PROUD: Tadhg Gallivan, Anna Maria Gallivan and Ruby Greene said there was a great to see the buzz around. "We're so proud of Killarney the way it bounced back so well. It's nice to see all the people around and of course we had to visit Reidy's."

Words and photos: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

Bank Holiday Monday is a day which will be marked in the history books - as pubs, bars and restaurants reopened up for outdoor dining - after months of COVID closures.

There was relief all around and the date is another step back to normality for the country and especially Killarney town.

There was a good atmosphere in various business premises as locals and visitors enjoyed the good weather and a pint or two of their favourite beverage.

Indoor dining will not be available until next month, however that didn't stop many of the pubs and restaurants in Killarney from opening with all the outside gardens, streets and accommodated facilities.

The Killarney Advertiser was out and about and caught up with business owners who said that they were very happy and relieved to be back doing what they do best.

Brian Murphy of Courtney's Bar said that they were "delighted to be back".

"I'm looking forward to the next phase of reopening," he said.

Niamh Sheahan from Reidys added that she's also "delighted" to be reopened and to welcome back her customers and teams.

"We have new food and new cocktail menus."

Sinead Sheahan from the Porterhouse couldn't contain her happiness saying that it was "great to see everyone back and to see a good buzz in town".

Kate O’Leary from The Laurels Pub & Restaurant additionally commented that it was "lovely to be open and see our customers again".

"A huge thanks to our team that stayed with us and were instrumental in developing the back yard," Kate said.

Visitors included Donal, Billy, Breda and Clodagh Shanahan who travelled from Cork on a day trip.

"We're from Cork so it was great to stop somewhere like K-Town and get something to eat. It’s fantastic to get a great meal in Killarney."

Also enjoying K-Town were Sinead Griffin, Colleen Breen, Jane Shanahan, and Megan Fitzgerald who collectively said that it was "great to be back to normality".

"We’re excited to meet up with friends for some food and drinks and to see lovely faces."

All the way from Blarney to Killarney were Derry and Geraldine O’Keefe who stopped by The Laurels.

"It's great to be back in Kerry and Killarney. The atmosphere is what we have been missing all along."