The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Keeping Christmas where it matters most - at home in the Dingle Peninsula
IT’S been a challenging time across all sectors of business during the past year or so which is why Christmas should be about celebrating and supporting the places and people that matter most: ‘Home’ is basically what it’s called and nothing makes home so prominent in our minds as Christmas.
The town, and indeed much of the surrounding Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula, has seen a huge increase in the numbers of visitors flocking to the area for the holiday period, mainly leading up to the New Year’s Celebrations. It is estimated that the area benefits to the tune of €2 million and the local Business Chamber and Tourism Alliance have made a huge effort to provide festive atmosphere in the town over the past decade. Last year, the guesthouses, hotels and B&Bs were packed and this is expected to happen again this year as reports suggest bookings are brisk. A month long shopping promotion undertaken by the Business Chamber, Farmer’s Markets, Craft Fairs will take place throughout town as part of the Business Chamber’s programme for Christmas. Discounts and many more offers will feature in the shopping promotion and the Chamber’s aim is to encourage people to shop local and to make sure of local employment and help keep employment in the peninsula this Christmas.
“We look forward to welcoming our visitors over the festive season and New Year as we feel the town has a real and genuine charm at Christmas with the Wren’s Day, the fireworks and other activities which entertain both young and old, Bígí Linn, “said Risteard Mac Liam of the Dingle Business Chamber.
Richie Williams - also of Dingle Business Chamber - emphasised the importance of job creation. “We focus very much on employment in the Dingle Peninsula as this is an area that we want to be able to help create and sustain jobs. That’s why it’s important for people to shop local and support local businesses when possible,” said Richie.