Gathering could yield €150m boost for Kerry

Kerry could earn an additional €150m from The Gathering next year, according to the tourism industry.

Jimmy Deenihan, the arts and heritage minister, was at Muckross House, Killarney, at the weekend, to launch the county’s estimated 150 Gathering events, which are being coordinated by Kerry County Council.

Mr Deenihan and Terry O’Brien, mayor of Kerry, urged local communities to become involved.

“We are all aware of the success of the large festivals in Kerry, such as the Rose of Tralee Festival, Killarney Summer Fest, Listowel Writers Week, and Puck Fair,” said Mr O’Brien.

“They will have their own Gathering element which will be hugely successful. However, the smaller events put on by communities around Kerry will also be special.”

Mr Deenihan called on local people to spread the word globally. “We now need to ensure that people all over the world are aware of The Gathering and are able to come here to help us celebrate our heritage,” he said.

Planned events include:

* Tralee International Marathon on Mar 16.

* A celebration of Killorglin’s Heritage, on Apr 19 and 20.

* Cuckoo Walking Festival, Tarbert, May 3-6.

* Heroes Week, Tralee, Jun 12-17.