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Skellig Michael set to reopen this weekend

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It's expected that visitors will be allowed to return to Skellig Michael this weekend.

Unexpected rockfall on June 13 shut the visitor attraction down temporarily to allow the Office of Public Works (OPW) and specialist teams visually assess and remove debris. 

Now it's hoped that the popular UNESCO World Heritage site will reopen this Saturday (July 2) but this is subject to weather conditions remaining favourable.

"Sceilg Mhichíl’s remote location in the Atlantic creates numerous issues as an operational visitor site, not least its accessibility, and throughout the more than three decades since the OPW began providing access to visitors, the safety of the public visiting and of our staff working on Sceilg Mhichíl has been our priority at all times. In all rockfall events, even minor ones, our expert-led investigations have to be very comprehensive,"
Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said.

“Our staff, supported by experts and colleagues in the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, are currently on site and are taking all necessary steps to enable a safe return of visitors within the shortest possible turnaround time while strictly adhering to any environmental and other legal obligations imposed at this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is, at the same time, a sanctuary for breeding sea birds."

Sceilg Mhichíl is one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites and plays an important role in the local tourism economy, he added.

"We thank our local partners for their continued assistance in managing unforeseen incidents like these or adverse weather events in what is a challenging natural environment. Together with them, we look forward to the reopening of Sceilg Mhichíl at the start of July so that visitors can enjoy safe access to the island again this summer in addition to the other beautiful attractions in South Kerry.”

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Céilí Mór will send ‘em home sweatin’

It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this […]

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It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney.

It will take place on the eve of the big feast day in the Killarney Great Southern and there will be a wonderful party atmosphere guaranteed on the night.
Providing the tunes will be the very highly regarded Uí Bhriaín Céilí Band and they promise to send everybody home sweating after what will be a memorable night for locals and visitors.
The March 16 céilí will commence at 9.00pm and continue right through until midnight and the admission for a wonderful night of pure Irish trad is just €10.00.
Bookings can be made on the festival website or patrons can pay at the door on the night.

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St Brendan’s student Aodhagan O’Sullivan crowned CPR champion

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Aodhagan O’Sullivan, a student at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, has been named the 2026 School CPR Challenge Champion.

The prestigious award was presented on Thursday, 26 February, during a large-scale event at the Gleneagle Hotel, where approximately 300 students from post-primary schools across the county gathered to compete for the title of “who can compress the best.”


Now in its fourth year, the event is organised by the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) Community First Responders.

The KCRU is a volunteer-led group that provides vital emergency response services to Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Firies, Rathmore, and Kenmare.

The challenge focused on “Quality CPR” (QCPR), combining a high-stakes competition with practical life-saving training and the chance for students to engage directly with local emergency and community services.


The competition utilised advanced QCPR technology to measure the depth and rate of compressions, ensuring that students aren’t just learning the motions, but are performing life-saving techniques to a clinical standard.

Beyond the competitive element, the day served as an educational hub, highlighting the “chain of survival” and the importance of immediate bystander intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest.


The 2026 challenge was made possible through the support of the Vodafone Foundation, The Gleneagle Hotel, and First Aid Systems Ltd, alongside a variety of local sponsors. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the 300 participants, noting that such events are essential for building a “heart-safe” community and equipping the next generation with the skills to save a life.

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