Celebrating the Aqua Dome’s 20th birthday with a splash were Aqua Dome CEO Kieran Ruttledge, Mags O’Sullivan (Manager) and two Tralee youngsters and Kayleigh Ozdemir (7) and Darragh Hurley (14). Photo by Pauline Dennigan
FROM giving a job to a Bishop to splashing about with a Hollywood heart-throb to hosting an amazing three million customers, it’s been an eventful 20 years for the Aqua Dome.
The famous attraction celebrated the two decades in operation on Wednesday and since it opened it has played a major role in putting the town on the map as a major family fun destination.
“We are very proud to reach such a significant milestone in the life of Kerry’s number one fee-paying tourist attraction,” said Chief Executive of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge.
“Three million people have created a splash in the Aqua Dome since we opened our doors 20 years ago. It has been a vital contributor to the local economy. Our staff, many continue to work at the Aqua Dome since day one, have been our greatest asset and we look forward to a joyous staff re-union later this month,” said Mr Ruttledge.
To celebrate, a special offer Family Ticket is available from May 14 until the end of the month admitting two adults and three children for only €25.
Plenty of famous people have made a splash at the Aqua Dome during the first 20 years, including Hollywood Actor, Colin Farrell, who filmed a scene from ‘Drinking Crude’ in 1996.
It’s 10 years since Comedian Des Bishop spent a week working on the minimum wage in the Aqua Dome in 2004 as part of his TV Series “Des Bishop’s Work Experience”.
Other celebrities include former Ireland Soccer Manager Mick McCarthy, Rose of Tralee hosts Ray D’Arcy and Ryan Tubridy and Dublin-born Hollywood actor, Colm Meaney.
“We are most grateful to everyone who has played any part in continued success of the Aqua Dome, – staff, customers and more recently, the local contractors who assisted in the process to get the facility back up and running again after the winter storms,” said Kieran Ruttledge.
