Be treated, not tricked, at Halloween shopping festival

Launching the Killarney Shopping Festival were, front from left, Jonathan Crean, Rituals; Claire Tangney, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce; Jessica O’Connor, Kerry Phone Centre; Bridget O’Keeffe, festival coordinator; Johnny McGuire, Co-President, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce; Alice Norris, Kilkenny Shop and Paul Sherry, Killarney Outlet Centre. In second row, from left are Chris Davies, Killarney Advertiser; Joe Shannon, AIB Bank; Karena McCarthy, Killarney Credit Union,;Tanya Coyne, Eason and Michelle O’Connor Who’s For Shoes. At back, from left, are Denis Cronin Tommy Cronin Butchers; Tim Jones, Tim Jones Butchers; John McEnery J Mac; Anthony Walsh, Walsh’ Brothers Shoes; Aisling and Padraig Quill, Quill’s Woollen Market; Ian McMonagle, Serendipity and Padraig Treacy, Co-President, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh

There is a real danger that things will go bump in the night but there will be plenty of daytime fun too when Killarney fully embraces the spirit of the Halloween season at the inaugural Killarney Shopping Festival on the October Bank Holiday Weekend.

A real spooky season shopping experience is promised from October 25th-28th with retail stores joining in the fun and games with a fabulous family atmosphere, live music and street entertainment, fantastic in-store promotions, themed stalls to add to the atmosphere and the dark triangular eyes of creepily carved pumpkins watching over many stores.

The retailers in Killarney promise that they will treat you but they won’t trick you for the season that’s in it and, when the retail therapy is done, everyone is invited to eat, drink and be scary in the local hostelries where a spook-tacular atmosphere will await.

The Killarney Shopping Festival is being organised by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by AIB, Killarney Credit Union and Kerry County Council.

The festival is also strongly supported by O’Mahony Media Ltd, publishers of Killarney Today, and KC Print, publishers of the Killarney Advertiser.

“Killarney Chamber is delighted to be in a position to organise this very unique and exciting four-day festival with our retail sector,” the progressive business organisation said.

“It will promote shopping and the fabulous experience of visiting the town and all it has to give and it will really showcase the great retail offering on the streets,” Chamber added.

The novel festival will celebrate a favourite family time of the year as only Killarney can with a real focus on the commercial life of the town which will very soon become an even more attractive shopping destination.

Johnny McGuire,Co-President, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Karena McCarthy, Killarney Credit Union, Bridget O’Keeffe, festival coordinator and Joe Shannon, AIB Bank, launching the Killarney Shopping Festival which takes place from October 25th to 28th.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh

Chamber said there is currently a real vibrancy in Killarney with the imminent opening of a new store by beauty and wellness giant Rituals, at 35 Main Street, which is a clear indication of just how attractive the town is to potential investors.

That confidence is mirrored on all streets and, in recent weeks, the doors of a new equestrian equipment store, a bakery, a beauty and nail bar, a specialist jewellery store and two food outlets swung open for the first time.

Commercial property specialists have confirmed that the market is extremely positive and there is a very strong interest in any units that become available.

“The Chamber shares the great sense of optimism and confidence shown and we look forward to working closely with the retailers at this festival to further enhance Killarney’s reputation as a great town to live in, a great town to visit and a great town to do business in,” the festival organisers stated.