Back to top
Back to all news

Killorglin is open for business and getting back on its feet

Over the last few months, the community of Killorglin have isolated themselves to ensure that we can win the battle against Covid-19. We have helped slow the virus, protect others, save lives and now with the accelerated reopening of Ireland phasing, the future looks brighter. 

Some of us have lost loved ones and unfortunately, families and friends were not able to say goodbye in the way that we usually would. We would like to express our gratitude to the frontline heroes from nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, shopkeepers, restaurateurs, the Gardai and the many more who have risked their own lives to save or support others. We aim to pay tribute to all collectively soon. 

Killorglin’s businesses have been hit extremely hard, many of whom had to close their doors with no idea when or under what circumstances they could reopen again. Regrettably, some of them will not survive the crisis, while others created new innovative ways to survive, from creating an online presence to offering a delivery or collection service. They have faced many challenges and we are proud of their resilience.

Today, Monday, June 29th is a significant milestone as a range of restrictions are eased to allow more business and social activities to resume, these include hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, cafés and restaurants. Sporting activities along with churches, places of worship and gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 200 outdoors are also permitted. 

In preparation for this week, it was great to see all businesses, residents and volunteers spring cleaning, getting the town ready for reopening and creating a real sense of community pride. Many businesses are doing trojan work in brightening up their premises with a fresh lick of paint and hanging baskets.

The business community has really rallied around to support one another, an example of this is Podge Foley from Zest Cáfe who organised a clean-up around School Road.

James Daly along with his CE scheme colleagues have done some exceptional work in sprucing up the town including the Tralee and Killarney approach pathways and the areas around our famous Puck Fair statue and Diaspora Lady, while Kerry County Council were also on hand power-hosing Library Place.

These enhancement works were carried out by some truly dedicated people, to whom we are indebted to and they are our local unsung heroes. Together, let’s all help keep our beautiful town looking this way! 

Stephen O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Killorglin Chamber Alliance, said: ‘The businesses have been looking after us and now more than ever they need our support, so please think local and help our town thrive again – we can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.’

Please feel free to utilise our comprehensive business directory when searching for a local service here.

The ‘It’s time to think local again’ initiative was launched on June 16th on local media, social media and will be supported by a poster campaign around the town.

About Killorglin

Killorglin occupies a scenic position overlooking the River Laune and backed by the dramatic slopes of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. It is situated at the beginning of the world-famous scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry, part of the Wild Atlantic Way and it’s the gateway to the Reeks District.

Killorglin’s name in Irish is Cill Orglan, meaning “Orgla’s Church”. The town hall was built with the help of Andrew Carnegie. As of the 2016 CSO census, the town’s population was 2,199.

The town has the ability to create, develop and sustain high quality export-oriented and technology-led local employment. There are 2.2 local jobs per resident worker; the highest employment density of any town in Ireland (source CSO, 2016). The town fulfils an important commercial function, employment and service location for a large rural hinterland.

There is a strong sense of community engagement and a tradition of achievement in sporting, artistic and cultural activities/festivals.

About Killorglin Chamber Alliance

Killorglin Chamber Alliance aims to be at the core of the community where businesses, individuals, clubs and groups come together. Through its collaborative approach, the chamber can achieve more for the town. One of its goals is to make a positive social impact, through working group projects, partnerships, initiatives and events. The Alliance is supported by Kerry County Council and South Kerry Development Partnership.

The Alliance has an ambition for enhanced liveability, quality of life and quality of place in Killorglin and its environs. They look forward to innovating and collaborating to create a socially diverse, economically vibrant and sustainable future for Killorglin.

Killorglin.ie

Killorglin.ie, the official website for Killorglin Town was launched on Sunday, December 1st, 2019. The website highlights the many benefits of living, working, doing business and visiting the town.

The aim of Killorglin.ie and its social networks is to help build stronger relationships with the local community, stakeholders and potential visitors. We’re delighted to say in just a few short months it has become a great community communication hub. Take a look at our impressive engagement statistics here: https://killorglin.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Killorglin.ie_Stats_Infographic_Online.pdf.

During Covid-19, Killorglin.ie has played its part by increasing its digital output with the introduction of dedicated communication hubs sharing some practical hints, tips, supports and links to help keep our community and businesses informed and engaged.

The hubs can be accessed via the links below:

Watch Killorglin during the Covid-19 lockdown https://youtu.be/5yhXGaA2VrE. This video has been viewed by an incredible 7k+ users across all our social networks.

Our tagline is Killorglin – Live Here. Play Here. Thrive Here. Please use the hashtags #Killorglin #LivePlayThriveHere when sharing posts.

By clicking sign up you are agreeing to our terms of use and cookie policy.