EVER since Queen Victoria, with her consort Albert, Prince Alfred, Princess Alice, and Princess Helena in tow, visited Killarney in 1861, tourism has been an important part of our economy, especially where alternatives are limited.

150 years ago Victoria made what is undoubtedly the most famous visit by a member of the British royal family to these shores. Ryle Dwyer revisits the eight days that marked the start of a very valuable tourism trade.