The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
It’s that time of year once again in Killarney ...
IT’S that time of the year again when we look back on another busy and successful year in Killarney. There is one last celebration and effort for us in the Chamber and that is the highly anticipated Christmas in Killarney Festival.
In my first year as president of the Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, I have presided over many wonderful events and community and business achievements.
The opening of the historic rooms in Killarney House in July was yet another welcome step and the daily tours have been extremely well attended since then.
This year the Chamber expanded its support of the Spraoi Chiarraí celebration of traditional Irish music, dance and storytelling. Two of the open air Saturday concerts were held in Killarney House to the delight of large numbers of visitors and locals alike.
It was truly uplifting to see hundreds of people enjoying the entertainment amidst the natural surroundings, just metres from the centre of the town. The long awaited full opening of the exhibition/interpretive centre is promised for spring 2018, so there is lots more we can look forward.
Our Purple Flag was once again successful in its renewal this year, demonstrating to all Killarney’s vibrancy as an evening and night time destination. This is particularly vital in emphasising the all-important aspect of our town’s open and welcoming disposition.
The renovation of Plunkett Street and the trial of pedestrianisation in the summer has also enhanced the vibrancy of the streets at night.
Our festivals and events were once again hugely successful in 2017. Beginning with the St Patrick’s Day festival in March, a remarkable Ring of Kerry/ Munster final weekend, our biggest ever 4th of July, a very well attended Kerry Film festival, events, races, competitions, concerts to name but a few.
I also have to refer to the amazingly successful TBEX conference which was held in October. Killarney rolled out the red carpet for over 600 highly influential travel bloggers. Their tweets had over 3 billion impressions over the course of their time in Ireland. They will be writing about and exposing Killarney to the World for months and years to come. The delegates were also blown away by the community spirit and the sense of fun which they were received during their stay here.
We are blessed to live and work in an incredibly beautiful place. It is that sense of pride and team ethos through business, community and the local authority that sees Killarney lead the way nationally and worldwide.
This spirit will undoubtedly be on show over the coming weeks as we celebrate Christmas in Killarney. The festival goes from strength to strength and the parades encapsulate the magic of Christmas and the magic of Killarney.
I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2018.