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Take a walk and a dance on the wild side in Kerry

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John O'Sullivan, Lodge and Reeks Guiding, with Marie Kehoe-O'Sullivan enjoying a trek on Caherconree Sliabh Mish, Camp. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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WE’RE already test-driving our hiking boots and dancing shoes in advance of Killarney Walking Festival. By nature of its location, it provides the most natural setting in the world to host any walking festival. This year’s walking festival takes place from Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12.

The organisers have included some new signature treks - The ‘Peaks of the Reeks’ including the iconic Carrantuohill and Coomloughra Horse Shoe Treks, and Caherconree - Ancient fort of Cú Roí Mac Dáire.

“The festival is a chance to enjoy a weekend of long relaxing guided walks, and boat trips. The headquarters is The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney,” said spokesperson Valerie O’Sullivan.
“Discover the hidden valleys, mountains, reeks, lake shores and all that is beautiful and untamed about Killarney and its famed National Park. The event will also feature a charity walk in aid of Killarney Water Rescue. “This will be a sun ‘set’ on Strickeen, on Friday evening, June 10, departing Kate Kearney’s Cottage at 7.30pm,” said Valerie.

“Strickeen is part of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, at 440m, it follows a path to the top until an ancient cairn/ritual greets the walker. Here is where the ‘craic’ begins - Walkers will be asked to dance an entire Kerry polka on the summit, just bring a tin whistle and a bodhrán!”

Killarney Water Rescue provides an important voluntary service to the area and it hopes to purchase a 4x4 vehicle for attending all emergencies.
John O’Sullivan, Reeks Lodge and Guiding said: “This festival is for everyone - families, walking clubs and anyone who loves the great outdoors. The schedule of walks has something for all ages and abilities, from strenuous category three hikes to easy low-level category one walks.

“From the challenging McGillycuddy’s Reeks hike to the leisurely wood trails and Innisfallen Island by boat. There are 13 guided walks to choose from in all.” Also guiding are the experienced Killarney guides Ray and Mary Walsh of Walk with Me.

For more information and registration see www.killarneywalkingfestival.ie.
 


 
John O'Sullivan, Lodge and Reeks Guiding, with Marie Kehoe-O'Sullivan enjoying a trek on Caherconree Sliabh Mish, Camp. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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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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