Killarney Outlook

14/01/2026

A Calendar to
Celebrate Killarney National Park

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has released its annual Killarney National Park Calendar 2026, celebrating the park’s biodiversity, restoration projects, woodlands, native flora and fauna, and the staff who maintain this UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The calendar is available at Muckross Craft Shop for €5 and highlights the work carried out in 2025 by NPWS, Killarney National Park, Muckross House & Gardens, and local volunteers. Photography by Valerie O’Sullivan captures the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager NPWS, said, “We are delighted to showcase the conservation and restoration work in Tomies Woodland. In 2025, significant progress was made clearing Rhododendron on Tomies Mountain using new mulching machinery-a real game-changer in the decades-long effort to restore native woodlands.”
NPWS Conservation Ranger Padruig O’Sullivan added, “Our recent clearance in Cullinagh has revealed dry stone walls, potato drills, old farmsteads, and animal shelters, remnants of a self-sufficient community. The area is steeped in history, with links to the lost village of Cullinagh, the Royal Oak, and Innisfallen Island Monastery, founded in 631.”
Other highlights in the calendar include the final year of the White-tailed Eagle reintroduction project, Ross Castle’s new boating experience for visitors with limited mobility and neurodiverse needs, long-service awards, native woodlands, and some of the park’s most-loved residents-‘Winnie’ the Pine Marten and ‘Cyril’ the squirrel-from the popular summer video series The Secret Life of Killarney National Park.

14/01/2026

Lucky Kerry Winner Scoops €500,000 with Prize Bonds

A lucky Prize Bonds holder in County Kerry has scooped the December monthly prize of €500,000 in the latest Prize Bond draw. The winning bond, number ADG508969, was purchased in 2016, making it a life-changing win for the local bond holder.

The weekly top prize of €50,000 was also awarded in the same draw, going to Prize Bond number BER164616, which is held in County Laois. That bond was purchased in 2023.

In total, more than 8,755 prizes were awarded in this week’s Prize Bond draw, with a combined value of over €1,233,475. As well as the monthly €500,000 Star Prize, which is awarded in the final weekly draw of each calendar month, weekly draws offer a top prize of €50,000. Other prizes awarded each week include 20 prizes of €1,000 and 20 prizes of €500.

13/01/2026

Visitor restrictions at University Hospital Kerry

January 13 2026



HSE South West remind the public that visitor restrictions are in place at University Hospital Kerry as part of efforts to reduce the spread of influenza.



The restrictions include:

One visitor per patient, per day, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Visitors must wear surgical masks and use hand sanitiser (provided at the entrance to the hospital)
There is no visiting outside of visiting times (2pm to 4pm or 6pm to 8pm).


As always, the public are reminded not to visit if you feel in any way unwell – for example a temperature, runny nose, cough or any diarrhoea or vomiting.



These measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Certain compassionate exceptions will be made on case-by-case basis, by contacting ward staff in advance.



In the maternity ward, one birthing partner/visitor will be facilitated. This includes in the antenatal ward, delivery suite, postnatal ward and gynaecology ward. Children are not allowed to visit. Both parents will be facilitated on the neonatal ward.



Hospital Manager Mary Fitzgerald said:

“Unfortunately, flu rates in the community continue to increase and we need to continue visitor restrictions at UHK as part of our efforts to keep patients safe. We thank the public for their continuing co-operation and understanding, as we work together to keep patients and staff safe at the hospital.”



Ms Fitzgerald thanked the public for their help in stopping the spread of flu.

“It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. We continue to see patients hospitalised with influenza, and presenting at the emergency department. Our strong advice to those groups is to get vaccinated, even at this late stage, and get the protection they need.”

