Killarney Magazine May 2019 by Killarney Advertiser

KILLARNEY

MAGAZINE

The Ultimate Guide to I DINING I ARTS I CULTURE I SHOPPING I TOURS I ACTIVITIES I ADVENTURE I

KILLARNEY is... a truly awe-inspiring place, in a class of its own

A truly unique family business for over 50 years in Dublin and now open in Killarney town. Specialising in Irish Celtic Jewellery - in gold and silver with lots of our own original designs in Connemara Marble and Silver with Marcasite and Emeralds, Sapphires and Diamonds - you must drop in!

79 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry (the green shop)

Tel: +353 1 6773737 www.celticdublin.com MENTION KILLARNEY MAGAZINE TO RECEIVE 10% OFF (Excludes any other promotion in store)

WELCOME to Killarney’s Premium Tourist Magazine

“

... and welcome to our town, Ireland’s premier tourist destination. Whether you’ve come on holiday or to see family, are visiting for the first time or on a return trip, travelling solo or in a group ... we’re glad you’re here! Ever since Queen Victoria put the town on the tourist map with her 1861 visit, people have been discovering Killarney’s unique charm: traditional pubs and quirky shops, rugged mountains, majestic lakes, historic houses, romantic ruins, and limitless opportunity for exploration.

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Killarney is a vibrant but surprisingly laid-back town, with world-class hotels and restaurants offering a real Irish welcome. The jewel in Killarney’s crown is the National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to the Muckross Estate, Killarney House & Gardens, Ross Castle and Innisfallen Island. Add to that a wealth of activities – kayaking, horseriding, golf, climbing, hiking, falconry walks, fishing ... there truly is something for everyone. We hope you’ll find Killarney Magazine an indispensable resource for your visit, with maps, practical information and articles about the town’s people, history and heritage. Turn to page 4 to start planning your trip, or dive straight in and discover for yourself all that Killarney has to offer! Editor Lesley Rowe

Disclaimer The reputation of Killarney Magazine is based on the editorial independence, integrity and high standards of our publications. Views expressed by Killarney Magazine in this publication are not necessarily the views of nor representative of our advertisers. While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of names, addresses, and particulars of events, venues, businesses and other entries, Killarney Magazine can not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. This publication is wholly protected by copyright and no reproduction is permitted without prior written permission of the publisher.

What’s inside Suggested Itineraries 4 What our visitors say 5 Muckross 6 Tracing your Irish Ancestors 8 McShain 10 ‘The Man who built Washington’

Gap of Dunloe Trip Kerry Festivals, Events & Gigs Killarney House & Gardens Waters and the Wild

12 14 16 20

Boat trips on Lough Leane

The Ring of Kerry Culture

22 24

A taste of Killarney’s art, music and dance scene

Killarney, Haunt of Poets and Writers Dining in Killarney Gap of Dunloe

26 28 33

History, shopping, activities and more

Directory & Map 39-42 Shopping 44 Locals’ guide to the Best Bars 48 Unique Experiences 50 Music of the Horse 54 History of the Jaunting Cars

Killarney’s Rising Hollywood Star

We meet actress Jessie Buckley

Useful Information/Recommendations A Photographer’s Paradise

58 60

Nik Hall talks about his love of the National Park

Climber

Adventures in Killarney’s Mountains

Easy Walks It’s Tee Time!

66 71

Killarney’s golf courses

Killarney’s Brush with Hollywood

History of the Kalem film company

Sporting Kerry Driving the Kingdom Town & Laneways of Killarney Publishers Killarney Advertiser Historia Publishing ....................................

Managing Editor Cormac Casey ....................................

Editors Lesley Rowe, Aidan Quirke ....................................

Design Damien Switzer Creative Director @ The KC Print Group @ Historia Publishing Leszek Szeligowski Graphic Designer

Contributors Breda Joy, Donal Hickey, Conor Doolan, Damien Switzer, Donal O’Leary, Cathy Murphy, James O’Hara, Cormac Casey, Michelle Crean, Sean Moriarty, Damien Baker, Margaret O’Regan, Adam Moynihan ....................................

Front cover photo Sergio Vavilchencoff Photography Nik Hall, Adrian Healy, Gerard McAuliffe, K Town Media,

76 78 82

Peter O’Toole, Sergio Vavilchencoff, Dylan Clifford, Failte Ireland, Damien Switzer, Don MacMonagle, Jacek Zakrzewski ....................................

Sales Manager Linde Bot Hutchinson ....................................

Accounts Laura O’Regan ....................................

Printing KC Print Ltd ....................................

Distribution John Leahy

T: +353 64 6632215 | E: sales@killarneyadvertiser.ie | F: @killarneymagazine

www.killarneymagazine.com

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

With so much to see and do in Killarney, planning is the key to making the most of your visit. Use these itineraries as a starting-point to create a memorable trip for you and your group. Whatever your interests, you’ll be spoilt for choice! DAY 1

DAY 3

Explore the National Park on horseback, bike, on foot or with a jaunting car. Take a guided tour of Victorian mansion Muckross House (page 6), discover hidden corners of the gardens, or take a trip back in time at Muckross Traditional Farms (page 70). After lunch visit 15th century Ross Castle. Take a stroll to the copper mines (page 66), or take a boat to the ruins of Inisfallen Island (page 20). Watching the sun set on Lough Leane, then check out our dining guide for a welldeserved meal at one of Killarney’s many restaurants.

Drive round the Ring of Kerry (page 22), part of the Wild Atlantic Way and home to some spectacular coastal scenery and small, characterful towns. If shopping’s more your style, stay in town for a spot of retail-therapy and a wander through Killarney’s historic streets. Experience a traditional session at one of Killarney’s live-music venues, or watch champion Irish dancers and haunting traditional singers in action in Celtic Steps (page 25).

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DAY 2 Take a trip through the Gap of Dunloe with a traditional tour, combining a boat journey on the lakes with a walk or jaunting car ride through this beautiful mountain pass (page 12). In the evening, pull up a stool and relive the day’s events at one of Killarney’s lively bars (see page 48). Visit a traditional Irish pub for some craic agus ceol, enjoy a pint of local craft beer, or opt for a whiskeytasting experience.

VISITORS

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Céad Míle Fáilte - A hundred thousand welcomes to everybody visiting our little part of the world. This a taste of the variety of visitors who stay with us each year, what they have to say about their experiences in Killarney ... and why they come back year in year out. Photographs by Michelle Crean Szabolcs Szollosi (9) and his dad Gergely from HUNGARY enjoyed their stay in Killarney town. “The whole country is lovely and Killarney is such a lovely town. We visited Killarney National Park and although it was raining, the views were absolutely astonishing. We love your country!”

Matt Poon and Jia Chan from AUSTRALIA said they enjoyed visiting Killarney. “We are here for a week and it is beautiful.”

Suan and Howard Berriman from FLORIDA agree that Killarney is a beautiful town. “We visited Muckross House and Lough Leane it was amazing.”

Julia and Petra Schatzel from GERMANY stayed in Killarney for four days. “The Ring of Kerry was pretty cool. Killarney is just wonderful.”

Sue Matula from SOUTHBURY, CONNECTICUT and Debra Camejo from BRIDGEWATER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, came to Killarney on a Paddywagon tour. “Celtic Steps was phenomenal. We also went to the Grand where they had real Irish music. Everyone should definitely go there.”

Jarvey Mike Sweetman pictured with Donna Winkler from ARIZONA and Mary and Jerry Hyatt from CALIFORNIA. “It’s a little cold but I love it,” Donna said. “We certainly enjoyed the banter with our driver,” Jerry said. “Killarney is absolutely lovely.”

Sarah Williams and Frazer Gibson from LONDON enjoyed a three-day stay in Killarney after a friend recommended it. “We did a one-hour jaunting ride and had a tour of Ross Castle which was so picturesque.” 2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

All in a day!

MUCKROSS HOUSE & GARDENS

MUCKROSS GARDEN RESTAURANT

MUCKROSS TRADITIONAL FARMS

This 19th century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape. Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. William Burn, the wellknown Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843. Today the principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the nineteenth century landowning class. During the 1850s, the Herberts undertook extensive garden works in preparation for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861. Later, the Bourn Vincent family continued this gardening tradition. They purchased the estate from Lord Ardilaun early in the 20th century. It was at this time that the Sunken, Rock and the Stream Gardens were developed.

The Garden Restaurant is set against the spectacular backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains. This modern, 170-seat, self-service restaurant is the ideal location for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in picturesque surroundings. Visitors have a choice of between eight and ten options from a hot food buffet, which is served daily between noon and 4:00pm.

Step back into the past on Muckross Traditional Farms and visit a very different Ireland – the Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s. Then, a trip to the well was still a daily chore for the housewife and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside. The horse reigned supreme; all farming activities were carried out using horsepower and traditional farm machinery. The rhythm of life followed a yearly cycle and the farmer’s activities were governed by the seasons and the weather. Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settlebeds and mealbins. There is a Labourer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop and a Blacksmith’s Forge. There is also a schoolhouse, typical of many rural Irish schools built from c.1910. Parents can enjoy a sheltered picnic in the Woodland Play Area, while their youngsters have fun on the wonderful slides and swings. A free complimentary coach service, with universal access, circles the site continuously.

5km from Killarney

Some of the more popular dishes on offer include:

Duo of Sea-fresh Cod and Rainbow Trout served on a Bed of Vegetable Julienne.

Cajun Chicken Breast with Black Pepper Sauce.

Baked Fillet of Salmon with Chablis Cream Sauce.

Braised Beef Steak with Onion & Guinness Sauce.

Asian-style Pork Chop served on a Bed of Vegetable Stir-fry with a Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Vegetarian and Gluten-free options are also available, as are freshly prepared salads from our self-service salad buffet.

Firm favourites such as Bailey’s Cheesecake, Strawberry Cream Meringue and Banoffi Pie.

5km from Killarney

Information Tours of the house every hour. Adult €9.25 - Children over 12 €6.25. Estate entry and parking free. Craft Shop and Garden Restaurant on site.

Information Tour Groups welcome. We can provide excellent valuefor-money and packages to cater for your needs.

Information Tours of the house usually every hour. Adult €9.25 Children €6.25. Estate entry and parking free.

www.muckross-house.ie

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Muckross MUCKROSS FRANCISCAN ABBEY

TORC WATERFALL & MOUNTAIN

DINIS COTTAGE

The Franciscan friary of Irrelagh, now known as Muckross Abbey was founded for the Observatine Franciscans about 1448 by Daniel McCarthy Mór. The friars remained in occupation at Muckross at least intermittently and despite the dissolution of the monasteries until Cromwellian times.

Torc Mountain and the waterfall of the same name are synonymous with Killarney. The easily recognisable shape of Torc is visible from most parts of the town and the surrounding National Park. Rising up from the shores of Muckross lake, it looms over many of the most famed beauty spots of the Killarney area. Torc waterfall is one of the most photographed scenes in the Killarney area. Torc is approximately 7 kilometres from Killarney Town and approx 2.5 kilometres from the motor entrance to Muckross House and is signposted from a carpark off the N71. A short walk of approx 200 metres brings you to the waterfall. From that point steps lead to another viewing point at a higher altitude that provides a view over the Middle Lake. The path is also part of the Kerry Way long distance walking route and a starting point for circular walking routes which are indicated by a map down at the start of the trail beside the car park. Across the road from the car park, jaunting cars can be hired for a trip to Muckross House.

Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island in Killarney National Park is now a Tea Rooms and looks out over Muckross Lake. It was built by the Herberts who at one time owned the lands that are now part of Killarney National Park. The cottage has been described as a hunting lodge and a woodcutter’s hut and dates back to the 1800s. The Old Weir Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters are within walking distance of the cottage. The windows of the Cottage feature the names of the many who carved their names with their expensive diamonds with the earliest dating back to the mid 1800s. Getting there - It is possible to walk or cycle through the Muckross peninsula to Dinis. This is a one way route for bicyles as it is a narrow winding road with some winding bends and the return journey to Killarney is via the N71. It can also be accessed via a pleasant walk along by the lake from the car park on the N71 approx 6 kilometres from Killarney Town. Boat trips operate to the Cottage from Muckross Boathouse close to Muckross House.

Information Estate entry and parking free. Just a short walk from the car park on the N71. 1km walk by the lakeshore from Muckross House & Gardens.

Information Estate entry and parking free. Jaunting Car Trips from the carpark to Muckross House are €25.00 per round trip (4 adults) prices are displayed.

Information Boat Trips arranged at the Boathouse near Muckross House. Adult €10.00 - Children €6.00. Estate entry and parking free.

www.muckross-house.ie

4km from Killarney

The present well-preserved ruins include a church with a wide, square tower and fine windows, and a vaulted cloister with an arcade of arches around a square courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard grows an ancient yew tree, said traditionally to be as old as the Abbey. Muckross Abbey was the burial place of local chieftains and, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the three Gaelic poets Geoffrey O’Donoghue, Aodhagan O’Rathaille and Eoghan Rua O’Suilleabhain. The graveyard in the grounds surrounding the Abbey is still in use with a number of burials there each year. Muckross Abbey is open to the public and is just a short walk from the car park on the N71.

7km from Killarney

9km from Killarney

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

Tracing your

Irish Ancestors Discovering that you may have an Irish connection is very exciting – but how do you go about tracing your ancestors? Having an expert who understands Irish history and how and where the Irish records are stored is a great start. Irish Ancestors Direct, based in Killarney, is run by Mary Howard and Catriona Dunlea. They set up the business almost ten years ago and have helped hundreds of people locate their true Irish roots. ‘Irish Ancestors Direct was originally set up as a research company, but it soon became apparent that clients wanted a more interactive experience in terms of researching their family history, and that

there was a niche market for training clients how to continue and develop their own research on their family backgrounds and roots,’ Mary says. ‘In tracing one’s roots a person gains a personal understanding of the history of the ancestors’ locality, extending to Ireland.’ Irish family history is shaped by 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th century confiscation and plantation of lands, penal laws and famine. As a result, Kerry suffered from high levels of emigration, mainly to America. Increasingly, many of the descendants of these emigrants are seeking their roots. Mary explains how to begin the process. ‘Researching one’s ancestors starts in the home country,’ she says. ‘An in-depth study of US sources such as census, naturalisation papers and immigration/passenger records may provide information regarding which part of Ireland their ancestors originated. On locating the county of origin, and hopefully the townland name, a search of land and church records of that locality needs to be made.’

t M ary Howard and Catriona Dunlea from Irish Ancestors Direct, based in Killarney. 8

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‘As civil records only commenced in 1864, it is necessary to examine Catholic and Church of Ireland baptismal records. However, burial records were rarely maintained,’ she explains. ‘Frequently, variations in spelling of surnames as well as changes to administrative and ecclesiastical boundaries can cause difficulties.’ Irish Ancestors Direct has many years of experience in helping people trace their ancestral roots. In recent years much more material has become accessible online. In 2017 and 2018, Irish Ancestors Direct collaborated with Kilcummin Historical Group in a voluntary Community project. Tomb and gravestone inscriptions in Old Kilcummin Graveyard were photographed and recorded. These are now freely available for viewing on www.historicgraves.com. In addition, this website contains many other graveyards that have been recorded both nationally and internationally. Further information: www.irishancestorsdirect.ie irishancestorsdirect@gmail.com or contact Mary Howard or Catriona Dunlea on 00 353 87 1527050.

THE GRILL RESTAURANT

In the most beautiful natural setting, enjoy exquisite cuisine in our vibrant Grill Restaurant with double-height picture windows overlooking the Gap of Dunloe. When weather permits, enjoy al fresco dining on the Outdoor Terrace. Open daily from 11.30am - 9.30pm For reservations call 064 6644111 or email reservations@thedunloe.com

A Unique Location. A Special Welcome www.thedunloe.com

The Brasserie Bar & Restaurant Enjoy everything from light snacks to succulent flame grilled steaks cooked on an open grill by our award winning team of chefs. Lakeview al fresco dining is also available. Open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Luxury. Relaxed. www.theeurope.com

064 6671300

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

John McShain was responsible for the reconstruction of the White House, the building of the Jefferson Memorial, the Pentagon and the John F Kennedy Centre amongst others ...

The man who built Washington

McShain with Ballymoss and Queen Mother at Ascot

His firm became one of the largest construction companies in the United States. In Philadelphia, John McShain was active in Republican Party politics. However, in Washington he maintained both business and social relationships with Democratic Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John Kennedy. After the White House renovation was completed in 1951, John McShain began to have health problems. His doctor recommended that he take up horse racing as a hobby.

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

In 1952 he purchased a stable with four horses in central New Jersey which he called Barclay Stables. McShain’s horses were extremely successful. In 1957, Ballymoss won the Irish Derby, the English St. Leger, the Coronation, the Eclipse Stakes, the King George and Queen Elizabeth, and Arc de Triomphe races. Gladness won the Sunninghill stakes and Ascot Champion Stakes. McShain at The White House 1951

John and Mary in Killarney

John McShain was born on December 21 1898 on Appletree Street in Philadelphia. His parents (John and Catherine) had both emigrated from Ireland. John Sr. had become involved in the construction business when he arrived in Philadelphia in the early 1880s. By the late 1890s, he was moderately well-established as a builder of Catholic churches, schools, rectories, and convents. John Jr. attended various Catholic schools and graduated in 1918. He then spent a year at Georgetown University. When his father died during his sophomore year he withdrew from college and took over his father’s building business. Most of John McShain’s early projects were church-related as he specialized in building Catholic Parochial schools, convents, and rectories. On May 28 1927 John McShain married Mary Horstmann, daughter of Ignatius Horstmann, a Philadelphia clothing manufacturer and Union League Republican. In the years after his marriage, John McShain established himself as one of Philadelphia’s most important builders. In the early 1930s, he began bidding on Washington DC jobs.

John McShain and Mary Horstmann 1927

This is the life story of the great John McShain, a multimillionaire philanthropist who bestowed Killarney with ‘the greatest gift any town could receive’. Yet sadly no statue or street bears his name.

and John and Mary McShains vision was complete when Killarney House was opened to the public in 2017.

Everyday Killarney

In 1957 John McShain was part of a syndicate that purchased the 8,300-acre Kenmare estate in Killarney from Mrs Beatrice Grosvenor, niece of the 7th Earl of Kenmare. In late 1959, John McShain bought out his partners and became the sole owner of a large portion of modern-day Killarney.

A Brief Estate History Kenmare House was originally built in the 1720s and demolished in 1870s. In that same year The Earl began construction of the new Killarney House, built on higher ground. Shortly after its completion in 1879, the house burnt down and was rebuilt. Again, in September 1916 the house was destroyed. Instead of rebuilding again, Valentine Browne, 5th Earl of Kenmare, renovated the original 18th century stable block of what was the Kenmare Estate. Here is where their family resided, also naming it ‘Kenmare House’. John McShain spent more than three years modernising the estate, which at first was used primarily as a summer residence. As the years went by John McShain and his wife Mary spent more and more time at Killarney. By the late 1960s, he was spending more than half the year in Ireland. McShain, of course, kept in touch with his offices in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Trenton. John was a deeply religious man and a devout practicing Catholic. His only child, Pauline, entered the Convent of the Holy Child Jesus at New Sharon, Pennsylvania on September 25, 1946 and spent her career as a nun doing educational and counselling work for the Catholic Church. In 1944 John McShain established John McShain Charities, and during the next forty five years he transferred most of his assets to the Charities, which made substantial donations to Catholic colleges and parochial schools, as well as to Philadelphia-area cultural institutions.

Gift of Killarney In 1973, the family made a gift to the nation of Innisfallen Island and the ruins of its historic abbey. They also gave Ross Castle to the guardianship of the State. Realising that the Killarney Estate was the property most desired by the Government, the McShains decided, in 1979, to turn over the estate for a nominal sum on the understanding they would retain a life tenancy of the house and some acreage. Before signing the agreement, they insisted on the condition that the lands would be incorporated into Killarney National Park in perpetuity. They retained Killarney House and its grounds for their own use, which also was eventually gifted to Killarney and its people. From the day John and Mary had first seen the estate in 1958, they were enamoured by its view of lakes and mountains, and the peacefulness of its paths. Once they had completed the remodeling of the interior of the house, they realised that Killarney was a place where John could finally relax after years of intense pressure from his business interests. But he and Mary were also eager to share the beauty of their new home with family and friends. Among their earliest houseguests, in January 1962, were Sean T. O’Kelly and his wife Phyllis, who returned for another visit in 1964. It was here in Killarney House that the McShains chose to spend their last years, John dying in 1989 and Mary in 1998. As previously arranged, the entire estate became part of the Killarney National Park at the time of Mary’s death. Since then, the distinctive gates and railings of the Killarney House estate have been restored to the style of the Earls of Kenmare, recalling the name by which the estate has always been known to the locals - The Golden Gates. In 1999 the government announced ambitious plans to restore the house, yet for eighteen years the famous golden gates remained closed. Eventually the restoration was completed

Think about what it would be like without Ross Castle, Killarney House, The Demesne, Innisfallen Island, the lakes ... it’s unthinkable. Sadly, John and Mary McShain’s only child Sr Pauline ‘Polly’ McShain passed away earlier this year, without seeing her family’s legacy celebrated with a permanent memorial. I salute them, and hope in my lifetime to see a suitable tribute erected in their honour. by Damien Switzer SWITZER ARCHIVE The McShain family (John, Mary and Daughter Sr.Pauline) Gap of Dunloe

How can you buy Killarney?

On a daily basis locals and tourists alike stroll the tree-lined walks that meander through the National Park from the demesne to the 15th century fortress of the O’Donoghues’ Ross Castle. The woodlands that stretch from the town to lakes team with wildlife. We hold high on our list of local treasures the Middle and Lower lakes, both of which the McShains bestowed on us, Browne island and legendary Innisfallen Island and its historic Monastery. John McShain’s gift is in daily use, but nowhere of prominence do I see a tribute or plaque. In many travels abroad I have witnessed museums dedicated, statutes in town squares, tree-lined boulevards named to honour great philanthropists. John McShain deserves more from Killarney.

