'No vacancies' signs go up as 80,000 fans arrive for golf feast
AFTER months of preparation, the town of Killarney is in full swing as players at the 3 Irish Open get ready to tee-off tomorrow. 80,000 spectators are expected to pass through the four-day golf competition, which is providing ample opportunity for all aspects of business in the town, particularly the local hospitality trade.
Jerry O'Grady, from Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, said most of the accommodation in the town and its surrounding areas are more or less full. "It is fantastic for the town," he added.
"Everyone is delighted to see Killarney so busy," said Michael Rosney, PRO of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).
Mr Rosney pointed out that bookings are not limited to four and five-star hotels but are "straddling all options", which is good news for local guesthouses and B&Bs and added that bookings have filtered out to surrounding areas, such as Kenmare.
A search on accommodation website goireland.com on Tuesday found that, as expected, most hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are booked out on Friday and Saturday night. Prices of accommodation still available at the time of going to print range from €62 for a B&B outside the town to €280 for a night in a five-star hotel on Saturday night. There is considerably more availability on Thursday and Sunday night.
Mr Rosney added: "We are hoping for a good crowd, a good atmosphere and most importantly, good weather. It's set to be a very busy and vibrant weekend in the town of Killarney."
The Chamber of Tourism and Commerce could not pinpoint an exact figure of revenue the weekend will generate but a county-wide figure is set at €30 million for the August Bank Holiday weekend and the exposure follow-up of the event is expected to generate €20 million for the town.
- GEMMA KAVANAGH
