Tag Archives: Kerry Tourism

News

New Brand And Website To Promote Kerry Launched

January 25, 2024 Dermot Crean 1 Comment

A new place brand for County Kerry that promotes Visit, Work and Live has been launched. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

A NEW unified place brand for County Kerry that promotes ‘Visit, Work and Live’ through the new Discover Kerry website has been launched.

The ‘Marketing Kerry’ brand project — formed between Kerry County Council, KerrySciTech and Kerry Tourism Industry Federation — was put together with Kerry’s future prosperity in mind. The new brand is driven by a vision for Kerry’s future and a desire to share and to celebrate Kerry in its entirety.

Welcoming the new brand and website, Mayor of Kerry, Jim Finucane said: “This is a very positive and exciting day for the county. The new Kerry brand is a catalyst for positive change in Kerry which represents a shared vision for success and a commitment to work together to drive economic growth and tourism in the county.”

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Mayor of Kerry, Jim Finucane said: “This is a very positive and exciting day for the county. The new Kerry brand is a catalyst for positive change in Kerry which represents a shared vision for success and a commitment to work together to drive economic growth and tourism in the county.”

“This presents a very important opportunity for Kerry to promote itself in a collaborative and coordinated way,” says Chief Executive of Kerry County Council Moira Murrell.

The new logo is a simple and distinctive mark, inspired by iconography within Kerry’s county crest that also, on its side, represents the letter ‘K’. DiscoverKerry.com is the online home for the new place brand.

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News

PHOTOS: Tributes Paid To John Griffin On His Retirement

October 8, 2023 Dermot Crean

John Griffin (centre) with Rev Jim Stephens, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Cllr Jim Finucane, John’s son Sean Griffin, his wife Therese, Mayor of Tralee Cllr Johnnie Wall and Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening for his retirement function. Photo by Dermot Crean

TAKE a look around Tralee and you’ll see John Griffin’s imprint everywhere.

The Tourism Officer with Kerry County Council has been associated with the main tourism projects in the town and indeed the county over the past 40 years and it’s now coming to an end with his retirement which was marked with a function at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening.

It was no surprise to see the large gathering of people from all walks of Kerry life gathersed there to mark his departure from the role where he excelled and promoted Kerry so diligently over the decades.

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Tributes were paid from Minister Norma Foley, Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. Johnnie Wall, Mayor of Tralee, Declan Murphy, Manager, Failte Ireland, and John’s close friend the current of Mayor, Cllr. Jim Finunace.

Mike Scannell, former Tralee Town Clerk, acted as MC for the occasion as his public service career, spanning 40 years with Tralee Town Council and Kerry County Council, was recalled.

John Griffin with his wife Therese and son Sean at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

John has been associated with the development of some of the county’s most iconic visitor attractions including Blennerville Windmill and Steam Railway, Restoration of Ardfert Cathedral, Kerry County Museum and Geraldine Experience, the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship Project, Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre, Tralee Rose Memorial and Rose Wall, Kerry GAA Memorial and most recently the Valentia Transatlantic Cable Project. He was director of The Gathering in Kerry and the roll-out of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The role he played in bringing Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary to Tralee was also recalled by speakers.

John expressed his sincere thanks to his council colleagues, public representatives, members of the Tralee and wider Kerry Tourism industry and friends for their kind words and support and patience with him over the years.

He was joined by his wife Therese, whom he described as his “rock”, and his son Sean who is based in London.

There were also warm words for his 101 year old mother Nell who lives in Moyderwell and son Michael who resides in Melbourne.

The town and county owes John a debt for his service over the years and he will be sorely missed. Scroll down for photos…

John Griffin with guests at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening for his retirement function. Photo by Dermot Crean

Helen O’Connor Barry and Jean Foley at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Nora Teahon and Paul Dolan at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mary Morrissey and Martina Kerins at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Martina Canty, Declan Murphy and Caroline Boland at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Sharon O’Keeffe, Mary Kennelly and Sandra Leahy at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Noreen O’Mahony and Patricia Greaney at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

John Commane, Pat Hussey and Michael Scannell at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Don Nolan, Kathleen Browne and Patricia Nolan at the Lakeside Cafe at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

News

West Kerry Landmark In New Study To Link Ireland’s Furthermost Points

October 3, 2022 Dermot Crean

An Dún Mór – Dunmore Head in West Kerry Ireland’s most westerly landmass point.

A PLAN to highlight and upgrade Ireland’s four most extreme geographic viewing points, including An Dún Mór / Dunmore Head in West Kerry, is among the successful projects to be awarded Shared Island (North/South) funding.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced 25 projects to benefit from the Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme in Cavan, saying the projects would “help bring more energy, innovation and impact to cross-border cooperation in the time ahead”.

Over €4.3 million has been allocated for the projects, which are being led by 15 councils in the Republic, including Kerry County Council, and nine in the north, including Ards and North Down Borough Council.

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The projects are spread across a range of sectors including biodiversity, tourism, decarbonisation, the circular economy, rural and urban regeneration, education and cultural and creative industries.