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250 year old tour ... and counting

LOGO REVERSED

All in a day!

Killarney’s Oldest Boating Tour 250 Year Tradition

To truly say you have seen Killarney, this Bridge, Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island, the old Copper Mines where copper was is the only tour to take.

mined in Killarney three thousand years ago, historic Innisfallen Island with its ruins The Gap of Dunloe dating back to the 6th Century, where the monks wrote The Annals of Inisfallen. The Traditional Boat Tour finishing point of the tour is Ross Castle, Option 1 the 15th century castle home of the great Departing from the stone bridge at Ross chieftain O’Donoghue. During the boat trip, Castle carpark by coach, you travel the you will be told the history and legends of seven-mile journey to Kate Kearney’s Cottage on the northern side of this world the area by the boatmen. Pre- booking is famous pass. The Gap is a narrow mountain advisable. Check out our website for all your touring options. pass between Mac Gillycuddy Reeks (to the west) and the Purple Mountain (to the east). It is approximately seven miles (or 10 km). The The Gap of Dunloe hike takes less than two hours. Pony and Option 2 Traps are also available at Kate Kearney’s For the person who would like to walk or Cottage. cycle and explore the area in their own time, boats departure time: 10:30am Ross Castle En-route you pass five lakes linked (Front Pier at Ross Castle) departure time at together by the River Loe, with spectacular Lord Brandon’s 2:00pm. mountains on either side. At the end of the hike or pony and trap ride, you will Information - MAP REF 7, 8 & 9 Prices are displayed and vary from trip to trip. Prior arrive at Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the booking maybe required so see contact information Gearhameen River. Here you can have a and references on our map. light lunch (not included in the price of the tour). www.gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com

At 2:00pm the boatmen will call guests to the boats for departure through three lakes and two rivers to Ross Castle, enjoying the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world – the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and Tomies mountains, the Meeting of the Waters where the three lakes meet, the “shooting of the rapids” (water levels permitting) under the Old Weir

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‘Book online or call to discuss your individual touring needs’ Contact: Donal on 087 269 4646 or Dermot on 064 66 31068 info@gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com

www.gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com

The Gap Trip Killarney

Lough Lein

House & Gardens

Innisfallen Island & Abbey

Gap of Dunloe

Ross Castle

Kate Kearney’s Cottage

Front Pier at Ross Castle Departure 10:30am

Muckross Abbey

Muckross

House & Gardens Bricin Bridge

Dinis Cottage

Muckross Lake

Boathouse

Old Weir Bridge Meeting of the Waters

Eagles Nest

Torc

Waterfall & Mountain

Black Valley

Lord Brandon’s Cottage Departure 2:00pm

7 Upper Lake

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Kerry

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Festivals EVENTS

gigS

Killarney and Kerry in general will play host to plenty of amazing festivals this summer. Here’s a selection of some not to be missed. Now in its thirteenth year, BikeFest is an annual international festival, attracting all-brand bike enthusiasts in their tens of thousands. The real attraction is the craic, goodwill and convivial atmosphere for all. From bikers to non-bikers or even aspiring bikers, visitors, tourists, families and locals, BikeFest has something for all! Soak up the atmosphere in the Bike Village, located a mile from Killarney town centre, on the Muckross Road, in the grounds of the Gleneagle Hotel and INEC (May 31-June 3). K-FEST (May 31-June 2) is a dynamic arts festival with an emphasis on emerging artists. It transforms unoccupied spaces in Killorglin into curated bespoke pop-up galleries and venues, with a gallery trail, live music performances by dozens of up-and-coming bands and musicians, spoken word, drama, comedy, short films, street entertainment, and activities for kids and families.

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Listowel Writers’ Week is Ireland’s longest-running literary and arts festival where writers, artists and poets gather in the Kerry heritage town of Listowel for a packed programme of talks, workshops, performances and other events (May 29-June 2). Put on your red, white and blue for Killarney’s sixth annual 4th of July Parade. Main Street, Killarney becomes Main Street, USA as locals and Visitors gather to celebrate America’s Independence Day. The annual Ring of Kerry Cycle attracts thousands of leisure cyclists from Ireland and beyond, who cover all 112 miles of the spectacular Ring of Kerry, while at the same time raising money for worthy causes (€16 million for 160 local charities over the past 36 years). In 2019 it takes place on July 6. Killorglin is the venue for one of Ireland’s most unusual street festivals – Puck Fair. At least 400 years old, the fair is one of Ireland’s longest-celebrated, and is held without fail on August 10, 11 and 12 every year with twelve hours of free street entertainment, music, horse and cattle fairs, and general merriment. Every year a goatcatcher goes up into the mountains to catch a wild goat. The goat is brought back to the town and the Queen of Puck, traditionally a young girl from one of the local schools, crowns him King Puck. This signifies that the festivities may begin! On the third day – minus his crown – he is led back to his mountain home. The highlight of the Rose of Tralee International Festival (August 23-27) is the selection of the Rose of Tralee, which brings young women of Irish descent from around the world to Kerry for a global celebration of Irish culture. Events include street entertainment, concerts, theatre, a circus, markets, funfair and fireworks. Christmas in Killarney has become the pivotal winter festival in Killarney, with a myriad of offerings for young and old, including concerts, Craft & Food Fair, sleigh rides, Killarney on Ice, and of course a visit by the big man himself! It starts with the Big Opening Magical Christmas Parade (Saturday November 30), followed by weekly parades until New Year.

FESTIVAL KILLARNEY RACES

Killarney racecourse is one of the town’s major attractions. All meetings at the scenic location are incorporated into three summer festivals in the months of May, July and August. Primarily, racing is held in the evening time making the racecourse the ideal venue to round off a day of local sightseeing. The racecourse attracts highclass racehorses for races like the Kingdom Gold Cup, the Cairn Rouge Stakes, the Ruby Stakes on the Flat and a number of valuable races over hurdles and fences. www.killarneyraces.ie

QUICK GUIDE

QUEST KILLARNEY ADVENTURE RACE

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Quest Killarney adventure race gives participants the chance to run, cycle and kayak their way around the spectacular National Park. There are five routes to choose from, one to suit all levels of ability. All participants will receive a customised event medal and top. Bask in the glory of your achievement and relive a great day at the famous after-party at the Gleneagle Hotel

BIKEFEST

Date – October 12, 2019 www.questadventureseries.com

May 31-June 2

AUGUST

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LISTOWEL WRITERS’ WEEK May 29-June 2

www.writersweek.ie ..........................................................................

K-FEST

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4TH OF JULY PARADE

12th Sun Day Meeting National Hunt 13th Mon Evening Meeting National Hunt 14th Tues Evening Meeting Flat 15th Mon 16th Tues 17th Wed 18th Thurs 19th Fri

www.irelandbikefest.com

www.kfest.ie

MAY

JULY

May 31 – June 3

July 4

www.killarney.ie/event/ killarney-4th-of-july-celebrations ..........................................................................

Evening Meeting Flat Evening Meeting Mixed Evening Meeting Mixed Ladies Day Mixed Day Meeting Mixed

21st Wed Day Meeting Flat 22nd Thurs Evening Meeting Mixed 23rd Fri Evening Meeting National Hunt 24th Sat Ladies Day Mixed

RING OF KERRY CYCLE July 6

www.ringofkerrycycle.ie ..........................................................................

RUN KILLARNEY 10K AND HALF-MARATHON

KILLARNEY RACING FESTIVAL July 15-19

www.killarneyraces.ie

The Gleneagle Hotel Run Killarney 10k and halfmarathon gives competitors the chance to run one of the world’s most breathtaking and scenic routes through Muckross House and Killarney National Park. The event is open to everyone, at all levels of running experience, walkers, newcomers and people who just want a challenge and a great day out. All participants will receive a customised event medal and t-shirt at the finish line where they can also embrace the famous event after-party.

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Date – July 20, 2019 www.runkillarney.com

www.killarneyraces.ie

RUN KILLARNEY 10K & HALF-MARATHON July 20

www.runkillarney.com ..........................................................................

PUCK FAIR August 10-12 www.puckfair.ie ..........................................................................

KILLARNEY RACING FESTIVAL August 21-24

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ROSE OF TRALEE August 23-27

www.roseoftralee.ie ..........................................................................

QUEST KILLARNEY ADVENTURE RACE October 12

www.questadventureseries.com ..........................................................................

CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY

November 30- December 28 www.christmasinkillarney.com

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KILLARNEY MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL March 13,14,15, 2020

www.killarneymountainfestival.com

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

I 15

Killarney

House & Gardens GATEWAY TO THE

By Margaret O’Regan

Killarney is the place that launched a billion postcards. And now that postcards are a dying art form, it’s becoming the place that launched a billion tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram pics. At the heart of it all is the majestic Killarney National Park, which has attracted visitors and tourists for well over two hundred and fifty years. The Park covers 26,000 acres and includes the Muckross and Kenmare Estates, and stunning Lakes of Killarney. The Park contains a unique combination of picturesque lakes, mountains, ancient woodlands, wildlife and antiquities. This varied landscape includes the most extensive native woodlands in Ireland, lakes, rivers, blanket bog and heathland. It is home to a collection of plants and animals that live nowhere else in Northern Europe: Strawberry Tree, Kerry Slug, Irish Spurge, St Patrick’s Cabbage and the Killarney Fern. Killarney House dates from the 1700s and was originally the stable block

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

NATIONAL PARK

of the first residence of the Earls of Kenmare, the Browne family, but in the late 1950s it was bought by ‘The Man Who Built Washington’, Philadelphia’s John McShain, and his wife, Mary. It became the Irish home for the McShains and their daughter, Sr Pauline McShain. The family gifted Killarney House and its estate to the Irish people, to be incorporated into the Killarney National Park. The house and gardens have been carefully restored to their former glory and today you can enjoy a tour of the historic rooms and take in the beauty of the extensive pleasure gardens. The new interpretive exhibition is now the Gateway to Killarney National Park, and will lead you to discover more about this beautiful and diverse landscape and the work to protect it. Our National Park is the best of our natural inheritance, to cherish and protect as a legacy for future generations. Come and enjoy our little piece of ‘Heaven on Earth’: discover Killarney House and its beautiful gardens.

OPENING TIMES: 9.30am to 5.30pm (7 days a week) 8.30am to 7.30pm (July, Aug, Sept) Guided Tours Daily Tel: 076 100 2699 / 085 801 7973 www.killarneynationalpark.ie

It’s story It’sa a storybased basedininKillarney Killarneythat thatcould couldhave have been scripted in Hollywood. And the central been scripted in Hollywood. And the central characters Michael, Star StarWars Warsand and charactersare are Skellig Skellig Michael, an enterprising Killarney Killarney businessman. an enterprising businessman

. Skellig Michael - a spectacular pyramid of rock Skellig Michael - a spectacular pyramid of rock rising high out of the wild Atlantic Ocean off the rising high out of the wild Atlantic Ocean off the Kerry coast is home to a 6th century monastic Kerry coast is home to a 6th century monastic settlement which features in the dramatic settlement which features in the dramatic final final scene in The Force Awakens, when it is scene in The Force Awakens, when it is revealed as the mysterious secret location revealed as the mysterious secret location where Rey (Daisy Ridley) finally comes face-towhere Rey (Daisy Ridley) finally comes face with Luke Skywalker. Within moments of face-to-face with Luke Skywalker. Within the announcement that Star Wars were to film moments of the announcement that Star Wars the key sequence of The Force Awakens on were to film the key sequence of The Force the iconic Skellig islands Killarney man Declan Awakens on the iconic Skellig islands Killarney Mulvany, a regular visitor to Skellig Michael, had man Declan Mulvany, a regular visitor to Skellig come up with design ideaathat would Michael, had a come up with design ideaquickly that became awould phenomenon quickly became a phenomenon.

A keen birdwatcher, the idea came about while A keen birdwatcher, the idea came about hewhile was he working on an image hadhe taken was working on an he image had of Puffins huddled together on Skellig Michael, taken of Puffins huddled together on Skelligas heMichael, played with image one the normally as hethe played with theof image one of cute creatures a sinisterdonned Vader like thelittle normally cutedonned little creatures a mask as ifVader he had sinister likemoved mask over as if to he the had‘Darkside’ moved and hey - Skelligand Wars born. over to presto the ‘Darkside’ heyt-shirts presto was - Skellig Not only did they fly out the door of his and Wars t-shirts was born. Not only did they fly Joan store, TheMoriarty’s Irish Pub out Moriarty’s the door Killarney of his and Joan Shop, they store, madeThe national headlines in Ireland’s Killarney Irish Pub Shop, they made media. Theheadlines ‘Hollywood scripted national in couldn’t Ireland’s have media. The this’ moment came later have when they filmedthis’ Star ‘Hollywood couldn’t scripted moment they filmedhimself, Star Wars Vlll incame Kerry later and when Luke Skywalker Wars Vlll in sported Kerry and Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, a Luke Skellig Wars t-shirt to the Mark Hamill, sported Skellig Wars t-shirt to wrap party for The LastaJedi. the wrap party for The Last Jedi .

And it didn’t stop there: in another remarkable plot twist for Declan’s creations the producers And it didn’t stop there: in another remarkable of plot the twist movie loved the Skellig the Wars idea so for Declan’s creations producers much that they commissioned him to design of the movie loved the Skellig Wars idea so and produce the official Crew Shirt for the entire much that they commissioned him to design cast crew who on The Last andand produce the worked official Crew Shirt forJedi the in Ireland entire cast and crew who worked on The Last Jedi in Ireland.

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

“It was an incredible experience to have had such an amazing reaction to Skellig Wars and to have been associated in my own small way with the people behind a part of movie history,” said Declan. The initial Skellig Wars T-shirt design , which featured the Vader-like Puffin - has since been developed into a range of quality products in The Irish Pub Shop’s premium end merchandise. The latest addition to the Skellig Wars collection is an Irish-language t-shirt featuring the slogan: ‘Go Mbeidh an fórsa leat ‘ - May the force be with you!

“When myself and Joan decided to open the Irish Pub shop we were very clear about what we wanted it to be, and that most certainly wasn’t a shop selling tacky ‘shamrock and shillelagh’ stuff to tourists. We wanted to be different, different in what we sold and in how we delivered it, we wanted to create a great experience for anybody interested in high-quality Irish-made products, in a friendly environment,” said Mulvany.“ While Skellig Wars is undoubtedly our most high-profile product - we also source and sell the best of Irish crafts from jewellers, leather smiths, glass makers and much more,” he said. The building on Killarney’s Main Street which is home to The Irish Pub Shop’s Aladdin’s cave of beautiful creativity also has another treat in store for shoppers on its upstairs level. This bright and airy space is a stunning sensation of vibrant colour, with walls adorned by original paintings from many of Ireland’s leading artists. This is the Killarney Art Gallery, which Declan established back in 1990. View online at: w ww.theirishpubshop.com www.killarneyartgallery.com

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

I 19

L on g

Ra ng e

& Up

per Lake on the fr way

or dB

ran don ’s Cot tage

the Meeting of from t he W ate

Muck ros

ng mi co

Killarney offers an array of boat trips, chiefly on Lough Leane, the largest of the three lakes. By Damien Switzer In my opinion, the ‘Rolls Royce’ experience of them all is the Gap of Dunloe boat trip through the entire lake system. Allowing yourself an entire day for one trip might sound like a big ask but, take it from me, the hours spent outdoors will be memorable. Like a lot of locals, I take the trip at least once a year. The starting point is Ross Castle between 10am and 10.30am. The trip across Lough Leane and Muckross Lake and on up to Lord Brandon’s Cottage takes roughly two hours. There is an option of bringing a bike if you want to cycle the eight miles back through the Black Valley and the Gap of Dunloe. Otherwise, walk or take a horse and trap. At Kate Kearney’s Cottage, you can catch a bus or taxi back to town. Some walkers choose to return via the Kerry Way behind Torc Mountain if they have taken the Gap route previously. Traditional boatmen also ply for hire from the Pier at Ross Castle. I would highly recommend taking a trip out to Innisfallen Island where the 7th century abbey ruins are quite extensive, and herds of deer roam through the wooded glades. Another beautiful boat trip is the one from Dundag Boat House beside Muckross House across the lake to Dinis Cottage. An all-weather cruising option is offered on Lough Leane by two enclosed water buses, which are ideal for groups and families. These crafts cruise the lake from the docking point at Ross Castle across to the foot of the mountains fringing the water. Trips on canoes or kayaks have grown in popularity on the lakes in recent years, especially for corporate groups. They have the advantage of bringing

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

visitors very close to the islands dotting the lakes. They are also a terrific sensory experience for visitors who are partially-sighted. Whatever boat trip you choose, nothing compares to being out there in the middle of nature with the possibility of sighting deer, whitetailed eagles and a variety of other wildlife in the waters and the wild.

Waters and the Wild

sL ak e

Boat trips to the

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2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

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All in a day!

Stretching for more than 100 miles, the Ring of Kerry is a long and winding road – there are two bridges which only one vehicle can cross at a time – and it boasts some of the best mountain and sea views in all of Ireland. Thousands of touring coaches traverse it annually, as well as countless people in private cars, and it is, of course, a key part of the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a trip not to be rushed. Give it at least one full day and, cognisant of the vagaries of Irish weather, try to pick a clear, sunny day when you’ll see it at its exquisite best. Because of the narrow, twisting road that is the Ring, coaches operate a one-way system, taking the western route towards Killorglin. On the way to Killorglin you pass through some of the finest farmland in Kerry, along the River Laune, with the towering MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, including Carrantuohill, Ireland’s highest mountain, on the left. Killorglin is best known for Puck Fair, the three-day event it has hosted in mid-August for hundreds of years, presided over by a wild goat – King Puck. Soon after going through Killorglin you come to the village of Glenbeigh where you’ll get a glimpse of the Atlantic and the lovely beach at Rossbeigh. Glenbeigh is the starting point for a new cycleway/walkway being developed on a disused railway line all the way to Caher-

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

the drive of a lifetime

civeen, which is being hailed as a major tourist attraction. Stretches of the road to Caherciveen run above the sea, offering panoramic views of Dingle Bay. There are viewing points where you can pause awhile and inhale the salty air. There’s also a nice beach at Kells, with tropical gardens nearby. Soon you’re in Caherciveen, a quaint old town largely consisting of a mile-long street. Caherciveen is closely associated with Daniel O’Connell, The Irish Liberator, who gave his name to the local Roman Catholic church, a splendid building which is worth a visit. Leaving Caherciveen, you’ll see the island of Valentia on your right. Valentia is a gem that is missed by many people doing the Ring. You have to deviate a little to get to the island, either by car ferry from Renard, just outside Caherciveen, or over a bridge at Portmagee, again off the main Ring road. Valentia made its mark on history as the location of the first successful transatlantic cable communication, in 1866. Some of the cable station buildings still stand. The storied island also has gardens at Glanleam and a famous slate quarry which continues to supply the British houses of Parliament at Westminster. A little further on is the Great Skellig, a cone-shaped rock rising out of the sea, which has the ruins of a monastic settlement dating to the 7th century. Skellig has become better known in recent times as the location for Star Wars filming. Ferries take

people to the Skellig, but are dependent on weather conditions. A trip to Skellig is a special experience and the whole area is rich in archaeological remains. Next stop is the village of Waterville where silent movie legend Charlie Chaplin used to holiday. You can have your picture taken beside statues of Chaplin and locally-born football legend Mick O’Dwyer. Onwards then towards Derrynane, ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, and Caherdaniel, before we reach the little town of Sneem, a national Tidy Towns winner. Statues and memorials abound in delightful Sneem, including one in bronze of world wrestling champion Steve Casey, a member of a local family known for feats of strength. An ex-president of Ireland, Cearbhaill O’Dalaigh, is buried in Sneem. The next town is Kenmare, a middle to upmarket destination, with its streets full of character and colour and its tiny tree-shaded town park, just off the square, an oasis of calm. Kenmare is also a former Tidy Towns winner. Next we’re on the final leg of the Ring over the mountains, stopping at famous Moll’s Gap to take in the spectacular view, and perhaps to have a well-deserved tae agus cáca milis (tea and cake) and a browse at the lovely Avoca Shop & Café. Soon we’re back in Killarney, also a Tidy Towns winner, after, hopefully, a perfect day.

