Following its recent refurbishment and five-star accreditation, The Great Southern Killarney has launched a new Untamed Adventures guest programme, positioning the hotel as a key hub for outdoor pursuits and authentic local experiences.
Part of the Scally Hotel Collection, the landmark hotel is tapping into Killarney’s surrounding natural landscape to offer guests tailored outdoor and cultural activities both on and off its six-acre estate.
The new offerings feature private 60-minute falconry sessions hosted directly on the hotel grounds, as well as guided estate foraging tours where participants can gather local flora, make wild pesto, and enjoy an outdoor picnic. For those looking to explore further afield, two-hour photography excursions into Killarney National Park and along the Wild Atlantic Way are available under the guidance of award-winning local photographer Micheál O’Sullivan.
Water-based activities are also featured, with private two-and-a-half-hour excursions operated by Ross Castle Boat Tours out to Innisfallen Island and the Meeting of the Waters, alongside arranged angling trips on Lough Leane. Indoors, the hotel has enhanced its guest experience with curated whiskey tastings in the newly refurbished Brownes Bar, alongside complimentary Sunday morning yoga and mindfulness sessions on the estate grounds.

Hauliers bring fuel debate to Killarney

Killarney will take centre stage in the national debate over rising fuel costs next month as the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) gathers for its Annual Conference at the Gleneagle Hotel on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5.

Thousands of transport operators and hauliers from across Ireland are expected to attend the two-day event, which takes place as the industry faces increasing regulatory pressures and potential cuts to government fuel supports.
Senior political leaders are scheduled to address the conference. Minister for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport Darragh O’Brien TD, alongside Minister of State Seán Canney TD, will address delegates at Saturday evening’s gala dinner. Other political speakers over the weekend include Michael Healy-Rae TD, MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Carol Nolan TD, and Sean Kelly MEP.
IRHA President Ger Hyland warned that any government plans to unwind existing fuel supports would place severe pressure on hauliers and the wider economy.
“The attendance of both Ministers with responsibility for transport underlines the importance of the issues facing our industry. Hauliers are once again dealing with rising fuel prices at a time when operating costs remain exceptionally high. We believe now is not the time to withdraw fuel supports, and that message will be delivered directly to Government during our conference,” Hyland said.
“Any decision to wind down fuel supports at this time would drive inflation and have a severe impact on households and families across the country who would see higher food, and transport costs – driving the cost of living crisis to unsustainable levels. Adding 30 cents back onto a litre of fuel will mean that many haulage businesses simply will not make it to Christmas.”

Massive vintage truck display at Gleneagle

Alongside the policy discussions inside, one of the country’s largest public commercial vehicle displays will take place outside the Gleneagle Hotel on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5.
The outdoor exhibition will feature a major display of vintage trucks celebrating Ireland’s rich haulage heritage, while leading manufacturers and suppliers will showcase the latest heavy goods vehicles, trailers, and cutting-edge transport technology. The display will be open for public viewing across both days.