The “Four Points” Feasibility Study will receive €100,000 to scope the development of the four extreme geographic points in Donegal, Down, Cork and Dunmore Head, County Kerry.

The Feasibility Study will focus on linking, enhancing and cross-promoting the four extreme geographic points on the island of Ireland – Banba’s Crown, Malin Head, Co. Donegal (most northerly), Brow Head, Co. Cork (most southerly), Burr Point, Ards Peninsula, County Down (most easterly), and An Dún Mór/Dunmore Head, County Kerry (most westerly) – as a means of creating a new joined-up suite of sustainable tourism experiences that will attract additional visitors to the island, encourage visitors to move around and explore the island, increase visitor stays and generate economic activity for the benefit of the local communities.

The launch of Shared Island Local Authority funding initiative was attended by the Leas Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Bobby O’Connell and John Griffin, County Tourism Officer.

Business/Property, News

Kerry Tourism Promoted At National Ploughing Championships

September 22, 2022 Dermot Crean

Fiona O’Connor of the INEC Gleneagle Arena at the Discover Kerry stand at the National Ploughing Championships this week.

DISCOVER Kerry, the brand that promotes tourism for county Kerry, hosted an exhibition tent at the National Ploughing Championships this week in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

The ‘Farming Festival’ made a welcome return in its usual format, with over 1,700 exhibitors filling the 900-acre site over three days.

Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF), with the support of Kerry County Council, hosted a 162m squared tented patch at the event to give a taste of what Kerry has to offer to visitors in a coordinated and joint effort under the brand ‘Discover Kerry’.

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With the aid of reusable visual display and digital screens, tourism industry professionals met and engaged with attendees over the course of the three days.

Rose of Tralee 2022, Rachel Duffy, also popped in to do her bit for promoting the county.

Rose of Tralee 2022, Rachel Duffy, at the Discover Kerry stand.

As Ireland’s number one sustainable tourism destination, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, Discover Kerry and all exhibitors within the tent took a unified approach not to bring or distribute any printed materials or promotional items. Instead, exhibitors used digital devices and directed people to online resources.

Pat O’Leary, chairperson of KTIF said “This concerted effort significantly reduced printed materials, single use plastic promotional items, transport costs, labour hours and waste. In Kerry we aim to bring sustainability to the forefront of tourism and put it at the heart of what we do and we believe this effort is acknowledged by visitors to the county.”

News

Two New Apps Launched To Enhance Tourism Experiences In Kerry

September 16, 2022 Dermot Crean

TWO new free visitor experience applications have been launched today aimed at enhancing visitors’ experiences using Augmented Reality (AR) technology and immersive storytelling at two iconic amenities in Kerry.

The apps were developed for Kerry County Council and a partnership of local stakeholders by two Irish start-up companies.

‘Ciar’s Quest’ is designed as a family interactive experience, which takes you on an adventure around Ross Island in Killarney, and, using Augmented Reality, enables adventurers to meet, learn about, and interact with some of the wildlife of Killarney National Park.

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The app, developed by Wanderful, provides a fun way for families to explore Ross Island, helping the mythical character Ciar on his Quest to find the hidden wildlife of the Kingdom.

The central character is a boy named Ciar, who is a descendant of the O’Connor Chieftain Ciar, the founder of The Kingdom of Kerry (www.ciarsquest.ie).

The ‘Kerry Way Digital Companion’, on the Imvizar platform, provides fun, facts, and folklore through new Augmented Reality immersive experiences at five different sites in the Muckross and Torc areas of Killarney National Park.

It also incorporates over 40 audio stories, across all nine stages of the Kerry Way, previously recorded, geolocated and digitised by Béaloideas Chiarraí / Kerry Folklore and South Kerry Development Partnership.

The app is not just for Kerry Way hikers, but for anyone visiting sites and segments along the 218km Iveragh walking route.

Using just your own mobile phone, you can meet local fictional characters as well as historical characters like Queen Victoria at Muckross House.

The apps have been developed as part of Kerry County Council’s ‘Atlantic Discovery Platform’ programme funded significantly by the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Digital Innovation Programme.

They were developed in collaboration with technology and tourism interests in the county including the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, RDI Hub, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Muckross House, Kerry Folklore and the South Kerry Development Partnership.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Bobby O’Connell said: ‘These new interactive apps, which are free to download and use, not only enhance the visitor experience in Kerry, but shows us how technology can be developed in a way that complements and improves our existing tourism offering.”

Entertainment, News

Tralee Attractions Nominated For ‘Museums And Me’ Awards

August 12, 2020 Dermot Crean

KERRY County Museum and Tralee Bay Wetlands have been nominated in the 2020 series of ‘Museums and Me’.

The Museums and Me series reaches out to highlight some of the island of Ireland’s most family-friendly cultural spots – from museums, galleries and areas of natural beauty to the incredible and downright magical.

