Pictures: Domnick Walsh
Over 2,000 cyclists and their families packed Killarney for the eagerly-awaited L’Etape Ireland event, Kenmare was extremely busy for the Lost Sheep Triathalon and Dingle was at near capacity for the annual marathon that brought participants on one of the most visually spectacular routes imaginable.
The children might be back at school, the evenings are getting shorter and the days are certainly cooler but Kerry is still the undisputed tourist capital which is due to the towns involved having the foresight to plan events that so many people want to engage with.
Fáilte Ireland chiefs have gone on record to confirm that provisional visitor numbers are not what they had hoped for nationally but Kerry – and Killarney in particular – certainly seemto be bucking that trend as was very much in evidence at the weekend.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce members have been briefed in recent days on just how positive the commercial story is and any vacant premises in the town or its outskirts are being snapped up at an almost unprecedented pace.
And the year isn’t over yet. Many towns and villages are now planning Halloween festivals while, in Killarney, thoughts are already turning to the Christmas in Killarney celebrations which is one of the biggest and best festive season parties in the country.
KillarneyToday.com: Thousands of readers every day. To advertise call 064-6631281 or 087-2229761