Ring of Kerry Carrigaholt

Killime

Carrig Island

Kilbaha

Tarbert

Kilclogher Head

Ballylongford

Dumore Head

Asdee

MOUTH OF THE SHANNON

R552

BALLYBUNION

R553

Lisselton

R554

Ballyduff

KERRY HEAD

R523

Causeway

R551

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Ballyheigue Bay

Stradbally

DINGLE Lispole

Dunquin Ventry

Stack’s Mountains

Spa

Castlegregory

Castleisland

Inch Point

Firies

Castlemaine Miltown

Glenbeigh

N70

IVERAGH

VALENTIA ISLAND Chapeltown

BRAY HEAD

Derriana

SNEEM

WATERVILLE

Ballinskelligs Ballinskelligs Bay

St. Finan’s Bay

BOLUS HEAD

Hog’s Head

Scariff Island

Derrynane House & National Park

Deenish Island

KENMARE

Blackwater Bridge

Coomcallee

Tahilla

Cahernageeha Mountain Castlecove

Kilgarvan

R571 Cloonee Loughs

N70 R573

Coomakesta Pass

Mangerton Mountain

R569 Templenoe

Stoompa

Peakeen Mountain

R568

Cloonaghlin Lough

R566

Ladies View

Glen

Torc Mountain

Upper Lake

N71

Knocknaguillian

R570

Muckross Lake

Moll’s Gap

Lough Fada

Ballaghbeama Pass

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK Muckross House Gap of Dunloe

Black Valley

Barrad

Lough Lein

McGillycuddy’s Reeks

Mullaghanattin

Knockmoyle

Mastergeehy

Emlaghmore

Puffin Island

SKELLIG ISLANDS

River Inny

Foilclogh

Lough Acoose

Cloon Lough

Bealach Oisin Pass

R565 Coomanaspig Pass

(UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Colly

CAHERSIVEEN

Skellig Heritage Centre Knights Town

Glencar

Coomacarrea

Doulus Head

Doulus Bay

Carrauntoohil

Coomasaharn Lake

Knocknadobar

Canglass Point

KILLARNEY

Beaufort

Lough Caragh

Kells

Kilcummin

N72

Kilgobnet Rossbeigh

N22

Ballyhar

Faha

KILLORGLIN

Scartaglin

Farranfore

Cromane

Rossbeigh Point

Currow

KERRY

Boolteens

R561

Cordal

N23

N70

Slieve Mish Mountains

Castlemaine Harbour

An Tiaracht Tearaght Island

Ballymacelligott

Camp

Mt. Eagle

DINGLE BAY

N21

Inch

Ventry Harbour

Knocknagoshel

Blennerville

N86

Annascaul

TRALEE

R558

Feint

R560

DINGLE

R549

R559

Lyreacrompane

R551

Brandon

Ballyferriter Ceann Sratha

Kilflynn

Ardfert

Tralee Bay

R555

Abbeyfe

N69

Abbeydorney

Brandon Head

Ceann Sibeal

R557

Lerrig

BRANDON POINT

Smerwick Harbour

R556

Ballyheigue

Brandon Mountain

Duagh

Lixnaw

Magharee Islands

Cuas an Bhodaigh

LISTOWEL

Finuge

Tuosist

Lough Inchiquin

Bonane

R Lauragh

Caherdaniel Ardgroom

Lamb’s Head

R571

Kilcatherine Point

Glanmore Lake

BEARS

Glengarriff Barley Lake

R574

KENMARE RIVER

Eyeries Urhan

Glenbeg Lough

Adrigole

R572

Rossmackov

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

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Culture

in Killarney

A taste of Killarney’s art, music and dance scene, showcasing the very best in Irish culture.

HIGH STREET

Dermot McCarthy Art Gallery “The work itself is created without preconceived ideas, slowly finding one’s way along the path of the subconscious.” Dermot’s work has dreamlike minglings, fairy tale stories, countless stories in one single painting. No doubt, one could live with a Dermot McCarthy orginal or a print and go on finding meanings and stories for the rest of one’s life. I feel all brilliant artists have in common an unconscious flow on to the paper of sculpture, something they hardly understand themselves, and because of this unfaultered flow, we the audience identify again in an unconscious manner, Dermot’s work feeds this part of us. telephone: +353 64 663 9995 Barrys Lane, High Street info@dermotmccarthy.com www.dermotmccarthy.com

MUCKROSS

Blue Pool Gallery Located 4km from Killarney on the scenic Muckross Road, Mary Neeson Ceramics and The Blue Pool Gallery offer a selection of gifts and jewellery from local artists, and a large selection Mary’s current work including porcelain nightlights and birdfeeders. thebluepoolgallery@gmail.com Telephone: 064 6629049 www.maryneesonceramics

Fine Irish Art FEAST your eyes on the work of some of Ireland’s leading painters at Killarney Art Gallery. Centrally located in the town’s bustling Main Street, the gallery is owned by Declan Mulvany, who established Killarney Art Gallery back in 1990. The gallery represents many of the art world’s most renowned names and boasts stunning original and lithographs works. Names such as Mark O’Neill and Regine Bartsch as well as Mark Eldred are among the many to be seen on the spectacular canvases. You will also find iconic paintings by the late great Ted Jones. Killarney Art Gallery, 32 Main St, Killarney, Co. Kerry Mobile: +353 87 2767999 : Email: declan@killarneyartgallery.com www. killarneyartgallery.com

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KENMARE PLACE

St Mary’s Church of Ireland St Mary’s Church of Ireland (Kenmare Place) holds a variety of cultural events throughout the year. On June 4 it plays host to the 2019 Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Ceremony, which includes a concert by the Gleneagle Concert Band, and a performance of Donal Courtney’s acclaimed one-man play God Has No Country, which he has performed around the world. The play tells the story of Killarney’s Msgr O’Flaherty, and his brave humanitarian role in Occupied Rome during WWII. www.churchofthesloes.ie www.godhasnocountry.com

Celtic Steps

ROSS ROAD

Celtic Steps The Show has long been a highlight of Killarney’s evening entertainment offering. Now in its 8th season at the Killarney Racecourse, the experience brings together the raw talent of popular Irish dance with the authenticity of traditional Irish music. The Show combines the talent of some of the country’s leading Irish dancers with over 21 World Champion Dance Titles and some of Kerry’s finest musicians to showcase the origins of Irish music and dance. The Show takes place six nights a week from Sunday to Friday and tickets are available from the website www.CelticSteps.ie. A magical evening of Irish, music, song and dance guaranteed!

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Killarney, haunt of

Poets & Writers The splendour falls on castle walls And snowy summits old in story; The long light shakes across the lakes, And the wild cataract leaps in glory. English poets of past centuries seem a universe away from Killarney when encountered in school text books. Imagine then the initial surprise of discovering that Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem ‘The Splendour Falls’ was inspired by our own Ross Castle and Lough Léin. There would have been no astonishment back in the 1700s and 1800s when Killarney natives were literally ‘tripping over’ visiting Romantic poets of the stature of Percy Bysshe Shelley (1813), William Wordsworth (1829) and Tennyson (1848).

body of luminaries from the world of literature and travel writing who spread the fame of the Killarney Valley through the written word.

Wordsworth found fault with ‘the heavy shape of the highest hill, Mangerton’ when he climbed the mountain at the age of 59. Shelley, writing from Italy in 1818, stated that Lake Como,‘exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty, with the exception of the arbutus islands of Killarney’.

Arthur Young, Dorothea Herbert, Mr & Mrs Hall, WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Brendan Behan are but a sample. ‘The Four Kerry Poets’, Aodhagán Ó Rathaille, Seáfraidh Ó Donnchadha, Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin and Piaras Feirtéar, are commemorated by the Spéir Bhean sculpture opposite the Franciscan Friary. The ink is still coursing through the town today. The bookshelves feature Eileen Sheehan, Margaret O’Shea, Meg McCarthy, Mary O’Gorman, Donal Hickey, Colm Cooper, Weeshie Fogarty, Colin O’Sullivan and moi, while many Killarney journalists feature locally and nationally.

Local Mike O’Sullivan has written of the visiting Romantics in detail in the excellent reference book, ‘Killarney: History and Heritage’ (The Collins Press, 2005).

by Breda Joy

The poets are part of a rich and varied

RECOMMENDED BOOKS Kay Caball’s The Kerry Girls: Emigration & the Earl Grey Scheme is the true story of 117 teenage girls sent out to Australia in 1849-1850 from workhouses in Kerry, under the auspices of the Earl Grey ‘Orphan’ scheme. It tells of their selection and transportation to New South Wales and Adelaide, and their subsequent attempts to rebuild a life far from home. Breda Joy’s Hidden Kerry takes the reader on the less-travelled paths of the Kingdom, and is peopled with a varied 26

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cast of characters with colourful stories. Nik Hall’s book of stunning photographs, Beautiful Killarney: A Walk Through the National Park, is a chronicle of a walk from Killarney town to Ladies View. It would make a wonderful memento for visitors to the town. Breda Joy, a native of Killarney, has been a journalist with Kerry’s Eye since 2000. Prior to that she worked with The Kerryman for thirteen years. She has been shortlisted for the Francis MacManus Short Story Competition (2011) and for the RTÉ/Penguin Ireland Short Story Competition (2012). In 2012 she was placed third in the Trócaire/Poetry Ireland Poetry Competition.

The lavishly illustrated Killarney: History & Heritage traces Killarney’s history through a series of speciallycommissioned essays. An enjoyable, 7 informative read for the general and more serious reader alike.

Hidden Kerry takes you on the lesstravelled paths of the Kingdom, peopled with a varied cast of characters with colourful stories you will not find in brochures or guidebooks. The journey begins at Tarbert on the River Shannon and finishes close to the Cork border under the Paps Mountains. Lose yourself in the story of Lord Kenmare’s forgotten mansion, which hosted royal visits until it was consumed by fire; the daring plot hatched in Dingle to rescue Marie Antoinette; and the tale of the German U-boat that landed Greek sailors at Ventry in the Second World War. Meet vibrant characters such as Lily van Oost, the eccentric Flemish artist who made her home in the Black Valley; Mrs Elizabeth Herbert, who threw up her life in Muckross House to run away with her lover; and Fr Francis O’Sullivan, a gun-running friar who was beheaded on Scariff Island by Cromwellian soldiers. A book that is as much for the locals as it is for the visitors, Hidden Kerry takes you off the beaten track and brings the Kingdom to life.

Years of Mercier Press www.mercierpress.ie

MERCIER HISTORY

Irish Publisher - Irish Story

Front cover: Main Street, Dingle. Back cover: Killarney House (courtesy of the Lawrence Collection).

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A town with the recipe for success A DAY SPENT IN KILLARNEY IS A DAY SPENT BUILDING UP A MIGHTY APPETITE Whether you spend your day sightseeing in a jaunting car, hiking or biking in the National Park, or browsing in the shops, a day spent in Killarney is a day spent building up your appetite. The good news is you will be utterly spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, bar-food options and cafés in this town.

LORD KENMARE’S Lord Kenmare’s offers mouth-watering cuisine. Its menu could be described as Mediterranean cooking with an Irish twist. Take the crabmeat and shrimp starter for example. It’s served with red pepper pesto, apple, and lemon and dill mayonnaise. The main courses are just as imaginative. You’re likely to be torn between the likes of pork belly braised in whiskey, Calvados and honey and the renowned Paella Royal which includes prawns, mussels, squid and fresh monkfish.

CELLAR ONE The menu at Cellar One in The Ross Hotel is equally tempting. Here, you can expect starters such as slow-cooked vine tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, salsa verde and olive bread and intriguing mains like the baked prosciutto-wrapped hake in a crab crust with a spicy lentil salad and a coconut and ginger sauce.

CAFÉ DU PARC Café du Parc, neighbouring the stunning natural beauty of Killarney National Park, is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint of Guinness, a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail. Café du Parc serves breakfast from 8:30am – 12pm and lunch from 12pm – 5pm from

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Monday – Saturday, while the popular Weekend Funky Brunch is served from 10am – 3pm every Sunday. Teas, coffees, cocktails, wine and beer are served every day until late.

HANNIGAN’S Drop into Hannigan’s Bar & Restaurant at the Killarney International Hotel for an excellent meal, centred on quality ingredients sourced locally and served with pride by friendly and professional staff. You will enjoy delicious, Irish food in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

CURIOUS CAT WINE BAR One of Killarney’s newest kids on the block is Curious Cat Wine Bar. Located on New Market Lane, just off High Street, it serves up wine and tapas and is perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying an intimate date or a relaxing drink after work.

MURPHY BROWNES Two friends with a shared vision came together early last year to create this awardwinning restaurant. Delicious Irish food served in relaxed surroundings is quickly becoming a favourite of locals. Pop in for Dee’s signature salad or a steak from the butcher located right next door.

THE GARDEN ROOM The Garden Room is the main restaurant at the Great Southern. This iconic restaurant is equally famed for its magnificent gilt domed ceiling as it is for its gourmet cuisine. The menu features an exciting mix of traditional recipes, artfully prepared with a modern twist. Dinner is served from 6.30pm until 9.30pm daily.

CELTIC WHISKEY BAR The Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder on New Street brings something new to the dining scene in Killarney. As you may have guessed from its name, it’s dedicated to Irish whiskeys, gins, vodkas, craft beers and ciders. However, it’s not just a drinking house; its menu offers wholesome dishes such as creamy fish pie to provide muchneeded ballast to the alcohol on offer.

HERBERT RESTAURANT The Herbert Restaurant at Cahernane House Hotel commands beautiful views. The restaurant was refurbished this year and is now complete with luxury furnishings. Dinner is served each evening from 6.30pm to 9pm. It was recently awarded two AA Rosettes in recognition of culinary excellence, using the finest locally sourced seasonal produce. An enviable choice of wines and cocktails is available.

THE YEW TREE The award-winning Yew Tree Restaurant at the Muckross Park Hotel showcases the best local ingredients on its menu. Start with the Dingle lobster bisque and follow that with Ring of Kerry lamb. Finally, a plate of regional cheeses served with crisp breads and house preserves will ensure you finish your meal in the best local style.

KATE KEARNEY’S Kate Kearney’s Cottage has long been a destination restaurant and here you will enjoy world-class dining along with the world-class scenery of the Gap of Dunloe.

DANÚ The Danú Restaurant at The Brehon Hotel is a real special-occasion restaurant. Its menu is incredibly varied and features unusual dishes such as seared octopus with carrot and harissa purée alongside classic options such as sticky beef feather blade with sweet red onion, celeriac and apple.

SCOTTS The Courtyard Restaurant in Scotts Hotel serves the finest food from full Irish breakfasts through to delicious three-course lunches and candlelit evening dinners. The head chef’s menu combines new-style cuisine with many of the traditional Irish favourites.

THE EUROPE HOTEL The five-star Europe Hotel & Resort offers some of the most mouth-watering cuisine imaginable with a choice of restaurants, from formal fine-dining opportunities to more relaxed options. The Spa Café is open daily from 11am to 7pm, and the dining room enjoys sweeping views over the lake and mountains beyond. The Brasserie Restaurant has a terrace for relaxed al fresco dining. Its menu features everything from light snacks to succulent flamed grills steaks, cooked in front of you by award-winning chefs on an open grill. The Panorama Restaurant has one of the most enviable views in Ireland with vistas of

the Lakes of Killarney as well as mountains and gardens stretching before you as you dine.

THE LAURELS The Laurels is the place to go for delectable bar food in Killarney. This pub has been run by the O’Leary family for almost a century and its beamed ceilings, alcoves and dimly lit corners testify to its grand old age. The food on offer is a mix of old and new. Tiger prawns and beef carpaccio sit alongside dishes such as lamb stew and bacon and cabbage. All dishes are finished to a high standard. Take that bacon and cabbage for example: the bacon has a mustard crust, the cabbage is braised in cider, and it’s all served on a bed of colcannon with a carrot and turnip purée and a white wine and parsley sauce.

PICCOLO PIZZA Piccolo Pizza is a funky little spot in the heart of Killarney where you can relax and enjoy quality stone baked pizza in an unpretentious setting. Our pizza dough is made fresh daily in our premises by our Italian pizzaioli who is a third generation pizza chef. We only use the finest ingredients of Italian flour, water, yeast and small amounts of salt and sugar. Our vision is to deliver an authentic Italian dining experience to our customers in an environment where they can chill out without stressing over the size of the bill. Don‘t take our word for it – check out our reviews on TripAdvisor. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. 064 663 8626

MALARKEY Putting the fun back into Irish food, Killarney’s newest restaurant is the latest venture of American Seamus O’Connell, formerly head chef at the Parknasilla Resort, TV presenter and owner of the famed Ivory Tower Restaurant in Cork. Seamus aims to ‘present the best Irish food in the world’ in this 90-seat restaurant. If his past form is anything to go by, you can expect fine-dining with a twist, quirky signature dishes and plenty of surprises. 2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

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DINING in

KILLARNEY A flavour of the variety of restaurants we have to offer the visitor

RANDLES HOTEL

CELTIC WHISKEY BAR & LARDER

BRICÍN RESTAURANT

Using the best of local produce for their seasonal food menus, the Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is a true Irish dining experience. Lunch and dinner are available daily with food served until 9.45pm.

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Offering casual dining in the heart of Killarney. Enjoy local ingredients, favourites from the grill, fresh seafood dishes and much more, with beautiful surroundings overlooking Killarney National Park and Killarney Town. ......................................................

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Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House has fine food produced by Owner/ Chef Paddy McGuire and the warmth of welcome and hospitality shown front of house by Owner Johnny McGuire. An exceptional product that has been many years in the making. ......................................................

Muckross Road

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa / Kenmare Square

New Street

High Street

Indulge in our fabulous ‘Afternoon Tea’ menu offering elegantly presented treats and a selection of teas to suit you. Relax with family or friends while enjoying the delights of our delectable menu.

THE TAN YARD

MURPHY BROWNES Killarney’s newest restaurant serving delicious Irish food in relaxed surroundings, is quickly becoming a favourite of locals. ...................................................... High Street

PICCOLO PIZZA

Mouth-watering Neapolitan Pizza made to order every time. Dine in, order out or just pick up a slice and go from Piccolo. Over one hundred, 5* reviews on TripAdvisor. Book a table to avoid disappointment. ...................................................... Beech Road

GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL

SCOTTS COURTYARD

CRONIN’S RESTAURANT

The Courtyard Restaurant in Killarney serves the finest food, from full Irish breakfasts, through to delicious 3-course lunches and candlelit evening dinners. ......................................................

Top-rated restaurant proudly serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create fresh, wholesome Irish cuisine. ......................................................

Introducing Killarney’s newest, trendiest café, serving up funky brunch, lunch & dinner (Vegan & Vegetarian options daily), along with an array of speciality coffees. ......................................................

Scotts Street

College Street

New Market Lane, Off High Street

DOLAN’S

Dolan’s is a family-run restaurant that is proving to be a big hit with all the locals. Serving traditional Irish Breakfast and dinners for all the family to enjoy. ...................................................... New Street

THE BREHON

CURIOUS CAT CAFÉ

McCARTHY’S PAR BAR & RESTAURANT

HEIGHTS HOTEL

Lakeside dining at McCarthy’s Par @ Killarney Golf & Fishing Club offering exceptionally fresh food, from mouth-watering steak sandwiches, fantastic roasts, to soup/sandwiches. Open to the public daily from 9am. Free parking. ......................................................

Offering an award-winning Irish Carvery served daily from 12pm, or a modern Brassiere menu from 3pm onwards. “The food is outstanding” Source: TripAdvisor

Mahony’s Point Killarney

LORD KENMARE’S

...................................................... East Avenue Road

Muckross Road

College Street

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...................................................... Cork Road

Lord Kenmare’s Restaurant is one of the leading Killarney Restaurants, offering you the finest in contemporary Irish cuisine.

Danú at The Brehon’s menu offers fun, flavour and freshness in a relaxed and casual setting. The food is a celebration of local produce, market-fresh ingredients and a talented kitchen team. Now specialising in Vegan Food offerings, Danú is open from 6pm until 9pm. ......................................................

Brownes Bar is Great Southern Killarney’s signature bar. The Whiskey Corner houses a collection of over 190 of the worlds finest whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, America, Canada, Wales and Japan.

K-TOWN

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily. The perfect venue for: • Birthday Parties • Anniversaries • Engagement parties • Wedding after-parties • Private room Contact: John 083-0451737 ...................................................... Beech Road Car Park

HEIGHTS HOTEL

Cork Road

RANDLES HOTEL

MCCARTHYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PAR BAR & RESTAURANT

Muckross Road

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

14 THE BREHON

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DINING in

KILLARNEY

2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

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THE GAP OF

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GAP OF DUNLOE – SCENIC TRIP HOLD tight as your journey through the Gap of Dunloe whisks you back across the millennia. The Gap was formed two million years ago, when slow-moving ice carved out this mountain pass between McGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. Fast-forward century by century and pause for a moment in the 1860s, which is when the landmark became a bustling tourist attraction as a result of Queen Victoria’s visit. Unsurprisingly, the royal seal of approval ensured it became a must-see for tourists.

During Hollywood’s Golden Age it was a case of lights, camera and action for the Gap, with numerous movies shot in the area, including the travelogue On Horseback Through the Gap of Dunloe, and The Colleen Bawn in 1911. Speaking of its heritage on film, the photographer Louis Anthony was one of those to launch a successful enterprise arising out of the tourist trade in the Gap of Dunloe. For more on the history of the Gap of Dunloe, see www.gapofdunloe.com/ about-the-gap/history-of-the-gap-ofdunloe

To savour what is one of Ireland’s most iconic tourist attractions, begin at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and make your way through the pass, descending into the Black Valley. The river running through the gap is the River Loe, from which the Gap gets its name. The road, narrow in many places, winds through the pass and descends into The Black Valley, passing five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough. An old bridge known as the Wishing Bridge stands within easy walking distance of Kate Kearney’s Cottage, so make sure to take a break here as legend has it wishes made here really do come true.

A good day’s exercise is promised if you are using pedal power. Cyclists usually travel the Gap in the reverse direction: You can ride to Ross Castle, just outside the town centre, where the boatman will put your bike with you on the journey through the lakes to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. You can then cycle back through the Gap to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, and on to Killarney.

The Gap is approximately 11km from north to south. You can hire a jaunting car to travel through the valley (though many prefer to hike or bike the route) and take a boat from Lord Brandon’s Cottage, where snacks are available, at the other end (check out www.gapofdunloetours. com). The traditional-style boat takes you through the three lakes to Ross Castle, Killarney.

OPERATORS OF THE GAP OF DUNLOE TRIP The Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours www.gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com The Gap of Dunloe Adventure Killarney Boating & Tour Centre : Muckross Road : Killarney www.killarneydaytour.com Gap of Dunloe Tours High Street : Killarney : www.gapofdunloetours.com Dero’s Sightseeing Tours Main Street : Killarney : www.derostours.com Corcoran’s Tours College Street : Killarney : www.corcorantours.com Wildkerry Daytours Ross Road : Killarney : www.wildkerry-daytours.ie 2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

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GAP OF DUNLOE – HOSPITALITY

GENERATIONS of local families have offered hospitality in the Gap, with Heather Restaurant and Kate Kearney’s Cottage welcome havens for locals and visitors alike. For half a century the Moriarty family have been welcoming tourists to Moriarty’s, one of the best gift stores in Ireland, located at the foothills of the McGillycuddy Reeks, just 10 minutes’ drive from Killarney town centre. Their new venture is Heather, an artisan restaurant set on the River Loe with stunning views of the iconic Gap of Dunloe. ‘Our vision is to produce fresh, simply prepared, seasonal food at this vibrant new venue,’ says Ailish Moriarty. ‘As well as produce from our own garden and poly-tunnels, we take advantage of the wealth of local artisan food producers, organic farmers and wild Atlantic seafood that the South West of Ireland has to offer.’ Heather is set on five acres of multi-level gardens with breathtaking views of McGillycuddy’s Reeks.