Kerry County Museum is nominated in two categories — ‘Best for Families’ and ‘Best Programme’ — while Tralee Bay Wetlands is nominated for ‘Best For Nature’. Sandy Feet Farm in west Kerry has been nominated in the ‘Best For Under 3s’ category.

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Nominations will close on August 31 and the top 3 with the highest number of nominations will be chosen for each category.

A public vote will take place, with runners-up and overall winners announced in September 2020. To find out more and nominate your favourite attraction click here to go to the website

News

Survey Suggests Kerry Is Most Popular Staycation Spot For Irish Holidaymakers

July 31, 2020 Dermot Crean

A NEW survey suggest Kerry is the most popular destination for Irish people staycationing this summer and at least €800 will be spent by those taking a holiday at home.

The research, carried out by fuel and convenience retailer Circle K in July on over 1,300 adults, has revealed that Kerry is this year’s most popular (19%) staycation destination for Irish holidaymakers, followed by Galway (14%), Cork (13%) and Wexford (8%).

Six in ten (59%) were not planning to take their holiday in Ireland before COVID-19 travel restrictions were put in place, yet 86% have now made plans to staycation this year.

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Over half (54%) plan to take a holiday within Ireland as they feel safer staying closer to home and 16% of those who are planning to staycation are doing so to support the local economy.

Despite 59% admitting that they were not planning to stay in Ireland this year for their holiday, almost all polled (94%) are now looking forward to exploring more of the country they live in.

Over three quarters (80%) holidayed in Ireland as a child with the majority (98%) remembering these childhood breaks with fondness. Over half (58%) have taken inspiration from those memories when choosing their spot to staycation in this summer.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Free Access To Tourism Attractions All Over Kerry Today

July 30, 2020 Dermot Crean

THERE is free entry today (Thursday) to 30 visitor attractions throughout the county as part of Kerry Tourism Day a new initiative by Kerry County Council and the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation.

There is a variety of attractions and activities to choose from all over the county from Tarbert Bridewell to Valentia Lighthouse, Dingle Distillery to Muckross Farms, while closer to home, Blennerville Windmill Centre, Tralee Bay Wetlands, Eco & Activity Park, the Jane Hilliard Gallery and Kerry County Museum will be open to visitors for free. Pre-booking is advised at many attractions so check before you go.

Kerry Tourism Day aims to showcase the incredible selection of visitor attractions and activities throughout the kingdom.

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Locals and visitors alike are invited to experience many of the county’s top tourist attractions and experiences free of charge for one day.

The initiative aims to strengthen the referral economy amongst locals and communities by offering a countywide ‘open house’ of visitor attractions and tourist experiences.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen encouraged the people of Kerry to show their support for Kerry Tourism Day:

“We have a fantastic and diverse range of attractions for all ages here in Kerry. I would encourage everyone in Kerry to consider being a tourist in their own county for the day by visiting one of our participating visitor attractions – while maintaining social distancing and adhering to public health guidelines. This is a really practical way to show your support for our local tourism industry at this challenging time.”

News

New Guide To Kerry’s Parks, Gardens And Woodlands Launched

September 3, 2019 Dermot Crean

Minister of State, Brendan Griffin TD and the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, with Joan McCarthy, Tourism Development Officer Kerry County Council, 3rd left, Moira Murrell, Chief Executive Kerry County Council and Cllr Michael Gleeson, Cathaoirleach, Killarney Municipal District at the launch of a new tourism brochure at Killarney House and Gardens. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

KERRY County Council has published a new brochure which showcases and promotes the county’s parks, gardens and woodlands.

The new guide highlights what those amenities have to offer and will enhance the attractiveness of the county for visitors with an interest in ecology, biodiversity, wildlife habitats and walking trails.

The brochure was launched by the Minister of State, Brendan Griffin TD and the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher at Killarney House and Gardens, which is one of the many amenities which feature in the new brochure.

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The new booklet, which provides information about, directions to, and images of many of the county’s parks, gardens and woodlands will be widely distributed and is an action in the County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. It includes an introduction by Paul Maher, a native of Kerry, who is curator of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

Among the many amenities featuring in the brochure are Ballyseedy Wood, Bonane Heritage Park, and Childers Park and Woodlands in Listowel as well as, for example, gardens in Derrynane, Killarney, Milltown, Camp and Kenmare.

The brochure was researched, designed and produced by the Tourism Unit of Kerry Council with the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

“Several actions contained in the County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2022 emphasise the importance of continued promotion and marketing of niche tourism areas, products and attractions, such as gardens and woodlands, which have the potential to attract high spending visitors and addresses the challenges of seasonality and regionality,” said Cathaoirleach, Cllr Kelleher.

“Our parks, gardens and woodlands are year-round attractions and offer the visitor an exceptional experience whatever the season,” he said.

The Parks, Gardens and Woodlands of Kerry brochure is described as a ‘knowledgeable companion’ that ‘enlightens the visitor to the parks, gardens and woodlands of Kerry in a thoughtful, helpful way.’ Locations and contact details are included along with information such as opening hours and the key features of each of the attractions.

