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Tourism Ireland CEO Outlines Global Strategy at KTIF Tourism Day

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The CEO of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh, was in Killarney on Tuesday of this week to address tourism leaders from across the county at the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF) Tourism Day 2026.

The event, held at The Brehon Hotel & Spa, brought together a broad range of representatives from Kerry’s business community, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, and transport services.

As a membership organisation representing tourism operators throughout the county, KTIF provides a unified voice for the sector.

During her address, Ms Mansergh outlined overseas market performance and emerging travel trends, focusing specifically on how Kerry can capitalise on international opportunities.

The morning featured a diverse line-up of speakers, including Kerry County Council Chief Executive Fearghal Reidy, who spoke on infrastructure and sustainable growth, and Miriam Kennedy, Head of the Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland.

Technology and the economy were also central themes, with RDI Hub CEO Fergal Brosnan discussing AI and digital transformation, while global financial expert Mike O’Sullivan provided insights into international economic conditions.

Writer and publican Billy Keane also addressed the gathering, highlighting the cultural role of the Irish pub in the visitor experience.

KTIF Chairperson Pat O’Leary said the diversity of speakers reflects the interconnected nature of the industry: “Tourism in Kerry is not one single sector — it is a network of businesses and communities working together. From international marketing and economic forecasting to innovation and the unique role of our publicans, today’s discussions highlight how every element contributes to the strength of our tourism product. With representation from all regions, chambers and businesses of every scale in the county, KTIF ensures that the voice is unified and influential.”

The discussions focused on sustainability and community resilience, with significant attention given to upcoming international opportunities like the Ryder Cup 2027.

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Minister Niall Collins visits KCYS Youth Diversion Project

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) was pleased to welcome Minister Niall Collins to its Youth Diversion Project in Kilarney last week. The visit gave the Minister an opportunity to meet […]

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Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) was pleased to welcome Minister Niall Collins to its Youth Diversion Project in Kilarney last week.

The visit gave the Minister an opportunity to meet staff and hear directly about the work of the Kerry Youth Diversion Project, including early intervention, family support, court accompaniment and wider youth justice practice across the county.
KCYS supports young people across a broad continuum of services in Kerry, from preventative and developmental youth work through to highly targeted interventions for young people and families facing significant challenge and complexity. The Youth Diversion Project forms an important part of that wider continuum of support.
Speaking following the visit, Seamus Whitty, CEO of KCYS, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Minister Collins to Kerry and to have the opportunity to give him a sense of the breadth and depth of the work being carried by the Youth Diversion Project here.
The Youth Diversion Project in Kerry is a strong and well-developed intervention, grounded in practice, informed by evidence, and marked by innovation in how it supports young people and families. It is part of a broader continuum of supports provided by KCYS, and it depends on strong collaboration across teams, services and community partners to make a real difference in people’s lives.
It is also important to acknowledge the Department’s continued commitment to youth justice. The policy direction in this area has been a progressive one, and that has created space for work of this kind to develop and respond to need in a meaningful way.”
The visit highlighted the scale and complexity of the work being carried by the KCYS team, and the importance of sustained investment in youth work responses for young people and families.

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Cllr O’Callaghan highlights deep-rooted bond between town and rally

Representing the Killarney Municipal District at Sunday’s Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes launch, Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan praised the enduring partnership between the Rally of the Lakes and the […]

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Representing the Killarney Municipal District at Sunday’s Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes launch, Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan praised the enduring partnership between the Rally of the Lakes and the local community.

For the O’Callaghan family, the event is deeply personal; they own and operate the Failte Hotel on College Street, a landmark business that has grown alongside the rally for decades.
Cllr O’Callaghan noted that the history of the Failte Hotel is inextricably linked with the rally’s heritage, serving as a hub for competitors and fans since the early days of the event.
He said that the rally has become a vital part of the fabric of Killarney life, providing a massive economic and social boost to the town. “The rally has been part of the hotel’s history as much as the hotel has been part of the rally’s history,” he told the gathered crowd, expressing his pride in seeing the tradition continue.
He welcomed the organisers and sponsors to Gleneagle, wishing the event continued success as it remains a cornerstone of the Killarney sporting calendar.

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