13/01/2026

Dr Crokes Lap of Light 2025 Brings Community
Together

The newly named Dr Crokes’ Park in Killarney was the setting for a deeply moving and uplifting community event on December 27 as the club hosted its Lap of Light 2025, one of several Christmas initiatives organised by Dr Crokes’ Healthy Club committee which comprises of Colette Casey, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Risteárd Clancy, Éamonn Fitzgerald, Sinéad O’Mara and Brendan O’Connor
The event focused on celebrating and remembering the lives of deceased club members and loved ones, offering comfort, reflection and solidarity to families who have experienced bereavement. Attendance was exceptionally strong, with people of all ages present, including many families connected to the club who have suffered recent losses.
Club vice-presidents Fr Tom Looney and Fr Paddy O’Donoghue set a tone of reverential celebration, balancing reflection with hope and togetherness. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a poignant musical contribution from Dr Crokes member Saoirse O’Sullivan. The 18-year-old solo singer and guitarist delivered a heartfelt rendition of This Christmas by Oh Wonder, a song that captures themes of loneliness, grief and the longing for loved ones during the festive season.
As darkness fell, participants took part in Darkness into Light laps around Dr Crokes’ Park. Wearing high-visibility clothing and carrying torch lights, candles and mobile phone lights, the walkers created a striking and symbolic scene. Some were accompanied by dogs dressed in black and amber coats, proudly reflecting the club colours and adding a gentle, personal touch to the occasion.
The evening concluded with a social gathering in the clubhouse, where complimentary Crokes’ cuppas, coffee and conversation were provided. The hospitality was organised by events organiser Maggie McAuliffe, assisted by her many helpers, ensuring a welcoming space for chats, craic and shared remembrance.
Music on the night was also provided by a quartet of seven-year-old Dr Crokes Scór na nÓg musicians, whose performance added a note of youthful hope and continuity, perfectly capturing the spirit of a club that honours its past while nurturing its future.

13/01/2026

Exhibition Showcases Nine Years of Artistic Exploration in
Glenbeigh

An upcoming exhibition by artist Markus Ehrhard will open later this month at the exhibition space of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport on New Road, Killarney.
Originally from Trier in Germany and now living in Glenbeigh, Ehrhard presents 9 Years in Glenbeigh, a body of work inspired by his long-term observations and findings on Rossbeigh Beach. The exhibition reflects nearly a decade of artistic engagement with the landscape, capturing the changing environment and its influence on the artist’s practice.
The exhibition will officially open on Thursday, January 15, at 6pm and will run until Friday, February 20. Members of the public are invited to attend the opening and view the exhibition during its run.

12/01/2026

Lots more on all these great news stories in this week's Killarney Outlook - Out First Every Friday

What a weekend for the Kingdom of Kerry! 💚💛

Huge congratulations to Jessie Buckley on her Golden Globe win for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Hamnet; to Aoibheann Daly, winner of the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition; to Ballymac on becoming Junior Club All-Ireland Champions; and to An Ghaeltacht, crowned Intermediate Club All-Ireland Champions.

A special word of congratulations to our own colleague, Aodán Mac Gearailt, who was part of An Ghaeltacht’s coaching team. A fantastic achievement.

An incredible weekend for Kerry across arts, science and sport. Well done to everyone involved — what a brilliant way to begin 2026! 🎉

Images:
RTE
Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk
Ballymac GAA
Kerry GAA

12/01/2026

Killarney
Soroptimists
Support ADAPT Kerry At Christmas

Killarney Soroptimist Club once again showed its commitment to supporting women and families in need by preparing and donating Christmas hampers to ADAPT Kerry in the lead-up to the festive season. Club members, together with family and friends, carefully assembled the hampers before travelling to Tralee to present them to the ADAPT Kerry team.
Speaking at the presentation, Club President Teresa Irwin said she was delighted that the club was able to continue the initiative this year. She thanked all those who contributed to the appeal and noted that the aim was to bring some light and hope to the residents of the refuge during the Christmas period. She expressed the club’s hope that the hampers would be enjoyed by the mothers and children who receive them.
Catherine Casey, General Manager of ADAPT Kerry, warmly welcomed the donation and praised the ongoing support shown by Killarney Soroptimist Club. She described the generosity of the club as heartening and highlighted the strong relationship that has developed between the two organisations over a number of years. Ms Casey added that the club’s work has helped to raise awareness of ADAPT Kerry’s services and has contributed to more women reaching out for support, whether by phone, through the outreach service or by accessing refuge accommodation.

12/01/2026

Killarney South Kerry
Wheelchair Association
Enjoy Festive Christmas Gathering

The Killarney South Kerry Wheelchair Association held its annual Christmas party at the Heights Hotel, Killarney, on Saturday, 14th December 2025. Members and guests enjoyed a warm and festive occasion, beginning with Mass, followed by a lovely meal and music that continued into the evening.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together in a relaxed and social setting, and the atmosphere throughout the day was one of celebration and community spirit.
The committee expressed sincere thanks to all the local businesses that generously donated gifts and vouchers for the raffle, which proved to be a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. Appreciation was extended to Sheahan’s Centra, Muckross Road; Aghadoe Heights Hotel; The Ross Hotel; Luna Coffee Shop; Quills Killarney; Dunnes Stores; M.D. O’Shea’s; Torc Travel; Urban Optics; Killarney Hardware; Lir Café; Houlihan’s Coaches; The Reeks; Jimmy O’Brien’s; O’Callaghan Coaches; Foley’s Spar, Fossa; and the Heights Hotel, Killarney.
The committee also extended an open invitation to anyone who would like to become involved with the association, either as a volunteer or as a member, to contact any committee member for further information.