Head of Tourism with Kerry County Council, Joan McCarthy, said that each attraction featured in the brochure has a unique experience to offer the visitor ranging from majestic scenery, native trees, sub-tropical plants from around the world, waymarked trails, arboretums, waterfalls, art and tree sculptures, fairy trails and much more.

“From Killarney National Park to the Coillte woodlands where walks are available in a beautiful setting, there is something for all ages to visit and enjoy,” she added.

The new brochure is available on the Kerry County Council website, kerrycoco.ie and will be distributed to tourist offices, accommodation providers and the gardens and woodlands amenities which feature.

News

New Brochure Of Kerry’s Wide Range Of Tourism Attractions Launched

July 16, 2018 Dermot Crean

A NEW, comprehensive and user-friendly brochure highlighting the wide and diverse range of activities and attractions on offer to locals and visitors in the county has been published by the Tourism Unit of Kerry County Council.

The 170-page brochure was launched at County Buildings today by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Norma Foley.

The new guide is helpfully segmented into easily accessible categories including golf, angling, surfing, walking and hiking, cycling, art, crafts, adventure, family fun activities, food experiences, gardens and parks, water sports, equestrian, and more and includes a listing of contact details for over 300 tourism and activity businesses.

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The Tourism Unit of Kerry County Council, working closely with adventure and activity providers as well as local communities, development groups and committees, designed and produced the guide ‘in house’ with the support of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2017.

The publication of the brochure is an objective of the County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan which was published in 2016.

“County Kerry is more dependent on tourism than any other county in Ireland and future economic development and job creation in the county is more likely to be linked to tourism and hospitality than any other economic activity,” said the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Norma Foley.

“One in five jobs and businesses in Kerry depend on tourism and the county earns over €420 million annually from its visitors.

“County Kerry is gaining a reputation as one of the best places in Europe for those in search of an adventure or activity holiday. The county’s natural attributes and man-made attractions are hugely appealing for Ireland’s visitor target markets. Kerry’s countryside and coastal areas, mountains and lakes, woodlands and national parks provide outstanding environments for a range of activities and adventure pursuits,” said Cllr Foley.

The County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2022 sets out the priorities and investment plans for the county and forms an integral part of Kerry County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2022.

It identified Adventure Tourism as one of the fastest growing segments of international tourism. Various groups who participated in the formulation of the Tourism Strategy including adventure and activity providers, sought to maximise, in a sustainable manner, the potential of adventure tourism, particularly during the off-peak season.

The topography of the county is ideally suited to both soft adventure (e.g. walking, cycling, sailing and angling) and hard adventure (e.g. mountain climbing, trekking, surfing).

The brochure will be widely distributed and promoted both nationally and internationally. An on-line version will also be available (see www.kerrycoco.ie) which can be updated regularly to include further business listings.

Business/Property, News

Tourism Interests Invited To Hear Insights From Industry Expert At Free Seminar

May 1, 2018 Dermot Crean

THE Kerry Tourism Industry Forum, supported by Fáilte Ireland, is hosting a seminar with renowned tourism industry expert, Dr Terry Stevens on Thursday, May 3, in The Brehon, Killarney.

The half day workshop will examine the future of tourism in Kerry. It is free and is open to industry owners and practitioners from throughout the county.

The aims of the workshop are, to provide participants with an insight into destination management, to provide and discuss examples of international best practice and to challenge many of the traditional views about destination development.

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Dr Stevens is an expert on destination development and a recognised specialist in events and sports tourism.

He numbers the UN World Tourism Organisation, UNESCO and UNDP among his many clients and is currently working on strategic destination development projects in New Zealand, Slovenia, Denmark Bulgaria, Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and in Scotland.

He is a member of the UNWTO’s Global Tourism Performance Barometer Monitoring Group, the UNWTO’s Technical Expert on Sport and Tourism and is currently part of the UNWTO and World Tourism Cities Federation Research Group looking at performance areas in city tourism.

“It is clear that there are major shifts in the way destinations are organised, funded and governed in order to meet the challenges and the opportunities associated with the rapidly changing demands and expectations of both the visitor and the host community. The aim of the workshop will be to shed light on these trends and the implications for those responsible for tourism planning and development,” says Dr Terry Stevens.

The Kerry Tourism Industry Forum was formed in June 2017. It is an open forum for employers and business people with a vested interest in tourism in County Kerry. The goal is to share insights and areas of common interest with the intention of developing a position on a number of matters that may help the health, sustainability and development of tourism in Kerry. The intention is to focus on tourism within the whole county of Kerry, without favour for any one industry or geographical area.

Pre-registration for the seminar is available by emailing mary.mcquinn@gleneaglegroup.ie by 12 noon on Wednesday, May 2. The seminar takes place in The Brehon this Thursday, with arrival registration commencing at 9.30am.

