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Reeks District launches new branding and website

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Kerry’s Reeks District – selected as one of the top places in the world to visit by Rough Guides in 2019 – has launched its next step for increasing visitor numbers to the region with new branding, a new website and new photography.

The website is much expanded from the region’s previous online presence and showcases the Reeks District’s amazing natural amenities from MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to the Blue Flag beaches of Inch and Rossbeigh, as well as amazing things to see and do in the region.

It also gives local businesses the tools to market themselves to a wider audience under the umbrella of the ultimate Reeks District guide. The web solution is based on a new trend in the tourism industry where travel booking engines are bypassed by locals coming together to create booking and enquiry systems with great functionality and a sleek user interface, but without fees being paid to a third, private party.

Photography for the project was undertaken by a group of landscape, architecture, interior and fashion photographers. The shoot took place over more than 30 locations across 10 days and the photographers were briefed to show the Reeks District exactly as it is, in its full glory, regardless of rainy days and stormy winds. ‘Models’ for the shoot were local enthusiasts, passionate about the activities they partake in.

The launch, which also sees a rebranding of the Reeks District’s Visitor Centre in Killorglin’s Library Place and a new visitor map, is part of a three-year project that began in 2021 and is aimed at radically increasing the Reeks District’s tourism market share and providing long-term sustainable growth, particular in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

As a not-for-profit organisation, funding for the three-year improved marketing drive has come from a number of sources, including membership subscriptions. In 2021, 20-plus local business owners came together to help the programme, providing investment that will total some €500,000 by the end of this initial three-year project in 2024. Funding from other sources, including the Department of Rural and Community Development, LEADER, Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland have also been secured.The project is also supported by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and sponsored by Killorglin Community Council.

Tourism is seen as a valuable area of growth for the Reeks District. Like many other regions, visitor numbers suffered during the Covid-19 crisis and the new marketing efforts will help build on the pre-pandemic success of the region following its 2018 re-brand from Mid Kerry.

“The new branding and website provide the next chapter in Reeks District’s development and is aimed at solidifying and improving our position as an emerging destination and one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, providing sustainable tourism growth particularly in the shoulder seasons," Chair of the Reeks District, Jens Bachem, said.

“With phase one of our three-year plan now reaching completion, we can move onto our second and third phases that include further product development, search engine optimisation, event activation, communications and additional content. Internally our aims are to foster increased cooperation between our members via sharing of resources, knowledge and best practice, so we can continue to improve tourism revenue over the coming years.”

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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