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PERCHED at the entrance to the Gap, Kate Kearney’s Cottage is a 150-yearold family-run establishment. Its story begins with Kate herself, a woman of exceptional beauty who lived in the years before the Great Famine of 1845. ‘The legend began in a cottage at the eastern edge of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountains and has captured the popular imagination ever since,’ according to www.gapofdunloe.com. ‘It was at this síbín that Kate distilled a particularly

potent form of poitín, called Kate Kearney’s Mountain Dew. So strong that it could not be drunk without at least seven times its own quantity of water to temper it, this Mountain Dew was illegal, but Kate ignored the law and continued to create her special liquor and sell it to tired travellers in need of reviving.’ Following Kate’s demise, the next owners to carry on the tradition of hospitality at Kate Kearney’s Cottage were Julia Burke and her husband Donal Mór Moriarty.

That tradition continues today with the current proprietor, Sean Coffey, who is a great-great-great-grandson of Julia and Donal Mór. Kate’s Mountain Dew is no more, however! Kate Kearney’s Cottage features a bar, award-winning restaurant and craft shops. The traditional Irish nights at the venue are hugely popular. Kate’s won ‘Pub of the Year’ at the The Irish Hospitality Awards 2017 for the south west region.

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GAP OF DUNLOE – ACTIVITIES YOU can travel through the Gap on foot, by bike, on horseback, or with a pony and trap. You’ll find the ponies for hire at the head of the Gap, just after Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a horse before – the horses have been doing this trip for years and

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

don’t require any direction. Your only problem will be getting them to move if they find a nice patch of grass along the route! IF you are a rock climbing enthusiast, you probably know that the old red sandstone

of the Gap of Dunloe offers the best inland rock climbing in Kerry. The two recorded crags on the east side of the Gap are called Céim and Bothán, but most climbing is on the northwest side of the valley. You can park at Brennan’s Leap or at the bridge and follow one of two paths running up to the west side of the valley. If you are not an experienced climber, be sure to use a qualified guide. Kerry Climbing (www.kerryclimbing. ie) offers family experiences and comprehensive courses suitable for all levels. ‘ We have run taster sessions with all ages from 8 to 91, so age is certainly no barrier,’ say the team.

The

Handy Stores A multi-awarding winning family run Restaurant, with a special emphasis on locally sourced quality food. Head Chef Paul O’Gorman and his team have carved out an enviable reputation for the food they produce to a consistently high standard, with items like Rack of Kerry Lamb, Dingle Bay lobster, a variety of daily changing fresh fish dishes and Chateaubriand being constant features on the Menu.

Famous for our Ice-Cream

Since 2009, Rozzers Restaurant has been at the top of the Trip Advisor rankings for Killarney & Kerry Restaurants.

• Bureau de Change

• Jewellery

Less than a 10 minute drive from Killarney town centre!

• Tourist Information

• Zippo Lighters

• Fancy Gifts

• Peterson Pipes

The shop the locals recommend! Killeen House Hotel, Lakes of Killarney, Aghadoe, Ireland • V93 WR04

Tel: +353 64 6631711 • Email: charming@indigo.ie www.killeenhousehotel.com

COACHES WELCOME Contact us to make an appointments

Approved Equestrian Tourism Centre Hacking, Trekking & Trail Riding in Killarney National Park

3 Hour Ride: 8.30am 2 Hour Ride: 9.00am, 1.30pm 1 Hour Ride: 11.30am, 4.00pm

OTHER TIMES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Tel: 0646631686 Email: info@kerrytrailride.com www.killaroeyridingstables.com 38

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Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry

T:064-6631188

thehandystoreskillarney@gmail.com

OFF LICENCE Casey’s J.C.O’Shea’s Carryout Carryout Daly’s Supervalu

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FAST FOOD - TAKEAWAY Bombay Palace McDonald’s Burger King Supermac’s Supermac’s Den Joes Four Star Pizza Milano Domino’s Pizza Subway Quinlan’s Seafood Bar Eddie Rocket’s City Diner Golden Chopsticks Mixor Kebab Pizza Corner Usmania Indian Restaurant Mike’s Takeaway

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Lir Café Kenmare Place Costa Coffee Outlet Centre O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bar Outlet Centre O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bar Beech Road Der O’Sullivan’s Deli & Restaurant Main Street Mac’s Restaurant Main Street Gloria Jeans Café New Street Revive Café New Street McKenzie’s Café New Street Mug & Bean Beech Road Underground Main Street Petit Delice (French Café & Pastries) High Street Scéal Eile High Street Noelle’s Café Old Market Lane Curious Cat Café New Market Lane

ICE CREAM

Killarney Ice Cream (Handmade) High Street Murphys Ice Cream (Handmade) Main Street Eager’s (Whipped) High Street Healy’s (Whipped) New Street Der O’Sullivan’s Deli & Restaurant Main Street Mac’s Restaurant Main Street The Handy Stores Kenmare Place

ASIAN FOOD Bombay Palace (Indian) Khao (Asian) Golden Chopsticks (Chinese) Genting Thai Restaurant (Thai) Phoenix House (Chinese) Xin Garden (Chinese) Park View (Chinese) May Flower (Chinese)

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CRAFTS, JEWELLERY & WOOLLENS

Country Crafts Kenmare Place Shades of Erin Kenmare Place Mango Crafts Outlet Centre Aran Sweater Market College Street Adams Jewellers College Street Serendipity College Street Celtic Jewellers High Street Irish Pub Shop & Art Gallery Main Street Christy’s College/Main St Quill’s Woollen Mills Market Cross Kilkenny Shop New Street Seodoirí na Riochta New Street Keanes Jewellers High Street Quills Irish Gift Store High Street The Blackthorn (Souvenirs) High Street Mucross Craft Shop (Muckross House) Muckross Road Glenaran Irish Market College Street Dermot McCarthy Barry’s Lane Avoca Moll’s Gap

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Robertino’s Italian Restaurant High Street C 2 Murphy Brownes High Street C 2 Manna Café and Bistro Old Market Lane D 2 Salvador’s Italian Restaurant High Street C 2 Treyvaud’s Restaurant High Street C 2 Stonechat Restaurant Flemings Lane C 2 Casita Mexicana New Market Lane C 2 Bricín Restaurant High Street C 2 Piccolo Pizza Beech Road C 2 The Lake Hotel Muckross Road D 4 Heather Restaurant Gap of Dunloe Killarney Royal Hotel College Street E 2 Fáilte Hotel College Street D 2 Victoria House Hotel Muckross Road D 4 Murphy’s Bar College Street D 2 O’ Donoghue’s Public House College Street D 2 The Porterhouse Plunkett Street D 2 The Laurels Pub & Restaurant Market Cross C 2 Hannigan’s Bar & Restaurant Kenmare Place D 3 Kayne’s Bar & Bistro Muckross Road D 4 The Holiday Inn Muckross Road D 4 Danú (The Brehon Hotel) Muckross Road D 4 Major Colgan’s (Muckross Park Hotel) Muckross Road D 5 Best Western Eviston House Hotel New StreetE C 2 Randles Hotel Muckross Road E 2 Kate Kearney’s Cottage Gap of Dunloe Cronin’s Restaurant College Street D 2 Rozzer’s (Killeen House Hotel) Aghadoe D 4 Dolan’s New Street B 2 Heights Hotel Cork Road F 2 Curious Cat Café Old Market Lane C 2 Milano Main Street C 3 Mac’s Restaurant Main Street C 2 Caragh Restaurant New Street C 2 Quinlan’s Seafood Bar High Street C 2 Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant High Street C 2 Café du Parc (Plaza Hotel) Kenmare Place D 3 Uptown Restaurant Old Market Lane C 2 Lord Kenmare’s Restaurant College Street D 2 Garden Restaurant Muckross House Foley’s Townhouse Killarney High Street C 2 Italian Cuisine St. Anthony’s Place D 3 Reidy’s Restaurant Main Street C 3 Eddie Rocket’s City Diner New Street C 2 Ross Hotel Kenmare Place D 3 Golden Chopsticks East Ave Road E 2 Arbutus Hotel (Buckley’s Bar) College Street D 2 Lord Kenmare’s College Street D 2 Bombay Palace College Street D 2 Cronin’s College Street D 2 Rob’s Ranch House College Street D 2 Flesk Restaurant Main Street C 3 Der O’Sullivan’s Deli & Restaurant Main Street C 3 Malarkey New Street B 2 Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder New Street C 2 Desire New Street B 2 Corkery’s High Street C 2 The Yew Tree (Muckross Park Hotel) Muckross Road D 5 The Europe Brasserie Fossa Cahernane House Hotel Muckross Road D 4 The Tan Yard (Plaza Hotel) Kenmare Place D 3 The Tatler College Street D 2 The Shire Ml. Collins Place D 2 The Aghadoe Heights Aghadoe B 1 Hotel Killarney Bar Park Road E 2 Scott’s Courtyard Park Road E 2 McCarthy’s Par Park Road E 2 Great Southern Hotel Park Road E 2 Danú (Brehon Hotel) Park Road E 2 Great Southern Hotel Park Road E 2

DINING

RETAIL - MISC

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Army Surplus Warehouse Outlet Centre Killarney Hardware College Street Handy Stores (Misc) Kenmare Place Variety Sounds (Music) College Street Phone Savers College Street Vodafone (Phones) College Street O’Leary Expert (Electrical) Plunkett Street White Heather (Florist) Plunkett Street Music Express (Music) Plunkett Street O’Neill & Sons (Misc & Fishing Supplies) Plunkett Street The Dungeon Bookshop College Street Eason (Books) Main Street Carthy’s (Florist) New Street Moriarty’s Photography Store New Street Killarney Motor Factors New Street Leaders (Computer/Tech) Beech Road Peter Cox (Photography) Plunkett Street Dealz (Misc) High Street 3 (Phones) High Street Eager’s (Cards/Toys/Misc) High Street

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RETAIL - FASHION & SHOES DV-8 Leading Labels Pavers Paco Factory Store Boutique (Ladies’ Fashion) Bags Etc Joevany (Bags) Brian James (Men’s Fashion) Walsh Brothers Shoes Frank Coffey Shoes Mac Bees Fashion Penneys Weardrobe Who’s 4 Shoes Lyne’s of Killarney (Children’s)

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Outlet Centre

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RETAIL OUTDOOR-SPORTS

DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS Main Street (Telephone Box) Dan Linehan’s Bar Killarney Cinema Killarney Credit Union Opposite Library Killarney Court Hotel O’Shea’s Funeral Home Illona Louise Hair Salon Countess Shopping Centre Daly’s Super Valu Pizza Corner Holiday Inn Hegarty’s Supermarket Golden Nuggetzza

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O’Sullivan Killarney Outdoor Store New Street Brand Maxx Scotts Street Nike Factory Outlet Outlet Centre Kerry GAA Store Outlet Centre Portwest New Street Trespass Outlet Centre D. O’Neill Fishing Tackle Plunkett Street Lifestyle Sports New Street Elvery’s Sports New Street Irish Golf Links Store C Plunkett Street

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Muckross Road Muckross Road Fossa

Reference to all that Killarney has to offer, using our easy to follow Town Map. To locate a listing refer to the directory.

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AGHADOE

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Plunkett Street

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SPORTS BARS McSweeney Arms Murphy’s Corkery’s The Speakeasy The Sportsman’s Bar K-Town Bar The Kube Cocktail Bar Scott’s Courtyard

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BANKS/POST

Allied Irish Bank Ulster Bank An Post (Post Office) TSB Bank Bank of Ireland An Post (Post Office)

Reference to all that Killarney has to offer, using our easy to follow Town Map. To locate a listing refer to the directory.

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B 2

New Street

B 2

New Street

B 2

Fair Hill

E 2

ON MAP

Kenmare Place

D 3

Fair Hill

E 2

College Square

D 2

New Street

C 2

Beech Road

B 3

New Street

B 2

New Street

B 2

Park Road

F 2

BOOKSHOPS The Dungeon Eason

ON MAP C 3

NEWS AGENTS/SUPERMARKETS Handy Stores Gala Gleeson’s Spar Sheehan’s O’Connor’s Healy’s Dunnes Stores Daly’s Supervalu

Main Street

COCKTAIL BARS The Kube The Lane Café Bar Porterhouse The Plaza Bar Liquid Lounge (The Grand Hotel) The Brehon Hotel Garden Bar (Killarney Park Hotel) Celtic Whiskey Bar Curious Cat Wine Bar

D 2

ON MAP

NITECLUBS Social 15 The Grand McSorley’s The Crypt

ON MAP

Fair Hill

TRADITIONAL IRISH PUBS Jimmy Briens Arbutus Hotel (Buckleys Bar) Dan Linehan’s Bar The Dunloe Lodge Courtney’s Bar The Laune Bar Mac’s Bar Corkery’s The Grand The Laurels

ON MAP

College Street

D 2

Main Street

C 2

BARS The Bar @ The Europe Killarney Royal Hotel Bar The Grand Hotel Bar The Kube Cocktail Bar The Fáilte Bar The Laurels Pub Courtney’s Bar O’Donoghues Public House Killarney Brewing Company The Shire Murphy’s Bar The Heights Lounge & Piano Bar Danny Mann Pub Kenmare Rooms Sandtrap Bar & Grill McSorleys The Devils Punchbowl Bar Scruffy’s The Brehon Bar Scott’s Bar Buckley’s Bar Kayne’s Bar & Bistro Hannigans Bar The Laune Bar Mulligans Bar @ The Castlerosse Window Lounge @ Plaza Hotel Major Colgan’s @ Muckross Park The Lane Bar @ Ross Hotel The Dunloe The Porterhouse The Liquid Lounge (The Grand Hotel) Charlie Foley’s K-Town Bar Mac’s Bar O’Connor’s Bar The Speakeasy The Sportsman’s Bar Jack C’s Hussey’s Victoria House Hotel Garden Bar (Killarney Park Hotel)

A 1

Fair Hill

E 2

Main Street

C 3

East Avenue Road E 2 College Street

D 2

Market Cross

C 2

Plunkett Street

D 2

College Square

D 2

Muckross Road

D 4

Ml. Collins Place D 2 College Square

D 2

Park Road

F 2

New Street

C 2

Kenmare Place

E 3

Fairhill

E 2

College Street

D 2

Muckross Road

D 4

College Square

D 2

Muckross Road

D 4

Scotts Street

D 2

College Street

D 2

Muckross Road

D 4

Kenmare Place

D 3

New Street

C 2

Fossa

A 1

Kenmare Place

D 3

Muckross Road

D 4

Kenmare Place

D 3

College Street

C 2

Plunkett Street

D 2

Main Street

C 3

New Street

C 2

Beech Road

C 3

High Street

C 2

High Street

C 2

High Street

C 2

High Street

C 2

High Street

C 2

High Street

C 2

Muckross Road

D 4

East Avenue Road E 3

PROPERTY AGENTS

Tom Spillane Kenmare Place Property Partners Gallivan College Square Sean Leo O’Sullivan Plunkett Street Ken O’Sullivan & Co New Street DNG Ted Healy New Street Hennigan’s New Street REA Coyne & Culloty Main Street Sherry Fitzgerald Coghlan New Street John Buckley Auctioneer & Valuer High Street Brian O’Leary Auctioneers High Street

TRAVEL/TOURIST INFO Dero’s Tours Paddywagon Tourist Office Abbey Travel (Travel Agents) Tourist Office Corcoran Tours Killarney Visitor Centre l

D 3 D 2 D 2 B 2 C 2 B 2 C 2 B 2 C 2 C 2

ON MAP C 3

Main Street

C 3

Market Cross

C 2

Beech Road

B 3

College Street

D 2

Scott’s Street

D 2

ON MAP

Muckross Road

D 4

Beech Road

C 3

High Street

C 2

College Street

D 2

Muckross Road

D 4

TRANSPORT Railway Station Bus Depot Taxi Rank

ON MAP

Main Street

CYCLING/RENT A BIKE Cycling Killarney Rent A Bike Rent A Bike O’Sullivan’s Cycle Shop Q Rent A Bike Rent A Bike

ON MAP

Fossa

ON MAP

East Avenue

E 2

Park Road

E 2

College Square

D 2

MAGAZINE

The Dunloe Lodge Arbutus Hotel (Buckleys Bar) Courtney’s Bar Charlie Foley’s The Danny Mann K-Town Bar The Failte The Grand The Shire Murphy’s Scotts Courtyard

LIVE MUSIC

HOTELS

Killarney Towers College Square International Hotel Kenmare Place East Avenue Hotel The Hahah The Ross Hotel Kenmare Place The Killarney Park East Ave Road The Lake Hotel Muckross Road Killarney Royal Hotel College Street Fáilte Hotel College Street Victoria House Hotel Muckross Road The Holiday Inn Muckross Road The Brehon Hotel Muckross Road Best Western Eviston House Hotel New StreetE The Malton Hotel East Ave Road McSweeney Arms Fair Hill Randles Court Hotel Muckross Road Arbutus Hotel College Street Killarney Oaks Hotel Muckross Road The Gleneagle Muckross Road The Riverside Hotel Muckross Road Aghadoe Heights Hotel AgahdoeE The Heights Hotel Park Road Killarney Plaza Hotel Kenmare Place The Muckross Park Muckross Road Killarney Court Rock Road The Cahernane Muckross Road Brook Lodge Hotel Town Centre Innisfallen Hotel Fossa Europe Hotel Fossa Scotts Hotel Scotts Street The Dromhall Hotel Muckross Road Hotel Killarney Park Road The Castlerosse Hotel Fossa Killeen House Hotel Aghadoe

HAIR & BEAUTY

Peter Marks AGA Turkish Barber Killarney Hair Studio New Strands Julie Healy’s Triona’s The Beauty Boutique Killarney Toning & Beauty Studio Ruby Tuesday Face & Figure Flair for Hair Halo Salon Nails by Anita

PHARMACY & HEALTH

Dr Laura Malone Holland & Barrett Reens Pharmacy JJ’s Nu Era Dr China & Health Medical Hall Pharmacy Liam Sheehan Pharmacy Bradleys Pharmacy Sewell’s Pharmacy Horan’s Health Food Stack O’Brien (Optometrist) O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy Haven Pharmacy Eugie’s Fine Foods Killarney Pharmacy

ON MAP D 2 D 3 D 3 D 3 E 3 D 4 E 2 D 2 D 4 D 4 D 4 C

E 2 E 2 D 4 D 2 D 4 D 4 D 4 A

F 2 C 3 D 4 C 1 D 4 B 2 A 1 D 2 D 4 F 2 A 1

ON MAP

Scotts Street

E 3

College Street

D 2

Main Street

C 2

New Street

B 2

High Street

C 2

High Street

C 2

Reeks Gateway

C 1

Fair Hill Car Park E 2 Park Road

F 2

College Street

D 2

Hogan’s Lane

C 2

Upper High Street C 1 Main Street

C 2

ON MAP

East Ave Road

E 3

Outlet Centre

E 2

College Square

D 2

Plunkett Street

C 2

Plunkett Street

C 3

Main Street

C 2

Main Street

C 2

New Street

C 2

New Street

C 2

Beech Road

B 3

New Street

B 2

New Street

B 2

New Street

B 2

High Street

C 2

East Ave Road

E 3

ATTRACTIONS

Killarney House & Gardens D3 Ross Castle Ross Road Killarney Riding Stables Ballydowney Golf Course/Racecourse/Celtic Steps Ross Road Deerpark Pitch & Putt Lewis Road Escape Killarney Off Plunkett St Killarney Brewery Tour Muckross Road

ON D 4 B 4 A 1 C 4 D 1 D 2 D 4

SHOPPING IN KILLARNEY

Locals’ Guide to the

Best Shops KILLARNEY

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Not only does Killarney offer some of the most

beautiful scenery in Ireland but the vibrant town centre also boasts an eclectic mix of independent

boutiques, unique craft and gift shops as well

as big high street names, making it the perfect destination for all your shopping needs.

o ON THE HIGH STREET

While the town showcases a range of independent shops, there are also plenty of high street favourites to feast your eyes on as well as your pockets. Deerpark Shopping Park, just five minutes outside the town, houses big-brand favourites like Marks & Spencer, New Look, Burton, Evans, Dorothy Perkins and Boots, and offers free parking for all their customers. Other brand favourites like TX Maxx, Penneys, Dunnes Stores and Lifestyle are also situated in Killarney town.

OUTLET

The Killarney Outlet Centre is a must-do for those who love designer wear at a fraction of the usual price. Leading Labels, who stock Ben Sherman, Pringle, Regatta, Wrangler and Levi’s amongst others, is one of the best for designer fashions with between 30%-70% off normal prices. Other specialist stores include the Nike Factory for sportswear, Paco, Claire’s Accessories, DV8, Pavers Shoes and the Kerry GAA Store. At weekends, the shopping centre also becomes a foodie hotspot with local bakers and artisans selling pancakes, crepes, cakes and pastries. A fun day out for all the family.

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

o FASHION

If fashion is your favourite game, then Killarney is just your ticket with an array of stylish boutiques on its doorstep. MacBees on New Street is a household name for occasion wear, stocking international designer brands such as Marc Cain, Tara Jarmon and Gerry Webber, to name a few. Plunkett Street is also a fashionista’s heaven with Kerry’s Boutique and Miss Darcy’s offering a mix of chic, occasion, and on trend casual wear. Specialising in children’s clothes, Lyne’s of Killarney in High Street is one of the oldest family run shops in town. They stock all leading labels and boast a huge range of specialist blankets and household goods. Scarlett Boutique on Scott’s Street is another fashion gem, bringing style straight from Europe’s catwalks to the heart of Kerry. Other ladies’ boutiques worth a wander-in include Bijou Boutique, Pillow Box and Weardrobe, all on New Street. For the fashion-conscious man, Brian James on Main Street is the one-stop shop for lifestyle brands such as Gant, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste, as well as offering a range of luxury suits and tailored pieces.

