

Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.
Phillip has already completed four half marathons at various locations around Killarney – all in aid of Kerry Cancer Support Group – or the Cancer Bus as it popularly called.
This is the second time that Phillip has run four half marathon and an official race for the charity.
Back in 2021 he finished with 5km Run Killarney event but his finishing race this time around is over eight times the distance at 42kms.
“We are delighted with Philip’s continued fundraising support but also with his awareness raising for the charity,” Breda Dyland, Service Manager Kerry Cancer Support Trust.
“We are getting busier all the time and still get no statutory funding so are dependent on fundraisers like Philip’s to keep us on the road. We have just put our new wheelchair accessible bus on the Cork route so Philip’s funding will be going towards the operation of this vehicle.”