Investigation launched into death of man, 20s, in Killarney overnight

A scene has been cordoned off at a well-known hotel and concert venue in the town

Gardaí investigating unexplained death of man in Killarney. Picture: Eye Focus

An investigation is underway in Co Kerry into the unexplained death of a man in his 20s found unconscious outside a premises on the outskirts of Killarney, gardaí have confirmed.

A scene at well-known hotel on the Muckross Road has been cordoned off and the young man is believed to be from north Cork.

The body remains at the scene.

A post mortem will be conducted at a later date and this will determine the course of the investigation, a garda spokesperson said.

"Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the unexplained death of a man that occurred on Saturday, 29th August, 2020, outside a premises on the Muckross Road in Killarney, Co Kerry," they said.

Gardaí arrived at the scene at approximately 11.40pm last night and observed an unconscious man lying outside the entrance. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

The scene is currently preserved for technical examination while investigations are ongoing.

Separately, videos are circulating widely on social media of crowded streets in Killarney at the weekend, with party-goers some with shirts off, seen jumping onto telephone boxes which now contain defibrillators. 

People are seen in the videos drinking on the streets cheering at passing cars from crowded footpaths on the town's main street.

This is the latest in a series of crowded street scenes of partying being posted on social media in the tourist town in the past number of weeks.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this matter to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the Muckross Road area between 11pm and 11:45pm to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.