ART

If you’re more of an art lover than a fashion fiend, visit the Irish Art Gallery on 13 Plunkett Street and 32 Main Street. Established in 1990, the gallery boasts stunning original and lithographic works, representing many renowned names such as Mark Eldred, Róisin O’Farrell and the late, great Ted Jones.

o BOOKS

The Dungeon Bookshop & Newsagents on College Street is a locally owned business that has been in operation for thirty years. The newsagents on the ground floor hosts a range of products including confectionery, postage supplies and art supplies, while the

bookshop on the first floor boasts Kerry’s largest collection of second-hand books.

o IRISH

DESIGN

It’s not possible to turn a corner in the picturesque town of Killarney without noticing its celebration of Irish design and gifts, with a large range of specialist shops throughout. Christy’s Irish Stores, situated on the corner of Main Street and Plunkett Street, offer a wide variety of Irish design and giftwear including Waterford, Tipperary and Galway Crystal, Newbridge Silverware and Belleek China amongst other Irish favourites. R&C McCormack’s family-run Celtic Jewellers (the green shop on High Street) is the place to go for high quality Irish-designed jewellery inspired by Celtic art, the Book of Kells, and Ireland’s natural world. It has a wide selection of pieces in gold and silver, including the famous Claddagh ring, and also features pieces in Connemara Marble. Bricín (which has a lovely, welcoming restaurant upstairs) stocks a wide range of traditional and contemporary Irish crafts, from clothing and jewellery to pottery and books. If you’re on the Ring of Kerry, Avoca at Moll’s Gap is well worth a stop for its famous blankets, ladies’ and gents’ fashions, homewares and high-end skincare products, not to mention an award-winning café with spectacular views across Killarney’s lakes and mountains.

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SHOPPING in

KILLARNEY Bricín Craft Shop

1. ‘Hare’ 2. ‘Fringe Benefits’

(23x23cm) Mounted €20.00 Framed €34.00 (43x43cm) Mounted €47.00 Framed €74.00 • High Street, Killarney www.bricin.com

Mucros Weavers

3. Dunloe Jacket – €229.95 & Newsboy Hat – €36.95 4. Newsboy Hat – €36.95 & Islander Scarf – €49.95 5. Kenmare Cape – €199.95 6. Her: Flapper Hat – €36.95 Poncho – €169 Him: Kerry Cap – €39.95, Waistcoat – €149.95

7. Trinity Cap – €29.95 • Available from Muckros Craft Shop, Christy’s, Weavers of Ireland, Quills, Country Crafts, Moriarty’s Gap of Dunloe www.mucrosweavers.ie

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10. 11.

12. 15. 14. 13. 16.

18. 17. Avoca

8. Mohair Throw from €124.95 9. Circus Lambswool Throw from €99.95 10. Diamond Divide Worsted Wrap in Fuschia €69.95 11. Cosy Toes Men’s Cashmere Blend Socks €19.95

McCormack’s Celtic Jewellery

12. Gold Claddagh Ring from €135 (silver from €25) 13. Silver and Enamel Fuschia Pendant from €65 14. Silver and Vermeil Trinity Knot Pendant from €80 • High Street, Killarney www.celticdublin.com (See advert on inside front cover)

Irish Pub Shop

15. Skellig Wars Mugs €18 16. Killarney Stag – Julian Friers Cushion €35 17. Póg mo Thóin T-Shirt €22 18. Iconic Skellig Wars T-Shirt €25

19.

• Main Street, Killarney www.theirishpubshop.com

Dermot McCarthy Art Gallery 19. Ladies View Killarney beneath Moonlight • Main Street, Killarney www.dermotmccarthy.com

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CURIOUS CAT

Introducing Curious Cat Wine & Tapas Bar, Killarney’s most chilled environment to enjoy a catch up with friends, an intimate date or a relaxing drink after work. ................................................................. New Market Lane, Off High Street

..................................................................

O‘DONOGHUE’S BAR

CELTIC WHISKEY BAR & LARDER

Relax in a warm & friendly atmosphere in the heart of Killarney Town. An authentic Irish Bar with food served daily, and traditional Irish music every night from 9pm. ................................................................. College Street

..................................................................

The Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is home to Ireland’s largest whiskey collection along with a range of Irish craft gins, craft beers, directly-sourced wines, a bespoke cocktail menu & daily whiskey masterclasses. ................................................................. New Street

..................................................................

locals’ guide the

COURTNEY’S BAR

“Serving Pints in Three Centuries” ...Courtney’s is well known for its Live Music, Craft Beer and extensive Whiskey Menu. A candle lit cozy bar, centrally located, it’s an oasis of calm in a bustling environment! ..................................................................

SCOTTS BAR & COURTYARD

What better way to enjoy an evening in Killarney town centre being looked after by our bar and waiting staff. Bar Food is served daily and we have a magnificent sun trap outside area that plays host to live music 7 nights a week. There is a huge outdoor screen which broadcasts all major sporting events from football to soccer to golf. This is the place to be. .................................................................

Plunkett Street

..................................................................

bars Here in Killarney we’re blessed to have so many outstanding bars and clubs in a relatively small town. These are some of our favourites!

BROWNES BAR

Scotts Street

.................................................................

Brownes Bar is Great Southern Killarney’s signature bar. The Whiskey Corner houses a collection of over 190 of the worlds finest whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, America, Canada, Wales and Japan. ................................................................. East Avenue Road

.................................................................

JUST OUTSIDE TOWN Here a few of our firm favourites located on the Muckross Road and for something old and authentic travel to the Gap of Dunloe.

KAYNE’S BAR & BRASSERIE

MUCKROSS ROAD

Minutes walk from Killarney Town ......................................................

GAP OF DUNLOE

10 Minutes by car (via Fossa)

An Extraordinary Experience Offering a friendly and relaxing atmosphere – a popular choice for locals and tourists. Our extensive Bar & Brasserie menu features traditional and contemporary dishes. Food served daily 12.30pm - 9:30pm. ................................................................. Muckross Road

.................................................................

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CAFÉ DU PARC

Killarney’s most vibrant Café Bar, Café du Parc is a real hit with guests and locals alike. Centrally located, this stunning bar is the perfect setting to relax over drinks, with weekend entertainment, an extensive breakfast and lunch offering, and a delicious Funky Brunch served every Sunday from 10am. .................................................................

THE SHIRE BAR & CAFÉ

THE LAURELS

Here at The Shire we offer everything from Breakfast, Lunch & Evening Meals. Be sure to sample our specialty brewed beers, wines, cocktails or relax in our stylish modern cafe. Family Friendly Bar; Food 08:30 – 9pm; .................................................................

The Laurels is a wonderful traditional Killarney pub which has been run by the O’Leary family for almost a century. All year round, appetising food is served. .................................................................

MURPHY’S

A proud family tradition for over 60 years with a great reputation for accommodation, good food and traditional Irish music. Traditional music nightly. ...................................................... College Street . .....................................................

Market Cross

..................................................................

Michael Collins Place

.................................................................

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa / Kenmare Square

.................................................................

9 10

KILLARNEY BREWING CO

Killarney’s only craft brewery & taproom. Fantastic range of fresh beers all brewed on site and served in the taproom, along with some tasty thin crust pizza from their bespoke wood fired oven. An upbeat and warm atmosphere. A must see in Killarney. .................................................................

THE GLENEAGLE

The Backstage Bar is the perfect place to meet the posse, grab a bite or party into the small hours. Fantastic Food, great cocktails, live entertainment – what more do you need? ................................................................. Muckross Road

.................................................................

THE OAKS BAR AND RESTAURANT

KATE KEARNEYS

The Oaks Bar and Restaurant serves both local and international cuisine. It overlooks lush, forested mountains, it is the perfect place to enjoy leisurely meals. ......................................................

After a day’s sightseeing, why not stop in for a taste of Kate Kearney’s famous pub grub, washed down with the finest pint in the Kingdom! ......................................................

Muckross Road

Gap of Dunloe

......................................................

Muckross Road

.................................................................

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All in a day!

AVOCA 20-25km from Killarney The perfect pit stop on your adventure along the Ring of Kerry, Avoca Moll’s Gap is a unique destination for food, crafts, gifts and more. Perched on top of scenic hills, we overlook Carrauntoohil to one side, and the Gap of Dunloe to the other. Open 7 days a week, our store is filled with unique items such as our famous throws and scarves, woven at our very own mill in Co. Wicklow, Irelands oldest working mill dating back to 1723. Browse our ladies’ and gentlemen’s fashions, and high-end skincare brands including Voya seaweed and Pestle & Mortar products. If it’s ceramics you’re interested in we have an eclectic selection, from hand-painted egg cups to butter dishes, playful mugs and dainty milk jugs. We have an award-winning café, too, where you can enjoy delicious, freshly prepared food. Steeped in heritage, no journey along the Ring of Kerry is complete without a visit to Avoca Moll’s Gap. Information Open 7 days a week Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm Weekends/Bank Holidays 10am-6pm (Café closes at 5.00pm each day)

www.avoca.com

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LAKE WATERBUS CRUISES

HORSE RIDING TRIPS

Cruise Killarney’s beautiful lakes with the M.V Pride of the Lakes. Setting sail from the 15th century Ross Castle (Ross Road), MV Pride of the Lakes offers scenic tours on Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest and most picturesque lake, with heritage attractions including O’Sullivan’s Cascade and the monastic ruins of Inishfallen Island. This Killarney lake tour last approximately one hour and is subject to change and pending weather conditions. A memorable group activity whether it’s a family get together or a girlie weekend or even a corporate team building day. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Private charters are our speciality! Whether you are planning a casual get-together, conference, school tour, team building trip or special interest group. If you require a specific time of day, we will try to accommodate your group within our schedule. All of the above cruises on the Killarney lakes can be organised with a traditional jaunting car trip through the National Park prior to, or after, the Waterbus Tour.

See Killarney on horseback. It is an unforgettable way to experience the Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe and more.

Information Sailing Times 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.00pm (Subject to change and pending weather conditions). Advance reservations are recommended and can be made at www.killarneylaketours.ie

Information Prices are displayed and vary from trip to trip. Prior booking maybe required so see contact information and references on our map

1km from Killarney

1km-5km from Killarney

Examples of trips: Killarney Riding Stables offers Hacking, Trekking and Trail Riding into the ‘Killarney National Park’ for one, two and three hours. The trails go into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, (the largest of the three lakes in Killarney), taking in stunning views of mountains, lake, flora and fauna. All groups are guided and all levels of experience catered for. Metres from the Killarney National Park, they are ideally located for pony trekking. They have horses, cobs & ponies for all ages and capabilities. You can choose to trek for 1,2,3 hours or for half a day. Riders may be collected free of charge within a three mile radius of the centre once advance notice is given. Muckross Riding Stables provides immediate access to treks & trails in Muckross - world renowed for its panoramic views of woodlands, mountains and lakes. See the red deer roaming freely in the Killarney National Park. Gap of Dunloe There are plenty of options when you arrive at the Gap of Dunloe, from Pony Trekking and Trail Riding through the magnificent ancient trails of the gap.

www.killarney.ie

Unique Experiences CLIMBING, WALKING & RAMBLING

KAYAKING & WATER ACTIVITIES

JAUNTING CAR RIDES

Killarney is a haven for walkers of all ages and levels. From an exciting hillwalk on the soaring MacGillycuddy Reeks to a pleasant stroll through the world famous National Park, there is something for everyone.

Kayak Across Ireland’s Famous Lakes Of Killarney, exploring Hidden Inlets & Islands. Spend a relaxing morning or afternoon exploring the deep sparkling Lakes of Killarney by kayak, with an expert guide. Beginning at 15th century Ross Castle, paddle into Lough Leane discovering wooded islands, limestone caves and local history. With an experienced qualified guide, learn the skills to master your kayak and keep a look-out for white tailed sea eagles as they soar above Killarney National Park. Land at the ancient ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, now home only to native red deer.

No visit to Killarney would be complete without taking a Jaunting Car Tour of Killarney National Park. Renowned for their wit and charming storytelling, a local jarvey will guide you through the park on a horse drawn cart regaling you with local history, stories of old and Irish legends. Perfect for families and those less able bodied. The Jaunting Cars are located:

1-5km from Killarney

Examples of trips: Circular Walk Knockreer The Circular Walk in Knockreer, Killarney National Park is popular with visitors and locals alike. Situated close to the town centre. Library Point, Ross Island Ross Castle is one of the most famous landmarks of Killarney National Park. On Ross Island, just over 2km from Ross Castle, is Library Point, a limestone rock formation on the shores of Lough Leane. Muckross Abbey Loop Fortunately, in order to access the historic ruins of Muckross Abbey, you have to go through some of the best loved parts of the Killarney National Park. By veering off the beaten track ever so slightly, you can find a lovely looped walk that combines splendour and solitude with a bit of adventure in between. Old Kenmare Road The Old Kenmare Road is a superb trail that meanders through the uplands of Killarney National Park. The variety of landscape, flora and fauna along the Old Kenmare Road is amazing! Information Estate entry and parking free. See pages 66-69 for more routes, and the following website for further information and many more walks. www.killarneyguide.ie

7km from Killarney

Examples of trips: Sun Set Kayak Watch the sun set in the west over Killarney National Park and Dingle on this magical kayak trip. Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. From your kayak see the mystical 6th century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland’s last native red deer. Return by kayak to Ross Castle in twilight, and possibly moonlight, as nightfall creeps over the oak and yew woods.

0km-9km from Killarney

The Ha-Ha Killarney Town Centre From here you can tour The National Park and Ross Castle. The First Entrance Gates to Muckross (car park on the left hand side) on the Main Muckross Road. From here you can tour the beautiful Muckross House & Gardens – other routes are also available to lengthen your journey if you wish. Muckross House & Gardens From here you can tour Muckross Abbey, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall. Torc Waterfall From here the jaunting car will take you around Muckross Gardens and Lakes. Gap of Dunloe If you are doing the Gap of Dunloe tour, the Jaunting Car will bring you from the base of the gap, to the top and down the other side to Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

Information Cost €60 per person, 10:00am - 1:00pm or 2:00pm 5:00pm. Equipment Provided. Beginners Welcome. No Previous Kayaking Experience is required.

Information Prices from: Adult €5.00 - Children €3.00. Prices are displayed and vary from trip to trip.

www.outdoorsireland.com

www.killarney.ie

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KILLARNEY PROUDLY FLIES THE

Purple F lag

KILLARNEY has been deemed a safe place to visit in the evening time as it proudly flies the Purple Flag, an internationally recognised accreditation. The flag is the ‘gold standard’ for early night-time entertainment destinations from 5pm to 5am. Town centres that achieve a Purple Flag are those which are vibrant and well managed in the evening and night-time. It provides a safe and friendly environment in which to live, work and socialise. Killarney town proudly flies the flag at the Town Hall, Garda Station and the KDYS Centre. It was awarded the Purple Flag in 2014 and has successfully retained its status since. Killarney was last assessed in June 2018, and was again accredited Purple Flag Status for a further two years, Frank Doran, Chairperson of the Purple Flag Working Group, explains. ‘The Purple Flag is backed up by a very hard-working group of volunteers,’ he says. ‘We were delighted to achieve this for Killarney and visitors to the town.’ He adds that the group is also pushing very hard to have CCTV in place on the streets of Killarney as yet another initiative towards the safety of both visitors and locals in the town. ‘We feel that this is a hugely important factor for the town going forward,’ he says. ‘We also carry out a Self-Assessment Night during the year to ensure the standards required for Purple Flag are being met.’ He adds that there’s a dedicated team on the Purple Flag Working Group which he’d like to thank, as well as members of the Killarney Municipal District. ‘Without their help we would not succeed and we are very thankful to them. The security personnel working in the different venues throughout the town are also a very important part of the Purple Flag and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for those attending the pubs and clubs in the town.’

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HEART OF IRELAND Ireland’s first telephone box was installed on Dawson Street in 1925 – a monumental day in Ireland’s history as it took its first steps towards connecting Irish families in a way that had never been done before. By Damien Baker The phone box not only made the world a smaller place by allowing a connection to be formed, but more importantly it facilitated families to share news of births, deaths and other occasions with friends and families across the country. The phone box quickly grew to become the lifeline that kept Irish families together. As time went on, the phone box became increasingly visible across the country and in the 80s and 90s underwent modernisation. In 2009, with the rise of mobile phones, the majority of the old Irish phone boxes were destroyed, and as such a part of Irish history that revolutionised how families lived, sadly disappeared. That was until November 2016, when a group came together to install an old Irish phone box in Killarney once again - 84 years after its first appearance on

Dublin’s Dawson’s Street. However, this one was very different. Although it has the concept of keeping families together at the core of this project, instead of a phone inside it now has a defibrillator to help saves lives. The Heart of Ireland project, which has community at its roots, was born. This life-saving piece of equipment is located in the heart of Killarney town on Main Street, arguably one of Ireland’s busiest tourism locations. Fast forward to 2019 and the old Irish phone boxes are now visible on the streets of Irish towns spanning from Cork to Donegal. The Heart of Ireland works in conjunction with local Tidy Towns groups, Community Responder groups, Chambers of Commerce, Lions Clubs and other community organisations to bring back an iconic part of Ireland’s history - with a new life saving purpose!

THE SPA AT AGHADOE A multi-award winning oasis of serenity, featuring 10 treatment rooms, relaxation areas, a couple’s suite & an extensive Thermal Suite. Open Daily from 9am - 7pm. (extended hours during Summer)

THE HEIGHTS LOUNGE & PIANO BAR The ultimate all day dining option for casual meals and relaxing evening entertainment.

LAKE ROOM Elegant dining in beautiful surroundings, using locally sourced ingredients. Open each evening from 6pm.

TERRACE BAR

The ideal venue for pre-dinner drinks and a wonderful option for special occasions and private parties.

THE HEIGHTS HOTEL FAMILY OWNED AND RUN SINCE 1974

NEW BAR & BRASSERIE MENU SERVING FAMILY OWNED AND RUN SINCE 1974

A once in a lifetime opportunity to partake in

RECOGNISED FOR OUTSTANDING FOOD

“THE SPORT OF KINGS”

Private falconry experiences available, as well as Displays for larger groups Visit us at Falconry Kerry just 2 miles from Killarney town where you can meet some fantastic owls and free fly a hawk to your gloved hand! You will be enthralled by the experience of having a close encounter with these magnificent birds.

Hawk walks are arranged by pre-booking

Tel: 087 127 9745 Email: falconrykerry@gmail.com

‘’NEW BRASSERIE MENU, BEST FOOD IN KILLARNEY’’ ‘’WHOLESOME FOOD & A WELL STOCKED BAR’’ ‘’THE FOOD WAS TO DIE FOR’’ ‘’FOOD TOP CLASS & SERVICE LIKEWISE’’ ‘’BRASSERIE MENU IS IMMENSE’’ SOURCE:

THE HEIGHTS HOTEL, CORK ROAD, KILLARNEY, V93 XKR4 W: WWW.KILLARNEYHEIGHTS.IE T: +353 64 663 1158 I:HEIGHTSHOTELKILLARNEY

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Killarney still rings with the

Music of the Horse

hile the metallic music of horseshoes striking street surfaces has long ebbed from Irish towns, summertime Killarney still rings with rhythms echoing from distant centuries. These sounds evoke for me childhood memories of summer mornings near the Gap of Dunloe when my grandmother used to lift me into my grandfather’s pony and trap for a short spin. I adored sitting into that trap but, more than anything, I longed to be older than my three or four years, old enough to sit on one of the saddle ponies following the trap to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for their day’s work. In the evenings, sitting outside my grandparents’ shop at Gap Cross, 54

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

I’d see other saddle ponies trotting quickly homewards at day’s end. That was the early 60s, when roads were quiet and horses could be trusted to gallop home on their own. My grandfather, William Joy, was a pony man in the Gap of Dunloe. My father, Brendan Joy, now retired, was a jarvey in Killarney. The terminology is specific: ponymen in the Gap, jarveys in Killarney and Muckross. Tradition has changed little in the Gap where the ponymen have driven tub traps for generations whereas in Killarney, both the carriages and the variety of trips have changed much. The jaunting car or side car was the traditional choice of Killarney jarveys for decades. It consisted of two seats for two people on either side, the driver’s box seat, and a seat behind him with a view to the road behind.

The well, a deep space in the middle of the car, stored the oats bag. When the jarvey had no passengers, the two hinged side seats would be drawn up. In the past decade, jaunting cars have gradually been replaced by wagons or carriages, the most recent innovation being the introduction of covers about three years ago. The introduction of dung catchers or ‘nappies’, highly-contentious at first, was a success story. One constant has been the storytelling, local knowledge and jokes that are the jarveys’ trademark. How many times have I heard peals of laughter from passing wagons as I walked the Demesne? For a detailed historical perspective on the jarvey trade from the early 1800s onwards, read A Sketch of a Jarvey, Killarney Past and Present by Janet Murphy (www.lulu.com, 2011), who

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quotes travel writers including the Halls (1865) who wrote: ‘The Irish car-driver is altogether different from a jarvey of any other country. In England and in France they bully you out of your money – in Ireland they coax or laugh it out of your pockets.’ Richard Hayward, writing in the 1940s, described jarveys as

‘companionable leg-pullers’ There must be as many stories about horses as there are about jarvey personalities. I remember Dolly, a black mare with a white star on her forehead, the calmest, most intelligent horse ever. Whenever she heard my father coming down ‘the block’ or jarvey rank at Kenmare Place, she would whicker. There are horses who stop for the usual photo opportunities and move on after the camera clicks, all without a prompt. All these noble animals are true troopers. When my father began jarveying in the mid1960s, there were trips through Killarney Golf Course to Aghadoe and trips to Kilbrean Lake and Lough Guitane. The Killarney jarveys also drove tourists to Kate Kearney’s Cottage on the first leg of the Gap

of Dunloe boat trip, and collected them at Ross Castle that evening. ‘They all faded out,’ my father said. The ‘radio trains’ or ‘all-ins’ brought visitors from Dublin three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – in high season. The trip was called ‘all-in’ because they passengers had the train and jarvey fares all included in the price. They were called radio trains because they were equipped with radio studios to provide entertainment on the journey. The jarvey drive was Muckross and Dinis. My father remembers many jarveys as great singers and storytellers but the late Paddy ‘Whitty’ O’Sullivan, known as ‘The Singing Jarvey’ was outstanding.

