Locals unamused as circus sets up in Kerry

A CIRCUS big top, which was erected in a popular viewing area near Killarney for Easter, was taken down last evening after Failte Ireland, which owns the land in question, contacted the circus management.

Fiona Buckley, of Failte Ireland, said Circus Vegas had no permission to go onto the land at Aghadoe, which overlooks Killarney’s lakes and mountains, and there had been “some misunderstanding” on the part of the circus.

“This land is retained as a public amenity for people to view the scenery of Killarney and that’s its sole purpose. The circus people were very agreeable to move out and the ground will be restored to the state it was in before their arrival,” she stated.

Some local people were surprised yesterday morning to see the colourful circus tent, surrounded by a large number of trucks and caravans and animals, including camels, walking around land.

Residents contacted Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue, who immediately alerted Failte Ireland. A spokesman for the minister said “no contractual arrangement had been entered into” with the circus to use the property.

The Aghadoe viewing area is one of the most frequented in Ireland and is the first stop for coaches touring the Ring of Kerry. However, some of the view from the road was blocked off by the circus, yesterday.

Pat Chawke, general manager of the five-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel, directly across the road from the viewing area, called for the immediate removal of the circus and contacted several agencies including Failte Ireland.

He said some of his guests cut short their stay because of noise from the circus’ electricity generators during the night.

Killarney Chamber of Commerce also called for the removal of the circus.

The issue was raised at a Kerry County Council meeting, yesterday morning, by Independent Cllr Brendan Cronin.

Acting county manager Tom Curran said the circus would be removed at the earliest possible opportunity, but added the council would have to work within the law.