The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Castlegregory and the Maharees . . . Communities with much to offer
WHILE the cancellation of the Castlegregory Summer Festival due to COVID-19 came as a blow to the local community, it hasn’t prevented locals from being positive and looking to the future.
Castlegregory is very much open for business according to the Chairperson of Castlegregory Community Council, Fionnuala Fitzgerald. Fionnuala said the local restaurants, bars and shops are reporting a steady trade since reopening with ‘staycationers’ making the most of the breathtaking scenery while abiding by social distancing.
“All the houses here are rented out and I don’t think there is a bed to be found in
Castlegregory or Maharees at the moment. This is a holiday-makers dream,” Fionnuala said.
The local beauticians, hair dressers and bakery are thriving again, with the local Spar shop continuing as a focal point in the village. The Beach Box Shop is open to visitors for those special seaside visits, and planning permission was recently given to facilitate five camper vans in the West End carpark overnight, so all’s ready to ensure the remainder of summer 2020 is a success.
Castlegregory Community Council is an extremely active organisation that is constantly looking at new ways to enhance the locality. A new website has been designed that is packed full of information for locals and visitors. The annual Club Draw continues to help raise funds for the Community Council - funds that are invested straight back into the local community. New seating and signage has been added to the village, while the local Tidy Towns group never cease in providing a fantastic voluntary service that is always open to new participants.
Enhancing the rich biodiversity and heritage of Coolroe is a priority; a place where native species are planted and wildlife is encouraged (look out for the 5-star bug hotel ‘Bracken Lodge in the coming weeks!). Yoga, Chinese Ki Gong, mindfulness and ‘active regenerative well-being’ is encouraged, while preserving local heritage through the work of Maharees Heritage and Conservation Group is a huge success story.
A busy Active Retirement Group makes its presence felt in Castlegregory, thanks to people like Debbie Quirke and Catherine Lyons (Catherine helps provide a busy meals service for elderly people).
“We have so much to offer and we’re all immensely proud of where we live. There is everything here that people want. There is a great community spirit in everything we do,” said Fionnuala.
For more information on Castlegregory and the Maharees, visit: www.Castlegregory.ie