“Paddy was the king of them all” he said.

The jarveys who drove guests from The Great Southern Hotel wore black suits and bowler hats.

‘In the early part of the year, if you had a grey horse, you’d be black and white yourself,’ he said. Serving the jarvey trade well into the 1960s was a small army of blacksmiths. The town’s last three last harnessmakers were Bill O’Sullivan Howard, Jerry Kelliher and John O’Grady. Tarrants of New Street made jaunting cars. The ebb and flow of time brings many changes but in Killarney, at least, the jarveys and their horses preserve a strand of a gently moving past. by

Breda Joy

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Photos courtesy of Switzer Studios

ONLINE

KILLARNEY’S RISING

Hollywood Star Multi-talented Jessie Buckley, star of ‘Wild Rose’ – which is currently smashing box offices worldwide – hails from Killarney town. The 29-year-old Bafta nominated star has been wowing critics in her latest roles and was also this year named on the Forbes ‘30 Under 30’. Jessie was also named the ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ for the lead role in the critically acclaimed film ‘Beast’, and in May this year appeared in a new critically acclaimed HBO and Sky co-production historical drama ‘Chernobyl’, depicting the 1986 nuclear disaster that occurred in the Ukrainian SSR. In the Sky Atlantic series, Jessie plays the role of Lyudmila Ignatenko, the wife of a firefighter who lost his life after attending the scene following the explosion. She has described the role as ‘emotional’ and said the script completely ‘blew me away’. Jessie, daughter of Marina and Tim Buckley, has been singing, playing music and acting from a very young age. She came to prominence in 2008 when she appeared as a contestant on BBC TV talent show ‘I’d Do Anything’, the London West End stage revival of the British musical ‘Oliver!’ Although she came second place, it was the start of her career which is now hitting new heights. Fame for the Killarney native hasn’t been overnight however. She took on a number of roles in theatre before starring as Anne Egermann in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ then opted for a break from acting, taking time off to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in September 2013. Next for Jessie was playing a number of roles in four TV dramas, including the BBC’s adaptation of ‘War and Peace’, as Lorna Bow in ‘Taboo’, as Honor Martin in ‘The Last Post’, and as Marian Halcombe in ‘The Woman in White’. In 2017, she starred in ‘Beast’ followed by the British musical drama film, directed by Tom Harper, ‘Wild Rose’. This talented young lady is definitely one to watch over the next few years!

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

Beautiful Killarney A WALK THROUGH THE NATIONAL PARK

“A photographic journey available in hardback and paperback”

Dolan’s is a family run restaurant that offers freshly cooked to order All Day Breakfast, traditional dinners and much more. Also offer take away dinners at a reduced price. Since it opened, it has been up for many awards, eg “ Best Casual Dining”, “Best Restaurant “ and “Best Customer Service”. Why not check us out on TripAdvisor or Facebook to see all our reviews.

OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm Sundays 9am-5pm 17 New Street, Killarney

Tel: 064 6626579

AVAILABLE FROM: • Eason’s • Christys • O’Connors Newsagent- Beech Road • The Handy Stores • O’Sullivans Outdoor Store – New Street • The Dungeon Bookshop • The Gleneagle Hotel Gift Shop • Muckross House Gift Shop • Moriarty’s Photographic Shop – New Street • Bricín – High Street

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T: 085-1017173

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TOUR HISTORIC ROOMS EXHIBITIONS TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF OUR GARDENS

INTERACTIVE

“The Gateway to Killarney National Park leads you to discover more about this beautiful landscape and our work to protect it” Phone: +353 85 8017973 Email: infokillarneyhouse@chg.gov.ie Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie Facebook: killarneynationalpark 2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

I 57

MURPHY’S RESTAURANT COLLEGE STREET

KILLARNEY ICE CREAM HIGH STREET

FAMILIES

KENMARE PLACE

KENNEDY’S PET FARM

DENJOE’S FASTFOOD

BREWSTERFIELD CORK ROAD

HOP ON - HOP OFF TOUR OR SHUTTLE The Big Red Bus is unique way to experience Killarney town. Hop on - Hop off, double decker, 5 stops, guided tour or shuttle service. www.killarneytour.com : tel: 087 250 8122

NEW STREET

GOLDEN NUGGET

WATERBUS TOUR OF THE LAKES Water Bus Cruise Killarney’s beautiful lakes in comfort whatever the weather with the M.V Pride of the Lakes. Sailing Times 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:30, 4:00 from Ross Castle. www.killarneylaketours.ie : tel: 064 66 32638

RESTAURANT FOSSA

KILLARNEY HORSE & CARRIAGE TOURS KILLARNEY

O’SULLIVAN’S OUTDOOR STORE Supplying all your outdoor needs: cycling, walking, camping and outdoor wear. Centrally located in New Street. tel: 064 6626927

KHAO

ASIAN STREET FOOD HIGH STREET

BOMBAY PALACE INDIAN RESTAURANT COLLEGE STREET

SPOGLER’S CONTINENTAL CONFECTIONERS GLEBE PLACE

KILLARNEY RIDING STABLES

Killarney Riding Stables Offering trekking & trail riding in Killarney National Park for 1, 2 and 3 hours taking in views of Ross Castle & Ross Island and beautiful views of Killarney lakes and Mountains for the casual visitor. www.kerrytrailride.com : tel: 064 66 31686

MUCROS CRAFT SHOP Mucros Craft Shop is located within the Walled Garden Centre of Muckross House. It is a popular shopping venue with traditional weaving, glassware, pottery and clothing. www.muckross-house.ie : tel: 064 66 70147

BALLYDOWNEY

PETIT DELICE

FRENCH CAFE & BAKERY HIGH STREET

KILLARNEY RIDING STABLES

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NAILS BY ANITA Nails by Anita offers manicures and pedicures using quality products. Anita ensures all her customers have a great pampering experience and leave relaxed, with fabulous nails! www.nailsbyanitakillarney.com tel: 087 9066993

WE RECOMMEND

LIR CAFE

FALCONRY Killarney Falconry and Kerry Falconry offer hawk walks in the Kerry countryside. www.killarneyfalconry.com www.falconrykerry.com

THE DUNGEON The Dungeon Bookshop and newsagent features Kerry’s largest collection of secondhand books, as well as confectionery, postage and art supplies. tel: 064 663 6536

CELTIC JEWELLERS R&C McCormack’s Celtic Jewellers offers beautifully designed pieces in solid gold, silver and Connemara marble, inspired by Irish landscapes and legends. www.celticdublin.com

PITCH N PUTT Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club located on Lewis Road is minutes from the town centre. An ideal venue for some outdoor family fun. www.deerparkpitchandputt.com tel: 087 7823138

KILLARNEY BREWING TOUR Killarney Brewing Company on the Muckross road is one of the most popular attractions in the town. The Brewery is open for guided tours on Tuesday – Saturday at 3.30pm, 5pm, 6.30pm. The hour long tour is entertaining and informative. The tour includes a tasting of all of the current range plus some seasonals and special brews that are only available on site. The tour is hugely popular and not to be missed if you have an interest in great tasting beer. Book online www.killarneybrewing.com

www.killarneyshuttlebus.com : tel: 087 138 4384

KENNEDY’S PET FARM Our all-weather pet farm & playground is perfect for a family day out located just 5 miles from Killarney on the Cork road. www.kennedyspetfarm.com : tel: 087 231 0983

RENT A BIKE O’Sullivan Cycles Renting bicycles to visitors to Killarney for three generations. Located at High Street, New Street, Beech Road (opposite the Tourist Office) and on the Muckross Road (opposite Randles Court Hotel). www.killarneyrentabike.com : tel: 064 663 1282

OUTLET SHOPPING Killarney Outlet Centre is conveniently located in the centre of the town. Merchandise is offered at discounts of between 30% - 70% off R.R.P., delivering huge savings on Designer Wear and Branded Goods all year round. www.killarneyoutletcentre.com : tel: 064 66 36744

JAM CAFE, DELI, BAKERY Sit and relax in Jam Cafe or take away for a picnic in the park. All food is traceable from farm to fork. Freshly prepared by a skilled team of artisan bakers and chefs... www.muckross-house.ie : tel: 064 66 70147

RING OF KERRY TOUR Ring of Kerry Full Day Bus Tour is a tour of the world famous Ring of Kerry. Take our luxury coach on a 180km circuit of the county. www.killarneytour.com : tel: 087 250 8122

DENJOE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

Den Joes & Take-Away serving Killarney since 1986, they only serve the best food, at the best price, with the best service, to our customers. ALL the food is 100% Irish sourced and the mouth-watering flavour is unique. A firm family favourite at 12 New Street. www.apache.ie : tel: 064 66 33827

BUDDIES PLAY CENTRE Buddies is 8000 square feet of fun, consisting of a cafe with full menu, an exciting and fun filled play frame, toddler area with crazy car track, ball pit, slide and cozy corner, junior area with 3 lane astra slide, dizzy discs, ball cannon, sports area and much more!!! www.buddies.ie : tel: 064 66 39080

CINEMA Killarney Cineplex is a five screen cinema located on East Avenue Road in Killarney town centre. www.cinemakillarney.com

LIR CAFE

Lir Cafe the perfect hang-out for coffee lovers and stowark Tea drinkers and everyone in between. The Lir Cafe has gathered together an eclectic mix of Locals , Tourists, Lap-Top Geeks and avid book readers. Kenmare Place www.lircafe.com : tel: 064 66 33859

MUCKROSS GARDEN RESTAURANT An ideal venue for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in the scenic surroundings of Killarney National Park. Set on the lakeside grounds of Muckross House against the spectacular backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains, the Garden Restaurant is a modern, 170-seat, self-service restaurant. www.muckross-house.ie : tel: 064 66 39354

SHEAHAN’S PHARMACY Call in to Sheahan’s of Main Street for all your pharmaceuticals and cosmetic needs. Three generations of the Sheahan family have been serving visitors to Killarney since 1953. Founded by Donal, now run by son Liam and his son Paul. 34 Main Street, Killarney. www.kerrypharmacy.ie : tel: 064 66 31113

USEFUL INFORMATION CLIMATE

The weather can vary so much in one day that it is advisable to bring at least a light rain jacket for your visit. Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish weather usually brings mild winters with temperatures in the coldest months of January and February which sometimes can fall below freezing; however this is not a regular occurrence. The warmest periods occur between May and September and the best part is the 18 hours of sunlight each day.

FREE WIFI

Killarney offers a free Wi-Fi service in the town centre which also ranges through some of the main streets. Connecting through BitBuzz, you can access free Wi-Fi for 30-minute intervals while in range of the town centre masts. All mobile devices are suitable to connect to this service.

CURRENCY

The currency of Ireland is Euro. Foreign exchange bureaus are widely available in most banks, tourist information offices, and airports. The below debit/ credit cards are widely accepted in Irish stores: Visa,Visa/ Debit, MasterCard and American Express.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

A valid passport is the only form of identification required for entering Ireland. You do not need a visa to land in Ireland if you are visiting from the European Economic Area.

ELECTRICITY

The standard domestic electrical supply is 230 volts AC (50 cycles). To use small appliances, you may need a plug adaptor to 3-pin flat or 2-pin round wall sockets. For standard commercial and industrial requirements 3 Phase 410 volts (nominal voltage) AC (50 cycles) is available. For larger commercial and industrial requirements, Medium Voltage connections at 10kv and 20 kv, and High Voltage connections at 38kv and 110kv are available.

COUNTRY CODE

The international dialling code for Ireland +353 Northern Ireland +44

BUSINESS HOURS PORTWEST Killarney’s largest outdoor store, stocking Helly Hansen, Regatta, Craghoppers, Berghaus, Montane and many more big-name brands. www.theoutdoorshop.ie: tel: 064 7764200

SPAR Located in the town centre, Gleeson’s Spar supermarket and deli for all your convenience shopping needs. College Square. www.subway.ie : tel: 064 66 38906

General opening hours of most shops are Monday to Saturday...........09:00am - 6:00pm and some shops are open on Sunday.........................12:00noon - 6:00pm Some of the larger stores offer late opening on Thursday and Friday until...................9.00pm Opening hours are extended in the summer months of June – September; a variety of shops stay open late Monday through Sunday. Banking opening hours are Monday to Friday........... .10:00am - 6:00pm

Affordable Day tours in Killarney. The original hop on/hop off Killarney Shuttle Bus tour is the best way to go to see all the main attractions.

KILLARNEY SHUTTLE BUS

POST

An Post is a major commercial organisation providing a wide range of services which include: postal, communication, retail and money services. Services, Post Office Savings Bank, Investment Products, Prize Bonds, Billpay, Postal Money Orders, Sterling Drafts, Western Union, Passport Express, Stamps, DSFA Payments, Parcel Services and Courier Post. AIB Banking Services: Bank Card Lodgements, Bank Card Withdrawals, Credit Card Payments, Personal Paper Lodgements, Business Deposits, One Direct, Postal Services, EuroGiro, PostPhoto, Top Up, Postbank.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Emergency Services ................. 112 or 999 Killarney Garda Station .......... 064 66 71160 South Doc (Out of hours) ...............1850 335999 Killarney GP Surgery ................064 66 32656 GPs Opening Times Monday to Friday ...................... 9:00 to 5:30 Saturday ........................................ 9:00 to 12:30

HOSPITALS

Kerry University Hospital, Tralee tel: 066 71 84000 ..................................................................................... Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee tel: 066 71 49800 .....................................................................................

LIBRARY

Located in Rock Road Killarney, just off High Street, Killarney Library has a wide variety of services. Its opening hours are Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat .................10:00am - 5:00pm Tues and Thurs .......................10:00am - 8:00pm tel: 064 66 32655

CHURCH SERVICES

St Mary’s Cathedral Saturday Vigil ...................................................6:15pm Sunday .............. .8:00am 10:30am 12:00 noon Weekdays ................................... .10:30am 6:15pm Mass of Memorial Mondays.........................6.15pm Month’s Mind (Remembrance Mass) .Fri ...............6.15pm .....................................................................................

Church of the Resurrection Saturday Vigil ...................................................7:30pm Sunday ............................................................. .11:00am Weekdays ...........................................................9:30am

.....................................................................................

Church of the Holy Spirit (Muckross Church) Sunday and Holy Days .................................9:30am

.....................................................................................

Franciscan Friary

..................................................................................... Weekday Masses ..................... 8. :00am 10:00am

Bank Holiday Mass ..................................... .10:00am Community Mass Mon ............................. .10:00am (prior to Morning Prayer) Saturday .............................................................7:00pm Sunday ................... .8:30am 10:00am 11:30am

.....................................................................................

St Mary’s Church of Ireland Sunday .....................................................9.30 11:00am .....................................................................................

The Methodist Church Services Weekly ..............................................11:00am

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Killarney is a

Photographer’s Paradise The essence of his work is to capture the true beauty that surrounds Killarney, and it’s a passion which runs through the veins of local photographer Nik Hall.

I KILLARNEY Magazine 2019

blessed to be here.’ When he’s not out with his camera, Nik can be seen selling his images at the Old Market Flea in the Laurels Hall during the summer months. For more information on how to purchase his stunning images of Killarney, contact Nik: 085 1017173 lordhallpublishing@gmail.com facebook: HallofImagesPhoto twitter: @niksimages instagram: hall_of_images_photography

| NIK HALL

Englishman Nik moved to Killarney 21 years ago with his wife, Killarney native Sandra. For years he has risen early to capture the early dawn over some of Killarney’s most iconic buildings, or stayed out late at night, using long shutter speeds and a lot of patience. Last year Nik launched his first book, ‘Beautiful Killarney: A Walk Through the National Park’. ‘I love the place and the people,’ Nik says. ‘Everywhere you go in Killarney there’s natural beauty. It’s a photographer’s paradise and it never looks the same twice. I’m

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Experience the Adventure

Climber Kerry’s McGillicuddy’s Reeks are Ireland’s highest mountains and include the only three peaks in Ireland over 1000 metres: Carrauntoohil at a lofty 1039m, Binn Chaorach at 1010m and Caher standing at 1001m. The range is extremely rugged with fine knife-edged ridges, high cliffs and fast-running rivers.

We highly recommended that you explore these mountains with a guide, particularly if you wish to ‘bag’ the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain and are inexperienced. KerryClimbing is the leading provider of guided ascents of Carrauntoohil and other routes in the Reeks. KerryClimbing offers a personal approach. Based in the shadow of the majestic McGillycuddy’s Reeks, it is a family affair, driven by husband and wife team Catherine and Piaras Kelly. They will plan a day of adventure to match your expectations, whether it be learning to rock climb, climbing Carrauntoohil by its most straightforward or most challenging route, or simply a gentle walk on a low rugged hill. Their company motto is ‘Experience the Adventure’, and they aim to provide the flexibility to tailor days to suit individuals, groups of friends or families. On the day of your climb they will provide you with a highly experienced local mountain guide/ instructor, who will share a wealth of information on local history, geology, flora and fauna, along with lots of entertaining stories of these mountains gained through many years climbing their slopes. You will be given assistance, encouragement and guidance, and will never have to worry about navigation or route-finding. Any ascent of Ireland’s highest mountain requires a level of fitness enabling you to hike in mountainous terrain for at least 6.5 hours. You need to arrive with suitable footwear and clothing, a packed lunch, a sense of humour and a sense of adventure, ready and up for the challenge and the rest will be looked after! Pre-booking is essential. KerryClimbing is an award-winning company gaining the prestigious title of ‘Best Adventure Experience 2017’ and ‘Best Customer Experience 2018’ awarded by The KerryMan newspaper. They are also ranked #1 on TripAdvisor out of ALL outdoor activities in Killarney and surrounds for five years running, so you can be assured you’re booking with the best and a highly professional company. ‘Experience the Adventure’ with KerryClimbing – www.kerryclimbing.ie Email: info@kerryclimbing.ie Call: 0879323527 or 0877440523

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KILLARNEY MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL Join us in Ireland’s Adventure Capital for the Killarney Mountain Festival: March 13, 14 and 15, 2020. This exciting celebration of everything outdoor-related is sure to inspire visitors with its jam-packed programme of events, many of which are free! The diverse programme of events over the course of the weekend includes adventure film screenings, world-renowned inspirational guest speakers, guided walks and mountain hikes, park run, photography and art exhibits, fun family activities to suit all ages and energy levels, mountain rescue displays, demonstrations, trade-stands, delicious food vendors, live music, Q&A sessions and much more! With a variety of fantastic venues in Killarney town showcasing exhibitions, speakers and movies, the main hub of the festival is Basecamp, which hosts live bands

and is a great place to mix and mingle with other festival-goers. We invite you to join us here each day to soak up the atmosphere, sit, relax and plan your festival itinerary, or just wind down and chill out. Check out our timetable for scheduled events, and keep an eye on the festival blackboards for exciting pop-up events taking place each day at Basecamp. Killarney Mountain Festival is Ireland’s biggest and best Outdoor & Adventure Festival, surrounded by MacGillycuddys Reeks and nestled in the stunning beauty of the National Park. Keep updated on our website and social media channels for all events as they are announced. www.killarneymountainfestival. com or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

QUALITY HYBRID BIKES FROM

€

PE R DAY

Hire includes helmet, lock, repair kit and local map. Luggage panniers are free for weekly rentals.

ALSO AVAILABLE TO RENT • TRAILERS & TAG-ALONGS • E-BIKES • ROAD BIKES • LOCAL GUIDE

064 6631 282 WWW.KILLARNEYRENTABIKE.COM Email: killarneyrentabike@gmail.com

FREE GUIDE MAP

WITH EVERY RENTAL

facebook.com/osullivancycles

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St Mary’s Cathedral St Mary’s Cathedral is Killarney’s tallest building, designed by famed English architect Augustus Pugin, who was also responsible for the clock tower of Big Ben. Construction began in 1842 but, due to a shortage of funds and the Great Famine, the cathedral was not completed until 1855. It was said to be one of Pugin’s favourite buildings.

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Travel Around

Kerry by Bus

No Driving No Park ing No Stress

ACT for Meningitis is a charity which aims to raise awareness and educate society about the signs and symptoms of meningitis while offering free support services in Ireland to those affected by the disease.

Sav on si

e 30

ngle

tick

ets

Uimhir/Number

Buy a Leap Card and get 30% discount on ALL single fares

Tralee - Limerick - Birr - Athlone

275

Tralee - Dingle

252

Cork - Cork Airport - Skibbereen - Glengarriff - Kenmare

275A

Dingle - Ballyferriter - Dunquin/Gallarus - Ballydavid

257

Macroom - Millstreet - Killarney

278

Tralee - Fenit

270

Sneem - Kenmare - Killarney

279

Tralee - Killorglin

271

Tralee - Castleisland - Kerry Airport - Killarney

279A

Killarney - Killorglin - Caherciveen - Waterville

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER 087-3381842

272

Tralee - Listowel - Ballybunion

280

Tralee - Killarney - Ring of Kerry

273

Tralee - Cloghane

282

Ring of Beara/Kenmare - Ardgroom

Tickets available online and from various outlets in Killarney • New Members are always welcome • www.killarneyvintage.com

274

Tralee - Ballyheigue

284

Tralee - Farranfore - Killarney

The Killarney Micro Track will begin construction in June 2019 and will be located at St Brendan’s College and will benefit students from nearby schools, athletic clubs, Paralympic athletes, Special Olympics athletes and community groups.