11/01/2026

“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with Autism to raise the
consciousness of the village”
- Coach Elaine Hall

AUTISM FRIENDLY KILLARNEY
CONTINUE TO
CREATE A MORE
INCLUSIVE AND
WELCOMING
EVIRONMENT

Autism Friendly Killarney has launched a new six-part video series showcasing how the town’s community, schools, event organisers and businesses are working together to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic people. Alongside the video series, Autism Friendly Killarney has also launched a new website, a central hub of information for Autistic people, their families and visitors to the town.
The video series, available on Autism Friendly Killarney’s Instagram and website, highlights simple yet powerful ways in which Killarney is adapting - from sensory-friendly environments and visual supports to sensory accommodations, welcoming assistance dogs, staff training and event modifications - demonstrating that small changes can make a big difference. It also features heartfelt insights from families who share how these initiatives have opened up new opportunities for family connection and community participation.
The newly launched website autismfriendlykillarney.com, brings together information on autism-friendly accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, healthcare services, events and activity providers across Killarney. It is designed to help autistic people and their families plan visits with confidence, knowing what supports and accommodations are available in advance.
Killarney’s Autism Friendly Champions: local businesses and organisations that have completed autism awareness training with AsIAm, Ireland’s leading autism charity, have made meaningful changes to better support people with autism and their families. In the video series, four of these champions - Portwest, Ponytails, Ross Castle Boat Tours and Hotel Killarney - showcase how they have adapted their businesses to be more autism-friendly such as offering sensory cubbies, neutral interior design and lighting, supplying sensory boxes, having dedicated autism friendly hours with reduced sensory experiences, offering step by step visual aids, etc.

Jessica O’Connor, Chair of Autism Friendly Killarney said, “We hope these videos along with our new website, will give confidence to people with autism and their families who live in or are visiting Killarney. We want them to know that they will be supported, understood, and welcomed here. These videos show that Killarney is really living the ethos of inclusivity and access for all. We are very grateful for the financial support provided by Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund 2025 and to Killarney Chamber of Commerce for their continued support.”
Tony Fleming from Ross Castle Boat Tours explains the changes they made to their boat trips to support people with autism. “We’ve made small changes that have had a big impact. Our boat is longer and wider for easier movement, and we have a neurodiverse box on board with earplugs and sunglasses. We also provide quiet and early-morning tours so guests can enjoy the lake at their own pace. Seeing the smiles at the end of the trip is what it’s all about.”
Two videos offer personal insights, both from the perspective of a young boy with autism and a parent of a child with autism. Luke, a student from St Oliver’s National School, shares what makes him feel welcome and understood in his school and in the local town. While Deirdre Prendergast, a parent of a boy with autism, reflects on the positive impact that a town that embraces neurodiversity with kindness and empathy has on her family. She says, “It has made the world of difference to us as a family that so many events and businesses in Killarney are now autism-friendly. We are able to attend events that we would never have been able to before, such as the Christmas in Killarney parade. We were able to enjoy it together as there was a dedicated space with sensory items to keep him occupied and in case he had an overload. He loves cars and we were able to go to a special evening at the Rally of the Lakes this year where everyone understood what autism was and he was able to get into a car. Because of the autism-friendly initiatives at events, my other son can now enjoy events with all the family, not just him and one parent - we can now enjoy things together as a family and it makes our lives so much easier.”
In February this year Killarney was awarded the Autism Friendly Town Award from AsIAm, just the third town in Ireland to receive this accolade. This is testament to the work of the voluntary autism-friendly group who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Killarney’s festivals and public spaces are accessible and sensory-friendly and that local businesses are adapting the way they work to accommodate people with autism. This has included sensory friendly film screenings, group meet-ups for families with children with autism, sensory rooms in public buildings and awareness-raising days. Dedicated quiet and sensory areas have also been created at major community events including The St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Christmas in Killarney parades, the Wander Wild Festival, the Rally of the Lakes, Killarney’s Samhain Procession, BikeFest, Rewild, and the town’s Sensory Friendly Walk and AbleFest Festival. These initiatives have made a profound difference, helping families take part in the magic of Killarney’s festivals, knowing there is space to rest, recharge, and feel safe. To watch the videos or to see a list of autism-friendly accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, healthcare services, and activity providers in Killarney, go to www.autismfriendlykillarney.com or Instagram