Business/Property

PHOTOS: Tralee Hotels Represented At Workshop On WAW Tourism Initiative

February 22, 2018 Dermot Crean

At the Failte Ireland/TripAdvisor workshop event were from left, Maeve Collins, Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee, Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland, Michele Hanifan, Ballyroe Heights Hotel. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

REPRESENTATIVES from Tralee hotels and businesses were among those who attended a workshop on Tuesday on how to capitalise on an upcoming social media initiative which will see Kerry promoted on different platforms.

Making sure tourism businesses are prepared to capitalise fully on an expected upswing in social media searches was the purpose of the Fáilte Ireland workshop which was held in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney.

The workshop was held ahead of an up-coming Tourism Ireland social media initiative with popular holiday booking website, TripAdvisor.

The Tourism Ireland Spring campaigns for the British and German markets will feature the Wild Atlantic Way and will run for four weeks and have the potential to substantially increase interest in visitor attractions, accommodation provision and activities offered by tourism businesses in the region.

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The British campaign will begin on March 5 with the campaign for Germany starting on March 12 next.

The workshop, facilitated jointly with Tourism Ireland and TripAdvisor, was held to outline the campaign details and highlight ways to engage with the TripAdvisor social media platforms.

The purpose is that when the campaign is live, there will be a depth of content available on TripAdvisor relating to tourism businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Finola O’Mahony, Head of Europe at Tourism Ireland said; “The workshop is designed to help Industry get their Trip Advisor listings and offers optimised for the campaigns and to drive awareness for the Wild Atlantic way among culturally curious and great escaper Trip Advisor consumers, with targeted video, Facebook advertising and display, which in turn will help to drive bookings for participating Industry. We also hope that the campaign will drive interest for the direct routes into Kerry Airport from Frankfurt, Berlin, Stanstead and Luton.” Scroll down for photos…

At the Failte Ireland/TripAdvisor workshop event were from left, Majella Milward, The Ashe Hotel, Tralee, Marie Galvin, Ballygarry Hotel, Tralee and Finola O’Mahony, Tourism Ireland Europe. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

At the Failte Ireland/TripAdvisor workshop event were from left, Finola O’Mahony, Tourism Ireland, Europe, Noel Ryan, Marketing Manager Kerry Airport, Brendan McSweeney, Randles Hotels, Digital Marketing, Susan Randles, Randles Hotels, Michelle Murphy, Siamsa Tire, Marketing PR Dept. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

At the Failte Ireland/TripAdvisor workshop event were from left, Micheala Edwards, Wild Water Adventures, John Fitzgerald, Irish Atlantic Seaweed, Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Business/Property, News

Tralee Well Represented At Destination Kerry Stand At German Fair

January 25, 2018 Dermot Crean

KERRY products were in high demand at CMT – Europe’s largest consumer travel fair – in Stuttgart last week and Tralee was well represented.

A Kerry County Council/Destination Kerry initiative saw Kerry showcasing its tourism products and activities with other Irish destinations at the Ireland Stand at the nine-day event. It follows on from the Kerry Airport promotion in Berlin last November.

2018 looks like being a bumper year for Kerry tourism from the German market. The county already attracts in excess of 400,000 German holidaymakers annually but the demand continues to grow.

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“Germany is Ireland’s largest continental European market and Kerry is their favoured regional destination. Over 400,000 German tourists visited Kerry in 2017 but the potential for further growth is enormous,” according to John Griffin, Tourism Officer with Kerry County Council.

Promoting Kerry at CMT in Stuttgart – Europe’s largest travel fair. Photo shows (l to r): Simone Langemann, Destination Kerry, Finola O’Mahony, Head of Europe, Tourism Ireland, Grace O’Donnell, Go Kerry, and John Griffin, Tourism Officer, Kerry County Council.

“Kerry has great brand recognition in the German market due to the popularity of Kerrygold butter, and the Ring of Kerry which has been promoted in the German market since the 1960s. These appeal to the more experienced travellers while it’s the Star Wars movies, focussing on Skellig Michael and Ceann Sibéal, that are attracting younger visitors.”

Among the groups that participated at CMT were Kerry Airport, Killarney Chamber of Tourism, Tralee Chamber Alliance, Go Kerry, Bonane Tourism and a number of individual providers.

The opportunity was taken by the Council’s Tourism Unit to unveil the new Kerry tourism brand ‘Your Natural Escape’ to a German audience which resonated very well with visitors to the stand.

Business/Property, News

Seminar On Providing AirBnB And B&B In Tralee And North Kerry

October 10, 2017 Dermot Crean 1 Comment

Ballybunion is a popular tourist spot in north Kerry.

FÁILTE Ireland and Kerry County Council will hold an information seminar in Listowel next week for anyone interested in providing tourist accommodation in Tralee and north Kerry.

The seminar will take place on Monday next, October 16 in St John’s Theatre, Listowel at 7.30pm.

The event is aimed at marketing additional accommodation for tourists in the north Kerry area through traditional bed and breakfast facilities or new accommodation types such as AirBnB and pods, but people from other parts of the county are also welcome to attend.

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“Fáilte Ireland recently launched their new Welcome Standard for accommodation providers across the country which recognises the diversity and many different types of accommodation types now available to visitors,” explained Joan McCarthy, Head of Tourism Development with Kerry County Council and Listowel Municipal District Manager.