MAKING BETTER CONNECTIONS

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ERI

LIM EE/

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to T

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KILL

to FO

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Four family-friendly walks located within 5km of Killarney town H AG to

FOSSA

SSA

ROAD

AD PORT RO

Killarney CIRCULAR WALK, KNOCKREER Golf & Fishing Club

Knockreer House NEW ST

UGH LEIN

MISSION

ROAD

COL L

KILLARNEY

T ES

COUNTE

HOUSE & GARDENS D OA

S RO

Deenagh Lodge is the natural start/finish point for most following the trail. This is located at the entrance to Killarney National Park directly opposite St Mary’s Cathedral. A cycle path and footpath along Mission Road will take you directly there. Roadside parking is available on Port Road directly outside the entrance, but this can be quite busy at times.

Flesk Brid Ross Golf Club

INNISFALLEN

House. As you pass by Knockreer House, keep an eye out for the red deer as they often frequent this area. The path soon opens out to the wonderful vista of Lough Leane and McGillycuddy’s Reeks. The path slowly descends again and begins to circle back towards our starting point.

This is not the typical ‘walk in the park’. You will be rewarded with wonderful lake and mountain views, open parkland expanses and an almost guaranteed glimpse of some of the local red deer herd. As the trail is well paved, it is suitable for cycling and buggies/ strollers throughout, although there are three cattle grids to cross. There is a steady gentle incline at the start of the walk but no other climbs to negotiate.

ISLAND & ABBEY The walk begins with a gentle incline up towards Knockreer

NEW ROAD HIGH

The Circular Walk in Knockreer, Killarney National Park is popular with both visitors and locals alike. Situated adjacent to the Killarney town, this walk is an ideal introduction to the wonders of the National Park.

LEWIS ROAD

ROCK

N22

FLESK ROAD

Easy Walks

N22

AVE RD

AGHADOE

AD RO

START

PAR

ROSS CASTLE

CKR

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PAT H

If you haven’t already come across any deer by now, look closely around you as you head across the open parkland. If you are visiting in late September or October, this is one of the best places to observe the red deer rutting season in close proximity. Continue on through the second cattle grid and the park opens up to the wide meadows which are shared by the red deer and the Kerry cows. At the third cattle grid we reach a crossroads. Take a left to return to the Deenagh Lodge. It’s no surprise that this trail is such a big hit with all those who travel along its paths. The great variety of sights and terrain on this relatively short trail means that it always offers something new on each outing. The proximity to the town, coupled with the fact that it is suitable for walkers, joggers, horses and buggypushers alike, means that it will remain one of the most popular trails in Killarney National Park. 66

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MUCKROSS

KILLARNEY HOUSE & GARDENS

ROSS ISLAND COPPER MINES The Copper Mines trail is the most direct and accessible of all the tracks and trails on Ross Island. Beautiful lake views and secluded woodlands on historic paths make this an excellent choice for an easy walk around Ross Island.

Ross Golf Club

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Many of the treasures of Killarney National Park are world ISLAND & ABBEY famous and Ross Castle is long established as a ‘must see’ attraction in the area. The labyrinth of paths and trails that weave around the adjacent Ross Island may not share the fame of the Castle and its grounds, but they are worthy of a visit in their own right. Perhaps the best loved of these is the Copper Mines Trail. This is a peaceful 2km looped trail on paved paths on the south-western shores of the island. Mining activity in C BUILDINGthe area dates back over 4,500 years with activities ceasing in the mid-19th century. Today, the area offers peace and solitude HOUSES rather than copper ore as the trail meanders along the shores of Lough Leane. Ross Castle is located approximately 2.5km from Killarney town centre. There is ample parking and plenty of C places to securely lock your bicycle around the castle grounds.

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The paths on the island do not allow motor vehicles so it is an ideal place for a stroll, hike or jog. Bicycles and buggies are well suited to most of the paved paths. There are some minor hilly sections but none are too taxing. Parts of the island trails are woodland tracks, so sturdy wheels will be required when leaving the paved paths. All trails are well signposted, with distance markers and information panels at key points along the trails. The Copper Mines Trail starts and finishes at Ross Castle. The circuit can be combined with the Library Point or the Governor’s Rock trail to extend the length to over 5km. The trail starts beside Ross Castle where the wheels and frame of an original mining cart are positioned on a stone plinth. The first noticeable landmark you encounter is Ross Cottage which lies in ivy-covered ruins by the side of the main path. It is here that the famous poet Shelley is reputed to have spent some months during the 19th century. The undulating path continues along until you arrive at a bench overlooking Lough Leane. Mangerton

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Mountain and Horses’ Glen rise in the distance to the east. You will soon reach a junction where the signpost points towards Governor’s Rock to the right. Continue straight ahead, following the signs for the ‘Old Mining Trail’. The Copper Mines are situated in a beautiful bay opening out to Lough Leane. A stony shoreline opens out on a spectacular vista of Torc and Mangerton mountains beyond the southern shores of the lake. If you peer over the low wall into one of the flooded mineshafts, you will see that there is a green hue in the water, bearing testament to the mining activity of the past. As the path veers to the right, and old dam wall to the left is a reminder of the reason for the ultimate downfall of mining activity in the area: the proximity to the lakeshore led to constant flooding of the mineshafts throughout the centuries.

HOUSE & GARDEN

The main path now begins to circle around back in the direction of Ross Castle. Soon you will come to a junction that is signposted for Governor’s Rock to the left or Ross Castle Bricin Bridge straight ahead. Before long you will reach another junction thatBoat House returns you to the trail that leads back towards Ross Castle.

Dinis Cottage

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Muckross Gate Lodge

MUCKROSS ABBEY

MUCKROSS GARDENS

Entrance to Abbey

A visit to Muckross Gardens is top of the list for many who visit or live in Killarney. The fabulous setting on the shores of the Middle Lake in the grounds of Muckross House makes this one of the most popular areas of Killarney National Park. If you want to go for a leisurely walk that takes in beautiful gardens, mountains, lakes and woodlands, then this is just what you need. Bricin Bridge Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms is located approximately 6km outside Killarney town. There is a paved path from the outskirts of the town that goes through the National Dinis The Cottage Park all the way to Muckross House. path is shared by walkers,Meeting cyclistsofand traditional jaunting cars. There is ample thethe Waters car parking at Muckross house. There are also several buses stopping at Muckross House.

to M a

MUCKROSS Boat House

MUCKROSS LAKE

OLD WEIR BRIDGE

This trail has virtually no inclines and is generally flat throughout. There are some ups and downs as you meander through the woodlands. During the winter months, the woodland trail section N71 can be mucky underfoot in places.

Entrance to Muckross House

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the trees again, stay left to continue in parallel with the main N71 Ring of Kerry road (at this point you can cross the road to visit the waterfall). Follow the path as it winds back towards the woods that surround Muckross House. Soon the tree cover thickens and you are deep within the woods once more. Watch out underfoot in this section as it is rough and uneven and can become mucky and sticky after prolonged periods of rain.

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The trail starts by heading across the main car park past Eagles Nest Muckross Traditional Farms. Follow along the path, passing the Old Schoolhouse, until you reach a T-junction. Turn left here and proceed across the parklands. During the summer months the native herd of Kerry cows will be grazing either side of the path. As you reach a crossroads, take a left turn along the avenue that leads back to Muckross House. As you near the House, Torc Mountain and Muckross Lake will open up on your right-hand side. At the jarvey stand and bicycle parking area near Muckross House, turn right to follow the path towards the lake shore. The path turns to skirt along the shore of Muckross Lake. Continue along this path and before long the path opens out from the woods along the exposed shores of Muckross Lake. Up ahead, the forested slopes of Torc Mountain tower over you. To your right, the peaks of McGillycuddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reeks rise from the shores of Lough Leane. Follow the path that leads you closer to the base of Torc KILLARNEY Mountain and Torc Waterfall. As you approach the shelter of NATIONAL PARK

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The old stone walls of the Muckross estate will guide you along the path until you reach the road that is the main vehicular driveway to the House. Take a left here, staying on the pedestrian track along the roadside. As you roll down the hill for the last few hundred metres, you will arrive at the starting point of the main car park. This Muckross Gardens trail offers a lot in the way of scenery on various sections of the route. Its variety is not limited to scenery alone. There are open exposed sections mirrored by secluded sheltered woodland trails. The bustling epicentre of Muckross at the start and finish is contrasted by the quiet solitude of the woodlands and paths at the foot of Torc Mountain. To experience the magic of Muckross, make a date to take a spin around this Muckross Gardens walking route.

Muckross Gate Lod

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More challenging than the previous walks, but a well maintained boardwalk makes this a very achievable climb for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, who will be able to walk to the top and back in less than 2.5 hours. The views from the summit are richly rewarding. To find the upper car park at Torc take a left turn, signposted ‘Old Kenmare Road’, off the N71 after you pass the main entrance to Muckross House. Follow this narrow road for about 1km until you reach a small car park where you start the walk.

Entrance to Abbey

MUCKROSS

Entrance to Muckross House

HOUSE & GARDENS

The initial section of the route is part of Bridge the Kerry Way long Bricin distance walking trail and is also the traditional starting point for the Old Kenmare Road route. Leave the car park behind you and follow the trail as you head towards the shoulder of Torc Dinis Cottage river on your Mountain. You will shortly see the Owengarriff right hand side. river descends from Mangerton mountain Meeting of This the Waters before tumbling spectacularly at Torc Waterfall on its way to Muckross Lake. After you cross a wooden bridge over the river, take an immediate left.

Boat House

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About 1.5km after you leave the car park you will see the beginning of the summit trail signposted on the right hand side N71 of the pathway. The trail meanders through the heather and rocks and soon you will reach the first of the boardwalk sections of the trail. These old railway sleepers will cover most of the Eagles Nest route from this point forward. The boardwalk helps to keep your feet dry on many parts of the route but be careful as it can be slippery in places. Keep an eye out for the mountain goats and red deer as they make their way across the slopes of Torc with considerable ease in comparison to our plodding ascent to the summit. The white tailed sea eagles that inhabit Killarney National Park can sometimes be seen from this area also. RIN

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As you near the summit, the boardwalk gives way to peat covered tussocks and stony tracks and a wonderful vista opens up before you – a superb view of Killarney’s three lakes, McGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Killarney valley. The Dingle peninsula stretches out to the west, and to the north the land rises gently beyond Killarney town. Return by the same route.

By Donal O’Leary A native of Killarney writes about the wonders of Killarney National Park on KillarneyGuide.ie. You can read about some of the great walks and hikes in the area and get a free ebook of Killarney’s ‘Hidden Gems’ by signing up at www.killarneyguide.ie

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK

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MUST SEE & DO

WHILE VISITING KILLARNEY

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It’s Tee Time! Screenwriter Charles Rosin maintained that Killarney offered ‘the best après-golf in the country,’ and with some of Ireland’s best courses on our doorstep, it’s not hard to see why so many make the town a base for their golfing trip. Four-time host to the Irish Open, the flagship Killeen course at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club will give golfers a real challenge, with Mahony’s Point – a locals’ favourite – giving slightly more room off the tee, and nine-hole Lackabane completing the offering. The lakeside setting is simply beautiful. Naturally, the club has all the top-class facilities you’d expect from such a prestigious venue. Even closer to Killarney, the nine-hole Castlerosse and Ross parkland courses are both

adjacent to the National Park, and perfect for all skill levels. Ten minutes’ drive away, towards Moll’s Gap, you’ll find Beaufort Golf Course which offers generous fairways and large, contoured greens. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome in the cosy clubhouse. The famous Dooks links course, on the Ring of Kerry, is one of Ireland’s oldest. With the Atlantic on one side and McGillicuddy’s Reeks on the other, this is yet another stunning setting for a round of golf.

Our 9 Hole Golf Club, Par 36 Parkland course, provides a truly unique golfing experience with breath taking views across Lough Leane and the majestic mountain peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, as well as some more peaceful and untouched areas of parkland. Combining a range of longer, more challenging holes as well as rewarding, shorter risk holes, makes this course perfect for all skill levels

RATES INCLUDE GUI/IGU MEMBERSHIP Full membership Lady (Inc. IGUI & Insurance) levy €28 • Full Membership Gents (Inc. GUI & Insurance) levy €24 • Couple Membership (Inc. GUI & IGUI & Insurance) • Junior (under 18 or student) • (Residents outside of 80km/50km Inc. GUI or IGUI & Insurance) •

€330 €330 €520 €80 €210

BENEFITS GUI & ILGU affiliated with official handicaps. • 50% Discount on Castlerosse health and leisure club membership. • 25% discount on overnight B&B rates. • Benefits of Kerry Card – subject to certain conditions. •

Castlerosse Park Resort, Lakes of Killarney, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 VN5P,

Ireland Tel: 353 (0) 64 6631144 • Email: res@castlerosse.ie www.castlerosse.ie

BEAUFORT GOLF CLUB Beaufort is a 7004 yard Parkland Course carved from natural terrain, and is suited to all standards of golfer. Beaufort Golf Club has all the facilities one would expect from a modern golf development whilst still embracing a traditional, warm and friendly atmosphere, something that we are very much renowned for. This unique golf

CASTLEROSSE GOLF CLUB

DOOKS GOLF CLUB

9 Hole Golf Club, Par 36 Parkland course, provides a truly unique golfing experience with breathtaking views across Lough Leane and the majestic mountain peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, as well as some more peaceful and untouched areas of parkland. Combining a range of longer, more challenging holes as well as rewarding, shorter risk holes, makes this course perfect for all skill levels.

Enjoy playing one of Ireland’s oldest links golf courses at Dooks. If you are on a golfing break in Kerry you won’t want to miss the opportunity to play Dooks – a truly magical location for a stunning golf course. Experience breathtaking views and a unique links challenge that golfers have enjoyed since 1889.

Email res@castlerosse.ie

Email office@dooks.com

experience will stay with you for years to come. Part of the historic Churchtown Estate, the course offers up unique challenges and views. Tom McKenzie, who redesigned the course in 2007, said, ‘all golfers love to play golf in beautiful places and Beaufort sits rightfully amongst Ireland’s most scenic courses, overlooking the spectacular McGillycuddy Reeks.’

ROSS GOLF CLUB

BEAUFORT GOLF CLUB One of South West Ireland’s hidden gems, Beaufort Golf Club is nestled at the base of Carrauntuohill and set amongst 200 year old trees, 15th-century castle ruins, two lakes and miles of rolling meadows. The course offers breathtaking views whichever way you look. Located only seven miles from Killarney town and four miles from Killorglin, the clubhouse, which is part of the historic Churchtown Estate, offers old-world charm with exceptional food and modern facilities. Email info@beaufortgc.com

A PARKLAND course, Ross Golf Club is designed and built inside and around Killarney Racecourse. The course takes in the magnificent views of Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, the Lakes of Killarney and the McGuillicuddy Reeks. Ross Golf Course is affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland and is widely regarded as one of the best nine-hole courses in Ireland. Open each day, it welcomes green fees and societies. Club hire is also available. In addition, the clubhouse offers a light snack menu. Email info@rossgolfcourse.com

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KillarneyA Golfer’s Paradise Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is located on a small peninsula jutting out into the majestic Lough Leane, and in the shadow of Ireland’s highest mountain range – McGillicuddy’s Reeks.

KILLEEN The Killeen course is a challenging 7,250-yard, par 72 golf course which has played host to The Irish Open four times. In 1991, a clinical Nick Faldo emerged as winner over Colin Montgomerie, with David Feherty setting a course record of 65 on the closing day. The colourful Payne Stewart was the crowd favorite. Mixed conditions and a tough course earned huge respect from all the professionals, with Faldo one of only three players to finish below par. In 1992 huge attendances witnessed a dramatic play-off finale, with Nick Faldo emerging as winner over the relatively unknown South African Wayne Westner. More recently, in 2010 and 2011, England’s Ross Fisher and Simon Dyson were the respective winners of the tournament. The Killeen course is steeped in history and is a ‘Must Play’ for every golfer visiting Killarney! MAHONY’S POINT The club’s oldest course, Mahony’s Point, opened in 1939. Mahony’s Point is 6,780 yards, par 72 golf course that offers spectacular views of the famous Killarney Lakes overlooked by the McGillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. The final three holes are breathtaking as you play towards the lake. The 18th hole, a par 3 of nearly 200 yards that requires a huge carry across the corner of the lake, was described as ‘one of the most memorable holes in golf’. Why Play at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club? • Four-time host venue to The Irish Open • Two Championship golf courses • One 9-Hole golf course • Just two miles from Killarney Town Centre • Full length Driving Range & Golf Academy • Traditional Irish Bar & Restaurant • Visitors are welcome 7 days a week The newly designed state of the art Professional Shop enhances the overall player experience. It now boasts a coffee station and seating area where members and visitors can soak up the stunning scenery, and stocks all the top golfing brands including Nike, Footjoy, Ping, Adidas, Peter Millar, Under Armour, Green Lamb, Titleist and Oscar Jacobson. Following a significant refurbishment investment, the new Pro-Shop at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is set to drive a whole new golfing experience at the club. Whether on a one-day outing or extended visit, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club offers a wonderful welcome and top-class facilities, and the bar, overlooking the iconic 18th hole of the Killeen Course, is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day’s golf!

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killarney’s

d o o w y Holl BRUSH WITH

The parish priest of Beaufort castigated the ‘tramp photographers’ for invading the village. He called on the strong men of the Gap of Dunloe to

“chase them across the stone bridge spanning the River Laune with sticks and stones” As the first US filmmakers to work on location in Europe, Kalem had opted to blaze a trail eastwards at a time when all the movie traffic was heading west from New York – then the heart of the US film industry – to California. Until then, Hollywood was a Los Angeles suburb known mostly for its orange groves and lemon ranches.

The parish priest of Beaufort castigated the ‘tramp photographers’ for invading the village. He called on the strong men of the Gap of Dunloe to chase them across the stone bridge spanning the River Laune with sticks and stones. The year was 1911 and the subject of the cleric’s ire was the pioneering Kalem Film Company, which had sailed three thousand miles from New York to base itself for a summer in the tiny village located six miles from Killarney at the foot of the Gap of Dunloe.

Director Sidney Olcott suspended the filming of The Colleen Bawn in the ancient Churchtown Graveyard in Beaufort after the parish priest accused Kalem of exploiting his parishioners and ‘desecrating the bones of their ancestors’. But an intervention by the American Consul with the Bishop of Kerry on behalf of the ‘O’Kalems’, as the American film company became known, resulted in filming continuing throughout the summer and for three more successive summers. Sidney Olcott had first travelled to County Cork in 1910 to make the emigration drama The Lad from Old Ireland. The silent movie was the first ever fiction film to be made in Ireland, and the first one to be made by a US company on this side of the Atlantic. Some scenes were shot in Kerry, and the cast stayed in the former Glebe Hotel in Killarney that first summer. Coincidentally, The Glebe was later owned by the late Thomas G. Cooper who, in 1936, filmed The Dawn, the first feature-length ‘talkie’ shot in Ireland. The Kalem films were all based on Irish stories about Irish rebels and the hardships of eviction and emigration. The sensitive portrayal of Irish issues was in sharp contrast of

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prevailing stereotypes of the drunken, brawling Irish. Actor and screenwriter Gene Gauntier, in her memoir Blazing the Trail, conveys the atmosphere in the local pub, now called the Beaufort Bar:

‘Often at night in the old tavern, sitting in the dim light of the peat fire, we would listen to tales of persecutions and evictions, of the battering ram and the cottage set on fire and to ravings against the tyranny of England.’ Kalem made a total of twenty-eight films in Kerry between 1911 and 1914, adapted from well-known songs, poems and dramas. The company’s base for those four summers was the Beaufort Hotel, located across the road from the Beaufort Bar. The O’Sullivan family owned both the hotel and the bar where the American visitors and locals mingled. The family runs the Beaufort Bar and Restaurant to this day. Gene Gauntier recalled the tavern as ‘quaint and full of atmosphere’ and filled with ‘many queer characters’ who ‘halt their donkey carts and come in for a glass and a story or a bit of gossip’. At the centenary celebrations of Kalem’s Kerry connection in 2011, Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Minister Jimmy Deenihan, TD, posited that, only for the outbreak of World War One, Kalem would have built a film studio in Beaufort. ‘It is not an exaggeration to say it could have been the Hollywood of Ireland or even Europe,’ the politician said. The Minister congratulated film lecturers Peter Flynn and Tony Tracy for making the DVD documentary Blazing The Trail: The O’Kalems in Ireland, which was released as part of The O’Kalem Collection, a twodisc set containing all eight of the surviving Irish Kalem films, compiled by the Irish Film Institute’s Irish

Film Archive. The documentary title was taken from the name of Gene Gauntier’s memoir, which had been serialised in the American magazine Woman’s Home in 1928 and 1929. Padruig O’Sullivan’s interest in Kalem was sparked by his grand-aunt, Annie O’Sullivan, who helped her father, Patrick, run the Beaufort Hotel, and who starred in many of the films. ‘At the time, the Gap of Dunloe was only in its infancy as a tourist attraction and Sidney Olcott was one of the first great directors of the film industry,’ Padruig said. ‘Kalem came because of the scenery. Also, Olcott’s mother was from Ireland. Lots of locals were paid the kingly sum of five shillings a day at a time when farm labourers were earning £5 a year.’ As part of the Kerry Kalem centenary celebrations, the best-known film locations around Killarney and Beaufort were highlighted in a guide booklet, The O’Kalem Film Trail. Included is one of the most spectacular locations on Muckross Lake, the Colleen Bawn Rock, which took its name from a play by Dion Boucicault, based on the real-life murder of a woman called Ellen Scanlan on the River Shannon in County Clare. The playwright set the drama in Killarney, and the Colleen Bawn Rock became an important tourist attraction. For the US release of The Colleen Bawn, Kalem had soil shipped over from the base of the rock and invited patrons to

‘Come and Stand on Irish Soil’ An affidavit signed by Killarney priest ‘Fr Fitzgerald’, was available on request for anyone who doubted the provenance of the box of soil placed at cinema entrances for movie-goers to step over.