11/01/2026

Frosty Morning Brings Major Progress at Dromrower Wood

Despite a cold and frosty start, dedicated volunteers turned out in force on Sunday last for another productive work session in Dromrower Wood, Killarney National Park. The early morning conditions did little to dampen spirits, and those who arrived were rewarded with a stunning sunrise on the drive into the park.
Significant progress was made during the morning, with a large area leading up to the Dundag Car Park successfully cleared. As the work continued, the sun broke through the canopy, casting a golden light across the forest floor and providing a fitting backdrop to a very satisfying day’s work.
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The volunteer group continues its ongoing efforts to protect and maintain the natural beauty of Dromrower Wood and the wider national park. New volunteers are always welcome to join the meitheal, whether to give something back to nature, enjoy the outdoors, or meet like-minded people. No previous experience is required, just a willingness to help, suitable footwear and an appreciation of Killarney National Park.
Volunteers meet every Sunday and Tuesday, weather permitting, from 9.00am to 12.30pm, with a tea break at 11.00am. The meeting point is Dundag Car Park in Killarney National Park. Dromrower Wood can be accessed by taking the first left after entering the main Muckross House gate, driving to the end at Dundag Car Park, then staying left through the gate and walking towards the boathouse, keeping left where the volunteers can be seen and heard working.

11/01/2026

400 Walkers Took Part in Charity Walk & Set with Sam Maguire

A total of 400 walkers took part in what proved to be a great day in aid of a great charity at the Charity Walk & Set with Sam Maguire for the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team.
Walking at Christmas time has long been a lovely tradition in Kerry, and on Saturday, December 27th, 2025, well-known fundraiser and musician Derry Healy, along with James Cahill and their dedicated crew, organised a hugely successful charity fun day in support of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. Participants trekked the 17km trail of the Old Kenmare Road, accompanied by none other than the famous Sam Maguire Cup.
The trek was inspired by Killarney man James Cahill, who owed his life to the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team following a horrific fall on Bóthar na Gíge (the Zig Zags) while descending Carrauntoohil in July 2016. James was treated at the scene by KMRT before being airlifted to Kerry University Hospital by ICG Rescue 115. He sustained life-changing injuries that left him paralysed on his right side and subsequently spent several months undergoing treatment at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, supported throughout by his wife Carmel and their families. Deeply grateful to the courageous volunteers who saved his life, James was determined to give something back.
Adding plenty of “craic” to the day, walkers enjoyed a special music stop and a lively “set dance with Sam” at the newly restored Sheep Shed in Eskamucky Glen. The event concluded in Kenmare, where walkers finished up tired but smiling, having raised vital funds and awareness for an organisation that plays a crucial role in mountain safety across Kerry.

10/01/2026

Deer cull: time to tackle our sacred cow.

By Anne Lucey

The number of deer taken out of the Killarney National Park in 2025 is underwhelming. 116 Reds and 276 Sika. This at a time when we have daily reports of accidents, some resulting in serious injuries and cars being written off.
There is no comeback because unlike farmers if their animals stray onto the roads, the NPWS refuses to take responsibility. It also refuses to fence the deer in.
This is despite the fact the national park is the repository of the deer.
The NPWS excuse is no one owns wild animals and deer are mobile and they can’t be held responsible for where they roam.
40 years ago, deer were furtive. We rarely saw a deer other than during the rut when a few reds would come down from higher ground. Now the deer - sika and reds both - won’t get out of the way and they are being treated by the authorities like the scared cow is treated by the Hindus.
Councillor Brendan Cronin is calling again for the NPWS to take responsibility.
There is no census of deer, no one knows how many there are; they bred without restriction and the numbers were now out of control. He is again calling for “ fencing, restriction and responsibility to be taken by the NPWS”, Brendan said.
“Deer are a huge road traffic issue now in Kerry and are jumping out onto the bonnets of cars. They are in every direction, miles outside the National Park,” Brendan said.
Yes, as the NPWS remind me, a deer management strategy, managed by Farm Relief Services, has been set up across the country. But it is very little, very late and won’t be up and running properly for a while.
Meanwhile the impression increasingly is that Kerry is merely a playground for deer and day trippers with wild deer given priority over the local humans.