It’s that time of year once again in Killarney...

IT’S that time of the year again. We look back on another busy and successful year in Killarney. There is one last celebration and effort for us in Chamber and that is the highly anticipated Christmas in Killarney Festival.

It certainly has been a busy year and I have presided over many wonderful events and community and business achievements.

An undoubted highlight was the long anticipated full opening of Killarney House and in particular the interpretive exhibition. I cannot recommend it highly enough, for both locals and visitors, it is now a ‘must see’ attraction in Killarney.

This year Chamber continued its support of the Spraoi Chairrai 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.

In that same venue in June, the town inducted the the Order of Innisfallen the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall on behalf of the British people’s contribution to tourism.

This magnificant house and its gardens are set adjacent to our town and I look forward to many special occasions in the future at this venue.

This year we had a full assessment of our Purple Flag and we were 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 to the all-important family market, our town’s open and welcoming disposition.

Last month we launched our plan to become Ieland’s first accessible town; Killarney A Destination For All. This initiative, which is a collaboration between all the main stakeholders has enormous potential to grow business and make Killarney an open and welcome place in which to live and visit. There will be much more to come on this project next year.

Our festivals and events were once again hugely successful in 2018. Beginning with the St. Patrick’s day festival in March, a remarkable Ring of Kerry, our biggest ever 4th of July, a very were attended and received Kerry Film festival and too many to mention; events, races, competitions, concerts.

This spirit will undoubtedly be on show over the coming weeks as we celebrate Christmas in Killarney. The festival goes from strength to strength. The parades encapsulate the magic of Christmas and the magic of Killarney and do look out for new events and activities this year. See www.christmasinkillarney.com to keep up to date with all the news.

On a personal note, as my tenure as Chamber President comes to an end, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all that assisted me over the past two years and to all those that help make Killarney the greatest town on earth.

I want to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2019.