Tourism pilot ‘sets the standard’
Dr Kevin Griffin, head of tourism at Dublin Institute of Technology, who led the survey, said it was the most comprehensive carried out in any tourism area.
“We collected a huge amount of data and are now analysing it. The survey has identified key issues that can be to the benefit of the industry in the future in Killarney,” he said.
“What has been said anecdotally over the years about Killarney has been borne out by the survey — the beauty of the scenery and friendliness of the local people.” Outlining details to Killarney Town Council, Dr Griffin said the survey found 97% of tourists were impressed by local friendliness which he described as an extremely high rating.
Conducted in co-operation with Fáilte Ireland and organisations in Killarney, the survey involved interviews with 659 visitors.
Separate surveys involving business people and locals were also carried out.
Main attractions were Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Ross Castle and the world-famous lakes, while negative experiences included traffic congestion, bad weather and the poor quality of roads.
Some people surveyed were critical of night-time noise and insufficient children’s and all-weather facilities. Meanwhile, Killarney-based councillor Michael Gleeson has called for more active promotion of Kerry as a destination for visitors interested in traditional music, language and literature. North Kerry had an incredible literary traditional that included people such as George Fitzmaurice, Maurice Walsh, Bryan MacMahon, John B Keane and many others. The Sliabh Luachra area, straddling the Cork/Kerry border, had poets such as Aogan O Rathaille, Eoghan Rua O Suilleabháin, Seafraidh O Donnchu, and legendary musicians such as Denis Murphy, Padraig O’Keeffe and Johnny O’Leary. He also referred to literary history of the Great Blasket island.
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