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South Kerry proves to be a star attraction

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Nocturnal view during August Perseid looking southwest over McCarthy's Castle and Horse Island Ballinskelligs Beach, the only designated gold-tier International Dark-Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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THE tourism Unit in Kerry County Council and the Destination Kerry Tourism Forum, together with The Skellig Centre for Research & Innovation, and University College Cork presented ‘An Introduction to Astronomy’ weekend course in The Royal Hotel, Valentia Island, last weekend.

This UCC-accredited course was delivered by Professor Paul Callanan of UCC and Dr Michael Connolly, Kerry County Archaeologist. It provided the 28 participants with a working knowledge of the night sky to enable them to develop the business potential of stargazing and expand their skill base to provide an enhanced experience for visitors.

This is the second astronomy course presented by UCC in the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve - an area of approximately 700 square kilometres and one of only three designated gold-tier dark sky reserves on the planet. The skies played their part over the weekend, with an amazing number of stars visible to the participants.

Stargazing is becoming an increasingly popular pastime and astrotourism is a growing niche area within international tourism. This affords Kerry a great opportunity to attract new visitors, especially over the winter months. The County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2022 and the Skellig Coast Visitor Experience Development Plan have identified this niche market and both contain several actions to support and develop an astrotourism product for the South Kerry area.

Some very excited pupils in Scoil Náisiunta Derarca in Chapeltown on Valentia Island were given a wonderful surprise on Friday afternoon when Professor Paul Callanan of UCC dropped in to give them an astronomy presentation. Children from first to sixth class all listened intently as Paul brought them around our solar system and beyond and Valentia has many budding astronomers after the event.
 


 
Above: Nocturnal view during August Perseid looking southwest over McCarthy's Castle and Horse Island Ballinskelligs Beach, the only designated gold-tier International Dark-Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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