“The new standard recognises that accommodation provision is changing and there are now many non-traditional offerings for visitors. The aim of this seminar is to assist anyone interested in developing their own tourism accommodation business and to establish if there is tourism potential for more properties in the north Kerry area,” said Joan.

“Essential to any tourism offering is the availability of accommodation for visitors to the area and north Kerry has been identified as one area where there is a need for a greater availability of tourism accommodation,” she added.

A presentation will also be made on the Wild Atlantic Way and further development of the route in the future.

The seminar, which is free of charge, will be addressed by two representatives from Fáilte Ireland Siobhán King, Programme Officer for the Cliff Coast (North Kerry and Limerick) and Linda Campbell, Manager of Hospitality and Standards.

For more information, please contact Kerry County Council’s Tourism Unit on 066 7183951.

Business/Property, News

Spreading The Word About Kerry In Rhode Island

July 10, 2017 Dermot Crean

THE Minister for State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, led a 20-strong delegation from Cork and Kerry to Providence, Rhode Island in the United States over the weekend to promote the new Norwegian airways Cork-Providence trans-Atlantic service which commenced earlier this month.

The group which included the Mayor of Kerry, Cllr John Sheahan and the Council’s tourism officer, John Griffin, was hosted by GoProvidence, Rhode Island Airport Corporation and the State of Rhode Island and they attended a series of engagements with tourism and business leaders. The two-day visit, organised by Cork Airport, was aimed at boosting trans-Atlantic tourism and trade.

Minister Griffin said that Providence, which is located mid way between New York and Boston, was an important new gateway from the USA to the South-West of Ireland.

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The three times weekly service is expected to bring an additional 20,000 US visitors to Cork and Kerry this year. It is first direct trans-Atlantic service to Cork Airport in its 56 year history.

Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. Declan Hurley, Pat O’Connell, President, Cork Business Association, Minister Brendan Griffin, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, and Mayor of Kerry, Cllr. John Sheahan.

Speaking at a reception for business leaders in the Renaissance Hotel, Cllr John Sheahan said that Kerry was the home of tourism and attracted over a half a million US visitors each year. He assured his listeners that they would be most welcome in the Kingdom.

The Irish group were very well received by their Rhode Island hosts including at high level meetings in Providence, Newport and in the State House with Governor Gina Raimondo and Secretary of Commerce, Stefan Pryor.

Minister Griffin presented Governor Raimondo with a book on the history of the GAA while Mayor Sheehan and the Governor exchanged books on Kerry and Rhode Island.

A return trip by Rhode Island tourism and business leaders to Cork and Kerry is expected in September.

News

Kerry Destinations Fared Well In A National Newspaper Reader Awards

January 14, 2017 Dermot Crean 1 Comment

Dingle was a big winner in the Irish Independent 2017 Reader Travel Awards.

THE Irish Independent 2017 Reader Travel Awards have been revealed and it’s no surprise to see Kerry destinations featuring in the top 10 of many categories.

The paper’s website asked readers to share their favourite getaways, nationally and internationally and after thousands of entries, tips and hours of judging they published the results today.

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In the Top Tourist Attractions category, the Ring of Kerry features in third place while Dingle is tenth (the Cliffs of Moher is No.1).

In fact Dingle does very well in the awards. Castlewood House was won the Best Breakfast in Ireland award and the town was named No.1 in the Top 10 Irish Holiday Destinations with Killarney at No.2 and Kenmare at No.6.

Inch Beach was No.3 in Ireland’s Best Beaches with Ballybunion voted in at No.7 (Inchydoney was No.1), while the Europe Hotel and Resort got an Honourable Mention in the Favourite Spa category. For the full list of winners click here

News

PHOTOS: Council Unit Holds One-Day Showcase Of Kerry Tourism Interests

April 21, 2016 Dermot Crean

Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Networking Event at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Mags O'Sullivan from The Aquadome Tralee. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle. — Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Networking Event at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Mags O’Sullivan from The Aquadome Tralee. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle.

KERRY County Council’s Tourism Unit in association with the Destination Kerry Tourism Forum hosted a one-day showcase of the Kerry tourism product on Wednesday at the Malton Hotel, Killarney.

The showcase aimed to create a greater awareness of the major attractions in the county including all activities, facilities, accommodation and services, where they are located and when and how they are accessed.

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Those who attended included tourism attraction owners and staff; activity and adventure providers; festival organisers; tourism product providers; accommodation providers; tourism groups and tourism promoters. Many tourism interests in Tralee, including the Rose of Tralee and the Aqua Dome were present.

It was an opportunity for people in the sector to meet other tourism providers, share experiences and network on a one-to-one basis. Scroll down for photos…

Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday wasLisa Geaney, Crag Cave, Mary O Connor, The Daniel O'Connell Summer School and Breda Casey OPW in Derrynane. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle. — Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Lisa Geaney, Crag Cave, Mary O’Connor, The Daniel O’Connell Summer School and Breda Casey OPW in Derrynane. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle.

Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Networking Event at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Mary Walsh from Go Kerry and Walk With Me, Noel Ryan, Kerry Airport and Rachel Kavanagh, Star Outdoors in Kenmare. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle. — Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Networking Event at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Mary Walsh from Go Kerry and Walk With Me, Noel Ryan, Kerry Airport and Rachel Kavanagh, Star Outdoors in Kenmore. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle.

Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was, Joan McCarthy, Kerry County Council, Brendan Tuohy, Chairperson Destination Killarney, Katherine Webster, Cliffs of Moher, Siobhan King, Failte Ireland, John Griffin Tourism Officer, Kerry County Council, Declan Murphy, Failte Ireland and Moira Murrell Kerry County Council. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle.

Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Annissa Sakouhi from Seafari in Kenmare, DB O'Connor, Kerry Coaches and Megan Daly-Tyrrell Ireland Bikefest. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle. — Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Annissa Sakouhi from Seafari in Kenmare, DB O’Connor, Kerry Coaches and Megan Daly-Tyrrell Ireland Bikefest.
Photograph by Sally MacMonagle.

Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Terry O'Doherty from Brandy Lochs Guesthouse in Kenmare. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle. — Photographed at The Kerry Tourism Network Showcase at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday was Terry O’Doherty from Brandy Lochs Guesthouse in Kenmore. Photograph by Sally MacMonagle.

News

Kerry Is In Top Gear And Now We Need To Capitalise On It!

April 17, 2016 Dermot Crean

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 02.35.50 — Chris Evans’ shot of the beauty of west Kerry.

IT’S been some weekend for Kerry tourism.

The eyes of the nation – and beyond – have been upon us as the ‘Top Gear’ team rolled into Killarney, Kenmare and west Kerry, while the weather has played a huge part in making for a magnificent showcase of our wonderful county.

Top Gear host Chris Evans went on Twitter yesterday to express his astonishment at the Slea Head road…

Best road I’ve ever driven on. Had no idea it existed. A great great day. pic.twitter.com/HfCVwMWtLK

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) April 16, 2016

The day was made great by people from around the county who made their way to see the crew in the south and west Kerry towns, as well as the natives of course who made them so welcome.

Chris Evans went on to post more beautiful shots from his ’76 Rolls Royce Corniche…

It’s actually getting better. pic.twitter.com/z3cJsDv8zs

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) April 16, 2016

Rear view pic.twitter.com/kJcnZy7TaE

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) April 16, 2016

These, and numerous other images during the weekend, just shows how much he and his crew were captured by our beautiful home. With the Star Wars crew back in west Kerry, the eyes of the world are on us and they like what they see.

This week Banna will take centre stage with a 1916 commemoration event taking place, which will be televised on RTE.

We’re a county not short on confidence – and rightly so – but has there ever been a time so ripe to capitalise on this sort of publicity?

When the ‘Top Gear’ programme is aired in a few months (how lucky we were with the stunning sunshine to showcase the views!) and the Star Wars publicity set to continue , we can expect a huge spinoff and Tralee can also benefit from this.

I’m sure Tralee Chamber Alliance are already on the case with this, as it’s a huge opportunity to promote the town as a gateway to the peninsula.

But looking beyond the town, we hope the powers-that-be in the county and our politicians (if they ever get their act together in the Dail!) are actively targeting more film and TV production companies to come to the county, to either make movies or travel documentaries.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the county and we have never had it so good. All this and beating the Dubs next weekend to look forward to (fingers crossed). In terms of goodwill and publicity, we’ve never had it so good in Kerry!

Business/Property, News

Fáilte Ireland Meets Local Tourism Representatives About Performance And Plans For 2016

November 19, 2015 Dermot Crean

Fáilte Ireland met with representatives of the Kerry tourism industry in the Malton Hotel, Killarney, to discuss the recent performance of tourism in the South West, present Fáilte Ireland’s outlook for the year ahead and to outline the tourism authority’s plans for the year ahead, from left, Josephine O'Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland, Helena Switzer, Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, CEO, Kerry County Council, John Griffin, Kerry Tourism Officer, Kerry County Council, Joan McCarthy, Tourism Development Executive, Kerry County Council.Photo:Valerie O'Sullivan/NO REPRO FEE/FREE PIC*** — At the meeting of Fáilte Ireland and representatives of the Kerry tourism industry in the Malton Hotel, Killarney,on Thursday were, from left, Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland, Helena Switzer, Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, CEO, Kerry County Council, John Griffin, Kerry Tourism Officer, Kerry County Council, Joan McCarthy, Tourism Development Executive, Kerry County Council. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan

FÁILTE Ireland met with representatives of the Kerry tourism industry in the Malton Hotel, Killarney on Thursday to discuss the recent performance of tourism in the South West.

The body also presented Fáilte Ireland’s outlook for the year ahead and outlined the tourism authority’s plans for the year ahead.

