At the launch of the new Summer In Killarney Festival were, from left, Dermot Healy, Brian Bowler, Matt Sophia McGrath and Yuliia Stadnyk, Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr. Martin Grady, Pat McGrath, Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, Author/Playwright, Actor, Aidan Byrne, Artiste, Lucy Cronin, Padraig Treacy, Claire Frawley, Events Manager, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Musical Director, Noel Patrick O’Sullivan, Chair of the Festival, Diarmuid Leen. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanTHE new Summer in Killarney Festival has been launched with street parades, cinema in the park and a host of family fun entertainment.
Running throughout the season, the Summer in Killarney Festival will transform the town into a hub of family entertainment.
The new festival is designed to showcase everything that makes Killarney unique, according to festival chair, Diarmuid Leen.
Continued below…
“Killarney has always been a place where culture, entertainment, hospitality and the natural environment meet. Our festival is about celebrating our welcoming spirit and offering unforgettable summer experiences for visitors and locals alike.”
There will be street parades and live music sets on June 25 and July 20, an outdoor cinema experience with SPIN South West DJ on July 20 and a theatrical period drama – As Far As The Eye Can See – with music, song and dance, performed in the grounds of Killarney House.
Under the theme “Celebrating 250 Years of Ireland’s Contribution to American Culture,” Killarney is programming a specially curated series of cultural events; literary, film, musical and theatrical performances highlighting the profound influence and remarkable contribution Ireland has had on the American cultural landscape.
Among the highlights is a John McCormack evening featuring renowned tenor Gavan Ring.
Most of the events are free, but booking is recommended, especially for the Cinema in the Park promising to be “the ultimate summer night out in Killarney.”
Summer in Killarney Festival is presented by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, kindly supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Heineken.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (Summer in Killarney) has acknowledged the financial assistance provided by Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund 2026 and Fáilte Ireland’s Festival and Participative Events programme.
How do I apply for a family ticket for the outdoor cinema.