Killarney ‘bullish’ despite downturn

IT MAY be a poor season, but top tourist town Killarney is “bullish” about the future, according to business leaders.

Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism executive Jerry O’Grady yesterday attacked the “downbeat” tone of a recent story in a Dublin newspaper, which referred to a sharp drop in visitors in Killarney.

He was also critical of an accompanying photograph of empty jaunting cars in the rain.

“Yes, we are experiencing a difficult tourism season and so is the rest of the world, but we are not rolling over in the face of these difficulties,” said Mr O’Grady.

“Nobody is denying that some people in the business are having it worse than others, but we felt the article lacked balance and there was no reference to all the positive things happening in Killarney.”

Reports from other areas of Kerry estimate the fall-off at anything from 10% to 75%. Seaside resorts are experiencing a “wash-out”, according to Rossbeigh businessman Michael Cahill.

“Business in seaside resorts is down by as much as 75%. It is the quietest season that I can remember and that’s also the view of people I’ve been speaking with in other Kerry seaside areas,” he said.

However, Killarney hotels have come up with tempting special offers. Rooms in a Killarney town centre hotel can be had for about €49, whilst a four-star hotel has a €169 package for two night’s bed and breakfast and one dinner.

Meanwhile, Mr O’Grady claimed there was a mountain of evidence to show Killarney was “bullish” about the future, citing a €70 million refurbishment of the flagship Europe Hotel, an €8m refurbishment of the Killarney Towers Hotel and the opening of a €16m sports and leisure centre, among other projects.