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Spectacular week of festivities in Killarney

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Killarney became the undisputed fun capital of the country over the past week with the town playing host to the annual Ring of Kerry charity cycle and the spectacular 4th of July festival.

Thousands of people flocked to the town for the dual festivities with 4,500 people participating in the cycle on Saturday while the streets were packed four deep for the gala Independence Day parade on Tuesday night.

Even the weather played its part for the 175km cycle with no rain recorded although the wind in coastal areas and on Moll’s Gap proved quite testing for the charity champions that took to the saddle.

There was a real party atmosphere in the town before, during and after the cycle with a huge demand for the open air screening of the Kerry v Tyrone championship encounter in the Beech Road car park close to the finish line on Mission Road.

Hotels, restaurants and pubs reported a rip-roaring trade for the cycle which has again raised tens of thousands of euro for benefiting charities.

When the bicycles were put back in the rack, Killarney turned its attention to the 4th of July celebrations and what a gala celebration it turned out to be.

Music and other quality entertainment acts filled the town from early afternoon when the flag-raising ceremony, at which recently elected Mayor of Killarney Cllr Brendan Cronin officiated, took place at the town hall but the undoubted highlight was the bumper parade which wound its way through the packed streets on Tuesday night.

Incredibly elaborate floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, Disney characters and colourful flag-bearers took to the streets and there was a special guest appearance by American footballers from Georgia Tech, including star kicker David Shanahan who hails from Castleisland.
The Orange County Ancient Order of Hibernians pipe and drum band made the long trek from the US to participate and they were joined on the night by the Gleneagle Brass Band and marching bands from Millstreet and Blarney.
This year’s 4th of July festival was significantly extended to become a three-day celebration of Killarney’s close and long-established links with the USA.

On Sunday evening there was a high quality dramatisation of the life and times of the McShain and Bourn Vincent families to mark their generosity in donating Killarney National Park, Killarney House and Gardens and so much more to the town.

The event – featuring and highlighting outstanding local talent – was held in the courtyard of Killarney House and close on 150 guests were treated to a feast of music, song and poetry.

On Monday night Killarney House and Gardens also played host to an open air concert featuring hugely popular local band Truly Diverse and that was followed by an open air screening of hit musical Mamma Mia which attracted close on 1,500 people.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, who organised the festival in association with Kerry County Council, thanked the numerous dedicated volunteers that helped with the smooth running of all events and praised local businesses for playing their part by decorating their premises with a US theme.

Visitors were particularly impressed by the Flesk Restaurant on Main Street – which has long links with the American Legion – as the exterior of the building was spectacularly festooned with American flags and red, white and balloons and it really captured the spirit of the occasion
 

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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