Breda Joy

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Sporting Kerry EVENTS YOU MUST SEE WHILE IN THE COUNTY Sport plays a significant part in the culture of the county. Gaelic Games – specifically football – is the most popular sport: Kerry have been the most successful team in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, topping the list of counties for All-Irelands won.

| BY SEAN MORIARTY Kerry is a natural training ground for world-class sportspeople, and many of our athletes have gone on to compete in their chose discipline at world and national level. To set them on their way, the local grass root clubs stage a range of high-quality events. We have chosen a selection of must-see events – and, who knows, you may well be witnessing a future world champ in action!

GAELIC GAMES No visit to Killarney is complete without a visit to the town’s Fitzgerald Stadium. The Kerry senior football team play most of their home games on the hallowed turf just off Lewis Road, less than ten minutes’ walk from the town centre. Kerry have won 37 All-Ireland Senior Football Championships, including two four-ina-rows (1929–1932, 1978–1981) and two threein-a-rows (1939–1941, 1984–1986). Dublin is second on 28 titles won. During the summer months the Munster and AllIreland football competitions are in full swing. The National League is a winter series and runs from late January until April. Dates and fixtures change all the time, as both competitions are run on a knock-out basis so pre-judging the season calendar is impossible. Check local press (such as the Killarney Advertiser) for current fixtures. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a highly charged Kerry football match, especially if old rivals like Dublin or Cork are the opposition. The colour, the noise and the witty but friendly banter between rival supporters make it an occasion not to be missed. www.kerrygaa.ie www.fitzgeraldstadium.com

CYCLING Kerry hosts one of the biggest cycling classics in the Irish calendar. The four-day Rás Mumhan takes place annually over Easter weekend and features some of the hardest cycling stages outside of the Alps. Rás Mumhan attracts some of the best young professionals from all over Ireland and Europe, as well as the best of Irish and UK-based club teams. Past winners include Irish cycling legends Gene Mangan and Shay O’Hanlon, two heroes of the sport in the 1960s, and current entry lists always include rising stars and future champions. Local cycling clubs organise a range of sportive events, open to licensed and non-licensed competitors. The biggest non-competitive cycling event is the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. Held every July, up to 8,000 participants take on the 150km route. Entries are limited for safety reasons but are keenly sought after, and organisers turn hundreds away every year. 76

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Worth watching, the sight of 8,000 cyclists leaving town in the early hours of a Saturday morning is pretty impressive.

www.rasmumhan.com www.ringofkerrycycle.ie

MOTORSPORT The roads around Killarney are made for rally driving. The local club, Killarney & District Motor Club, hosts two major rallies every year. The International Rally of the Lakes is one of the biggest sporting events in Ireland, attracting in excess of 60,000 fans to the county each May. They come to see the best drivers in Europe battle it out over two days of intense battles on local, closed-to-the-public roads. Over 130 cars enter the rally each year, and many drivers who have made their name at world-level began their racing careers in Killarney. One such is local rally co-driver Paul Nagle, who has won five rounds of the World Rally Championship alongside Kris Meeke as part of the Citroen factory team. He has also won several rounds of the European rally championship, but his first event was right on his own doorstep. The second event to look out for is the Killarney Historic Rally, which runs in late November or early December each year. Over 150 cars, all manufactured before 1979, race on the very same roads their modern counterparts use in May. The club also runs smaller autocross events, and there is a strong classic car scene in the town. Each July the Killarney Valley Classic & Vintage Club takes over Killarney Racecourse for one of the biggest classic meets in the region. www.rallyofthelakes.com www.killarneyanddistrictmotorclub.ie

RUGBY Rugby was first played in Killarney towards the latter end of the 19th century, however there are no records detailing an official club being founded at the time. Rugby matches were played at the Cricket Field, which was situated on the northern bank of the River Flesk opposite where the Gleneagle Hotel now stands.

Among the great players at the time was Dr William O’Sullivan, who became the first Killarney man to represent Ireland at international level when he earned his first cap against Scotland in 1895. It was in 1928 that Killarney RFC was actually founded, and after a few stop-start years, mainly caused by world wars, the club was established again in time for the 1953/54 season. It enjoyed almost immediate success, which has continued right up to the present day. The club plays its home matches at its state-ofthe-art premises at Aghadoe. www.krfc.club

BASKETBALL St Paul’s Basketball Club, playing under the Scotts Lakers banner since the 2018/19 season, play their home games at Killarney Sports Centre and operate in the Men’s Division One National League. Scotts Hotel Managing Director Maurice O’Donoghue says Scotts are delighted to be involved with St Paul’s again this year, and he is looking forward to some more big nights at Killarney Sports Centre. The O’Donoghue family and the Gleneagle Group have a tradition with Killarney basketball dating back almost 40 years. Three generations of the O’Donoghue family have had a great association with basketball in the town, which, Maurice says, they are more

than happy to continue. His own father – the late Maurice O’Donoghue – together with the late Paudie O’Connor, were two forwardthinking visionary leaders who travelled to the USA to bring the very first American basketball players to Ireland in 1979. Scotts Lakers captain Mark Greene says that it was great to bring National League basketball back to Killarney last season after such a long absence. Exciting new American signing Seán O’Brien, and Dutch power forward Papito Hersisia added to the squad’s fire power last season. Check local press, such as the Killarney Advertiser, for current fixtures and team news. www.stpaulskillarney.ie www.basketballireland.ie

HORSE RACING Killarney Racecourse is one of the town’s major attractions. All meetings at the scenic location are incorporated into three summer festivals in the months of May, July and August. Primarily, racing is held in the evening time, making the racecourse the ideal venue to round off a day of local sightseeing. Located on the outskirts of the town just off the Killarney/ Kenmare road, the racecourse attracts highclass horses for races like the Kingdom Gold Cup, the Cairn Rouge Stakes, the Ruby Stakes on the Flat and a number of valuable races over hurdles and fences. The racecourse is short walk from the town centre. Check local media for latest news on runner and riders. Locally born Jim Culloty is a racehorse trainer and retired professional National Hunt jockey who won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season. Today he runs the J H Culloty racing stables at Mount Corbitt House in Churchtown, County Cork, and is famous for, amongst other things, training Lord Windermere to Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. www.killarneyraces.ie 2019 KILLARNEY Magazine

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Driving the Kingdom WITH SEAN MORIARTY

Motoring enthusiasts love Killarney and its hinterland, with classic car clubs from all over Europe making frequent visits. Throughout the year you will see fleets of classic and vintage machinery parked outside hotels and guesthouses in the town. The coastal and lakeside roads and mountain passes are a natural playground for petrolheads who just love to go for a drive for the sake of going for a drive. Roads aside, the area is steeped in motoring history, and this is another reason why car enthusiasts flock to the region. The second-ever closedroad motorsport event in Ireland took place in Ballyfinnane, less than 20km north of Killarney, in 1903. It was one of the featured events in what was known as ‘Irish Speed Fortnight’, which began with the Gordon Bennett Trophy Race in counties Kildare and Laois a few days earlier. The Kerry event was won by Charles Rolls, driving an 80hp Mors, in a time of 1 minute 1.8 seconds for the 1200-yard climb. Rolls went on to be a founding partner in one of the world’s most famous automobile brands 78

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– Rolls-Royce – and in 1993 the Kingdom Veteran, Vintage & Classic Car Club erected a monument at the foot of the climb to mark the 90th anniversary of the event. Nowadays, Kerry is considered the rally capital of Ireland. The county boasts two Motorsport Ireland affiliated motor clubs, the north Kerrybased Kerry Motor Club and the locally based Killarney & District Motor Club. The latter club organises two major closed-road rally events throughout the season: the internationally acclaimed Rally of the Lakes traditionally runs on the May Bank Holiday weekend, and the Killarney Historic Rally, the only event of its kind in Ireland, runs on either the last weekend in November or the first weekend in December. The routes vary each year but there is one constant – almost every rally run by Killarney & District Motor Club in its 42-year history has featured Moll’s Gap, the undulating and challenging drive from the gates of Muckross House to Kenmare. Various different versions of the stage exist, with different starting and finishing points. The most recent version, used three times in the 2019 Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes, was 17.54km in length. In May 2019 Callum Devine from County Derry, a former Motorsport

the winners, Britain would be required to host the Gordon Bennett Trophy the following year. However there was no political will to close roads for an automobile race in Britain, and a golden opportunity, politically engineered by Healy and other Irish politicians with an interest in the new horseless carriage, fell to Ireland. Closing roads at that time required an Act of Parliament, and Healy and his cohorts pulled it off nicely. It is a modernised and superseded version of this act that allows roads to be closed in Ireland for motorsport to this day. As a mark of respect to the Irish organisers, the British team painted their cars green for the 1903 event, and British Racing Green remains the internationally recognised colour of British race teams to this day. The Healy Pass remains a popular rally road, and its place in the sport’s history is assured after the road from the Kerry side to the summit was the first-ever timed-to-a-second rally stage in Ireland. This happened in in 1951 as the Ulster Automobile Club moved their Circuit of Ireland Rally away from navigation to timed special stages. The Circuit of Ireland, first held in 1931, is one of the oldest rallies in Europe. Traditionally run over the Easter weekend, modern rallying does not allow for endurance events of this size so it is now contained in Ulster and run under the Easter Stages Rally brand. The Circuit of Ireland last came to Killarney in 1983 but remains part of the motoring heritage of this region. It was the Ulster Automobile Club that set the seeds for the current team of rally organisers, who often use the same roads as their northern forefathers. In the village of Lauragh, at the foot of the Healy Pass, follow the road towards Killmackillogue Harbour where Helen’s Harbour Bar offers respite after a hard day’s driving. Check the walls for some incredible photos of rally drivers and classic cars on visits to this picturesque village. Ireland young rally driver of the year, set a time of 8 minutes and 4 seconds for the Moll’s Gap stage in a state-of-the-art Ford Fiesta rally car. Don’t try this in your rental car! Remember, he did it when the road was officially closed to other traffic and with the correct medical and rescue support in place, but it is worth the drive just to marvel at the scenery and wonder exactly how Devine managed his record drive.

Return to Killarney via Kilgarvan, where you will find a unique motor museum just off the beaten track – it’s sign-posted from the village. This is a family-run museum which is passionate about classic and vintage vehicles and dedicated to preserving a little part of Ireland’s motoring heritage – a heritage that still thrives in County Kerry.

Other roads in region often used for rallying include Ballaghbeama Gap, and the Caragh Lake drive, both situated on the Iveragh peninsula. With a bit of forward planning you could take in Moll’s Gap, Ballaghbeama Gap and Caragh Lake in a day-trip from Killarney. The roads in the region are frequently referred to as the best stages in Ireland. Craig Breen is the Republic of Ireland’s most successful rally driver. He has competed at World and European level with factory supported rally teams, and describes the Ardgroom stage in West Cork – often a part of the Rally of the Lakes route – as ‘the best rally stage in the world.’ The Beara Peninsula drive is worth the effort if you fancy a challenging but enjoyable day out punctuated by stunning scenery and amazing mountain vistas. The serpentine Healy Pass winds through a desolate, otherworldly landscape, passing between two of the highest summits in the Caha mountain range and rising to 334 metres above sea level. It’s named after Tim Michael Healy, a politician from Cork who served as the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State. Upon his retirement, Healy asked that the bridleway winding through the pass be upgraded and improved.

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It is fitting that this famous rally road, often compared to the Stelvio Pass and Col de Turini, is named in Healy’s honour. In 1903, the politician played a key role in putting in place the legislation which allowed the Gordon Benett Trophy to be staged in Ireland. At the time Ireland was still under British rule, and Healy was a nationalist politician elected to the British Parliament in London. The first Gordon Bennett race had taken place in 1902, contested by national teams (France, Germany, Italy, Britain and the USA) who raced in cars manufactured by their home nations. The only competitor to finish the race, held over a 565km route between Paris and Innsbruck, was Selwyn Edge, driving a Napier and representing the Automobile Club of Britain and Ireland. As

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OTHER RECOMMENDED DRIVES from Killarney Carrigaholt

Killimer

Carrig Island

Kilbaha

Kilclogher Head

Tarbert

Ballylongford

Dumore Head

Asdee

MOUTH OF THE SHANNON

BALLYBUNION

R553

R524

R552

Lisselton

Moyvane

R554

Athea

Ballyduff

KERRY HEAD

R523

Causeway

R551

THE TIM HEALY PASS (One-day Drive) Ireland’s answer to the Stelvio Pass is a driving experience first discovered by the Circuit of Ireland rally organisers, and now adopted by the legendary Rally of the Lakes.The Tim Healy Pass covers just 13km, but it’s long enough to provide the keen driver with a taste of that type of road which is unique in Ireland. It’s a road to be enjoyed, driven, and then driven again. Approach from either the north (R571) or south side (R573): both offer a very different but equally rewarding driving experience. From the southern side of the Beara peninsula, turn onto the R574 at Ardrigole Bridge, bordering Ardrigole Harbour about halfway along the Glengarriff to CastletownBearhaven road. From the north, halfway along the Kenmare to Castletown Bearhaven road turn onto the R574 between St. Killian’s Church, Lauargh and Lauragh Post Office.

DETOUR 1

Killmackillogue Harbour Another little gem in the area is the Killmackillogue Harbour route, again a rally favourite which you can experience before or after the Tim Healy Pass. This detour is situated on the northern side of R571. Entering the R573 from either end loops you back onto the R571. Breathtaking views of Kenmare Bay and tight and twisty technical sections await you.

SEE PAGE 14 FOR MORE DETAILS

THE RING OF KERRY (One-day Drive) What can we say about this route that hasn’t been said before? A regular on top driving road lists, it simply has everything, with endless detour options and an abundance of hidden gems. Take the time to explore – you will not be disappointed. The Ring of Kerry is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and is a must for both sightseeing and driving pleasure. It is best to start

this route by taking the N72 and turning onto the N70 at Killorglin, keeping on the N70 until you reach Kenmare. From there take the N71 over Moll’s Gap and back into Killarney. This route is easily a full day, but a suggested detour below would be highly recommended. Allow this time in your schedule – you won’t be disappointed.

ATLANTIC OCEAN

R559

Ceann Sratha

DINGLE Lispole

Dunquin Ventry

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N21 Castleisland

Inch Point

Firies

Miltown

Canglass Point

N70 Doulus Bay

Chapeltown

BRAY HEAD

Coomanaspig Pass

SNEEM

WATERVILLE

BOLUS HEAD

Hog’s Head

Scariff Island

Derrynane House & National Park

Deenish Island

R573

Ardgroom

R571

Kilcatherine Point

Coulagh Bay

Tousist

Lough Inchiquin

Bonane

Eyeries Urhan

Glanmore Lake

BEARS

Barley Lake

R574

Glenbeg Lough

Adrigole

Glengarriff

Bandon River R572

Rossmackov

Derrynane beach, worth a brief stop, and returning to Caherdaniel you are back on the Ring of Kerry route. (One-day Drive) From Killarney, this route takes in Moll’s Gap and Kenmare, following the Wild Atlantic Way (R571) through Lauragh, Ardgroom and the colourful villages of Eyeries and Allihies, stopping for lunch at CastletownBearhaven. This area is steeped in rallying history with epic stages like Ardgroom, Cod’s Head and the Healy Pass. Next up is Adrigole (R572). If you want to take in the epic Healy pass which joins Lauragh and Adrigole, you can plan this detour from either side. Glengarriff is the next stop before you start your return. This road flanks jagged cliffs, and ambles through the Caha Mountains and tunnels taking in Kenmare and Moll’s Gap before arriving back in Killarney.

Kilgravan

R584

Lamb’s Head

THE RING OF BEARA

Derrynasa

KENMARE

Lauragh

Caherdaniel

Cod’s Head

Clonkeen

R571 Cloonee Loughs

N70

Cahernageeha Mountain Coomakesta Castlecove Pass

Ballinskelligs Bay

Mangerton Mountain

R569 Templenoe

Tahilla

The Paps

Stoompa

Peakeen Mountain

Blackwater Bridge

Coomcallee

Ballinskelligs

N71

Knocknaguillian

Cloonaghlin Lough

R566

Ladies View

R568

Mastergeehy

Emlaghmore

Torc Mountain

Upper Lake Moll’s Gap

Headforf Glenflesk

Muckross Lake

Black Valley

Mullaghanattin

Knockmoyle

R570

Gap of Dunloe

McGillycuddy Reeks

Lough Fada

Ballaghbeama Pass

Derriana

St. Finan’s Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

River Inny

Foilclogh

Lough Acoose

Cloon Lough

Bealach Oisin Pass

R565

Puffin Island

SKELLIG ISLANDS

Colly

CAHERSIVEEN

Skellig Heritage Centre Knights Town

Glencar

IVERAGH

Coomacarrea

Doulus Head

VALENTIA ISLAND

Carrauntoohill

Coomasaharn Lake

Rathm Barraduff

Lough Lein

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK Muckross House

Lough Caragh

Kells Knocknadobar

KILLARNEY

Beaufort

Glenbeigh

Gneevgullia

Kilcummin

N72

Kilgobnet Rossbeigh

R577

N22

Ballyhar

Faha

KILLORGLIN

Scartaglin

Farranfore

Castlemaine

Cromane

Bossbeigh Point

Currow

KERRY

Boolteens

R561

Cordal

N23

N70

Slieve Mish Mountains

Castlemaine Harbour

DINGLE BAY

Brosna

N21

Blennerville

Inch

Ventry Harbour

Knocknagoshal

Ballymacelligott

Camp

Mt. Eagle

DETOUR 2

Derrynane House (add 1 hour) Halfway between Waterville and Sneem, as you descend the Coomakista Pass, you will arrive in Caherdaniel. Follow the signpost for Derrynane House, once the home of the Liberator, Daniel O’Connell, now a museum and open to the public. It’s a beautiful setting to stop off and relax with a wellearned coffee and muffin in the café. West of the house is

TRALEE

R558

Feint

N86

Annascaul

KENMARE RIVER

DETOUR 3

Lyreacrompane

Stack’s Mountains

R560

DINGLE

R549

Ballyferriter

Kilflynn

Spa

Castlegregory Stradbally

R52 R555

Abbeyfeale

N69

Abbeydorney

Tralee Bay

Brandon

DETOUR 1

Skellig Ring (add 2 hours) When you pass through Caherciveen follow the Wild Atlantic Way signs to Valentia Island via the car ferry at Renard Point (5 min ferry, high season crossing every 10 mins.). Take a while to explore Knightstown (a lunchtime spot), the cable station and slate quarry. Continue to Portmagee, staying on the Wild Atlantic Way/Skellig Ring to Ballinskelligs (R565). This road is beyond description – an incredible road to drive with equally incredible views from the top of Coomanaspic Pass, taking in the Skellig cliffs and the famed Skellig Rock in the background. An early start is recommended to give time to explore this region.

Lerrig

R551

Brandon Mountain

Ceann Sibeal

R557

Ardfert

Brandon Head

An Tiaracht Tearaght Island

Rossbeigh Strand (add 20mins) Take the R564 after Glenbeigh village. This short loop takes in the beautiful Rossbeigh Strand. Continue on this coast road, which rises up to give spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. When you reach the top, turn inland and return to the N70.

Ballyheigue Bay

BRANDON POINT

Cuas as Bhodaigh

Duagh

Lixnaw

R556

Ballyheigue

Maghree Islands

Smerick Harbour

LISTOWEL

Finuge

SLEA HEAD (One-day Drive) Featured on Top Gear, this drive starts out in Dingle, the home of Fungi the dolphin. It loops around the most westerly point in Europe, taking in the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, with beautiful views stretching out over the Atlantic and to the Blasket Islands. Leaving Dingle, follow the Slea Head Drive on the R559 through Ventry, Dunbeg, past the cross at Slea Head, Coumeenoole Beach, Dunquin (filming location: Ryan’s Daughter), Ballyferriter and return to Dingle before setting off back to Killarney. An early start is recommended as there is so much to see along this route.

FOR A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

TURN OFF YOUR SAT NAV AND EXPLORE

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BEAUTIFUL KILLARNEY

LAND OF SAINTS & SCHOLARS

Old Milk Market Lane

The heart of Killarney town dates back to the Georgian era of 1714-1837. Classic Georgian architecture can be clearly seen in Lower New Street. It is here that many of the dwellings display the classic doorway and window features associated with that grand era. New Street and High Street and their network of laneways were developed in the late 1700s. The Brewery of ‘Brewery Lane’ once existed near Kenmare Place and the Railway road, though it seems to have disappeared by 1841. The International Hotel does have ‘The Brewery Restaurant’, acknowledging the heritage of the area.

Touhill’s Lane

Pig’s Lane off College Square

The present site of the Killarney Towers Hotel and O’Donoghue’s Public House (formerly The Imperial Hotel) occupies an area that what was once known as ‘Pig’s Lane’. The origin of its name is uncertain. It may have been in reference to the presence of livestock, or maybe the by-product of metal-working known as ‘Pig Iron’. ‘Chapel Lane’, as the name suggests, was home to a Roman Catholic Chapel built in 1770. This ‘handsome building’ was replaced by the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral which was consecrated in 1855. From the 1920s Mr. John Tarrant worked leather into harnesses in Chapel Lane and operated a ‘Carriage Factory’ on New Street.

Bridwell at the rear of the Court House in Fair Hill Court House in Fair Hill Cattle Market

Not far from the Market Cross on Main Street is Bohereen na Caol, ‘The Narrow Lane’, which was home to many thatched cottages and a cooperage. It was here that highly skilled craftsmen manufactured timber barrels. The likes of grain, butter, pork and fish were all stored in these barrels. It would appear that the old Constabulary possessed a bridewell jail (a small lock-up for those who had committed minor offences) on New Street, hence the name ‘Bridewell Lane’. There was also a bridewell at the rear of our courthouse. Killarney was home to several blacksmith forges. Many of the blacksmiths on High Street were named O’Shea. James O’Sullivan-D’Arcy also had a forge just off College Street. The blacksmith was a highly regarded craftsman and could fashion many household and agricultural items. Metalworking holds a special place in Irish folklore and mythology. Lough Leane is said to have been the home of Lén, a legendary smith of the supernatural Tuatha Dé Danaan tribe. by Conor Doolan

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Chapel Lane

Bohereen na Caol

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