The meeting heard that 2015 was a good year for tourism across the entire west coast which welcomed 3.8 million overseas visitors – a growth of 9% over last year. Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn explained this increase was particularly boosted by a strong growth in leisure visitors and holidaymakers.

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Speaking at the meeting, Mr Quinn said: “This year has turned out to be even better than expected with growth witnessed all along the west coast and from each of our key overseas markets. We fully expect this growth to continue into 2016 but we can’t take it for granted and must continue to work together to ensure we can continue to provide visitors with unique experiences and value for money.”

Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan, presented the organisation’s plans for developing the Wild Atlantic Way in 2016 which include an emphasis on growing international awareness of the Wild Atlantic Way as well as further developing compelling and motivating visitor experiences.

The range of dedicated supports available to assist tourism businesses in the next twelve months was also outlined at the meeting – including marketing, digital and sales supports as well as a number of new programmes and initiatives being announced for 2016.

Mr Quinn continued: “The Wild Atlantic Way has swiftly captured the imagination of many at home and abroad but there is a lot more to do if we are to further raise international awareness of the brand and ensure that the initiative becomes the compelling reason for many more overseas visitors to choose Ireland as a destination. There is also great potential in lengthening the tourism year with plenty more business to be won outside of the main holiday season. In 2016, Fáilte Ireland will be supporting local businesses to increase visitors, revenue and jobs throughout the region.”

Business/Property, News

Series Of Public Meetings On Kerry Tourism Strategy

May 5, 2015 Dermot Crean

THE Destination Kerry Tourism Forum, the umbrella body for tourism in the county, established by Kerry County Council, is organising a series of public meetings in relation to the new Kerry Tourism Strategy, 2016-2020.

Meetings will take place at seven venues throughout the county over the next two weeks, beginning in the River Island Hotel, Castleisland today (Tuesday) at 7pm and concluding in Kenmare on Monday, May 18. The Tralee meeting is on Tuesday May 12 at the Fels Point Hotel between 3-5pm.

The recently-announced Government plan for tourism projects a growth of up to 50% over the next decade, and it is planned that County Kerry will contribute significantly to that growth.

The new Tourism Strategy will involve engagement with a range of stakeholders who may have an interest in tourism, including local communities across the county.

The Strategy will have five over-arching themes:

• Protection and enhancement of Kerry’s natural and built environment, so as to continue to provide a high quality visitor experience built on the natural and built environment.
• Provision of a world class experience for the visitor with examples of state of the art tourism experiences.
• Close working arrangements across the tourism sector, including between local communities and the various State agencies together so as to deliver the strategy in a timely and effective manner.
• Embracing of new technologies to enhance the visitor experience.
• Ensuring a successful and prosperous tourism sector for the county.

Separate Working Groups are being established to examine the following areas:

• Adventure Tourism
• Natural & Cultural Heritage
• Infrastructure
• Branding & Marketing
• Community Tourism, Events & Festivals  Education
• Enterprise

The following are the locations and dates for the meetings.

Tuesday 5th May
CASTLEISLAND
River Island Hotel
7.00 – 9.00 pm

Wednesday 6th May
LISTOWEL
Seanchaí – Kerry Writers’ Museum
3.00 – 5.00 pm

Thursday 7th May
KILLARNEY
Killarney Plaza Hotel
9.30 – 11.30 am

Thursday 7th May
RATHMORE
Teach Iosagáin
7.00 – 9.00 pm

Monday 11th May
CAHERCIVEEN
Ring of Kerry Hotel
6.00 – 8.00 pm

Tuesday 12th May
TRALEE
Fels Point Hotel
3.00 – 5.00 pm

Thursday 14th May
DINGLE- DAINGEAN UÍ CHÚIS
Dingle Skellig Hotel
3.00 – 5.00 pm

Monday 18th May
KENMARE
Brooklane Hotel
8.00 – 10.00 pm

For further information, or to make a submission (on or before 30th June 2015) please contact the Tourism Unit, Kerry County Council, Áras an Chontae, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Email: tourismoffice@kerrycoco.ie
Phone: 066 7183591/7183581
Website: http://www.kerrycoco.ie/en/allservices/tourism/

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

PHOTOS: Stunning Images From Kerry Photographer Shows County At Its Best

March 30, 2015 Fergus Dennehy

A KERRY photographer has sent us some absolutely stunning photographs of Kerry that show ‘The Kingdom’ in all its glory.

Peter Cox, who is responsible for the amazing drone footage we showed you recently (click here for previous story), is looking for help to fundraise the cost of his new book which will feature stunning photographs of the west of Ireland.

The photos are already creating quite a stir nationwide with a Joe.ie story on Peter’s photos shared over 1,000 times on Facebook.

The photographer who runs his own gallery in on High Street in Killarney is hoping to use the fundraising website ‘Kickstarter’ to raise the funds needed to complete his ‘Atlantic Light’ project.

Up to this Monday morning, he has raised over €32,000 of the €45,000 goal he has set.

If you would like to donate to his project, you can do so by heading over to his fundraising page which can be found here.

Scroll down for photos…