News
Youth reach Amber status for promoting positive mental health

By Michelle Crean
Hard work promoting positive mental health and well-being has secured an Amber Flag for the students and staff at Killarney Youthreach.
The Amber Flag is an initiative run by Pieta House that recognises the individual efforts of schools, Youthreach centres, third level institutions, and community groups to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental well-being.
Killarney Youthreach students and staff came together in order to create a safe, positive and healthy attitude towards general physical and mental health and well-being.
In order to promote positive mental health and well-being, they engaged in a range of activities and actions including: mindfulness, creating a mental health and well-being noticeboard, organising a positive mental health week, engaging in mental health awareness training, timetabling physical activity in the outdoors, practicing gratitude and journaling. Students and staff are mindful of the five pillars of good mental health: connect with others, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.
“The efforts our young people put in were monumental and we are delighted that their hard work is being recognised nationally with the presentation of the Amber Flag,” Majella Hegarty, Killarney Youthreach Amber Flag staff leader, told the Killarney Advertiser.
Accepting Applications
Killarney Youthreach is now accepting applications from students who have left school. Kerry Education and Training Board’s Killarney Youthreach is operating out of a new purpose built premises at the rear of 50 High Street. Two main courses are on offer; Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 3 (NQF Junior Cert equivalent) and QQI Level 4 (NQF pass Leaving Cert equivalent). Each course has a range of subjects including computers, maths, communications, biology, and interpersonal skills. Killarney Youthreach also offers work experience, sports, outdoor activities, personal development, as well as CV and interview preparation.
Youthreach is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning. A training allowance is provided. If you are looking for a second chance at education, are aged between 16 and 20, and interested in joining Killarney Youthreach, please ring 064 663 2559 to set up an appointment for an interview.
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.