Singing Sensation Daniel O’Donnell Attracts Thousands to Killarney

Irish singing sensation, Daniel O’Donnell travelled to Killarney last week for a series of sold-out gigs at the INEC.

Over 10,000 tickets were sold across the five night run (August 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19)and fans in their thousands descended on the town bringing a much welcomed boost to business in what has proved to be a difficult season to date.

“Daniel O’Donnell’s popularity is unfaltering,” says Patrick O’Donoghue Managing Director of the INEC and Gleneagle Hotel, “and once you have attended one of his shows, it is easy to understand why.”

“We have guests booked in from as far away as the US and Australia and they are coming to Killarney especially to see Daniel perform.”

The fact that the five INEC gigs are Daniel’s only concert dates this summer has meant that the demand for tickets has been phenomenal and all five shows are sold out.  

“I’m really looking forward to heading down to Killarney,” says Daniel, “I am absolutely thrilled and amazed at the amount of people who are coming to see the shows.”

“I’m delighted to be performing at the INEC and I’ll be joined by my full band and touring partner Mary Duff. You can expect to hear all the hits and songs that have become big show favourites through the decades including Stand Beside Me, My Donegal Show, I Just Want To Dance With You and I Need You.”

Daniel O’Donnell performed at the INEC, Killarney on August 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19. For more information visit www.inec.ie

New Head Chef at The Brehon, Killarney

The award-winning team at The Brehon, Killarney now counts an Olympic hopeful among its ranks. Chad Byrne the new Head Chef of The Brehon will represent Ireland in the Culinary Olympics in Germany next October.

This is just one of Chad’s many culinary accomplishments to date. He joins the team at The Brehon having previously worked as Head Chef of the Hilton in Dublin. While there he represented both Ireland and the UK in the Hiltons Grandmasters Final where he came fourth in Europe.

“We are delighted to welcome Chad to The Brehon, his wealth of experience and talent is well respected and admired among Irish and UK restaurateurs,” say Regional General Manager at The Brehon, Donagh Davern.  

“Chad is here to build on our reputation for excellent food and we look forward to taking our food to new heights under his guidance.”

Chad’s extensive experience includes working at renowned establishments such as the Michelin Star restaurant, Ristorante Semplice in London, the Five Star Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, The Killarney Park Hotel and The Clarence and Merrion Hotels in Dublin.

Chad’s impressive trophy cabinet includes a Michelin Credit for his role as Head Chef in The Heritage Resort, the award for Irish Gastro Chef of the Year 2012 along with a Gold Medal from Chef Ireland 2012.  Chad is a frequent visitor to the TV3 studios where he has appeared a number of times on their morning shows.

Chad has already introduced a delectable range of new dishes to Danú’s A La Carte menu, his starters include salad of heritage tomatoes with St' Tola goats cheese and tapenade crouton and duck liver parfait, truffle tuile apple chutney and beetroot reduction. For mains the tempting choices include Ballyskellig duck breast red onion tartain, white onion puree and summer vegetables, and blanquette of turbot saute potato with mussels and sauteed greens. 

Chad has also introduced a new bar food menu which includes seafood tageltelli with fresh clams and mussels , crisp fried calamari with a touch of smoked paprika, and baked smoked salmon and cream cheese croquet monsieur.

To celebrate Chad’s arrival at The Brehon, they have created a special Unwind and Dine midweek break which includes overnight accommodation with breakfast, a special two course taster menu in Danú and a €10 voucher for the Angsana Spa from just €79pps. To book visit www.thebrehon.com or call 064 6671543.

Embrace Killarney’s Great Outdoors

Embrace the great outdoors while staying in Ireland’s leading four star hotel, The Brehon, Killarney. The adventure loving staff at The Brehon have devised a selection of two and three night breaks incorporating their favourite outdoor pursuits. 

Surf ‘n’ Turf

Ride the waves with a surf lesson at Inch Beach on one day and taste wonderful homemade bread baked on a turf fire at Muckross Traditional Farms on another day. This three night break includes your surf lesson at Inch Beach, a visit to Muckross Traditional Farms, breakfast each morning, a main course with a glass of wine in The Brehon Bar, inhouse movies with popcorn and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa. The Brehon Surf ‘n’ Turf package costs from €246 per person sharing.

An Inch and A Mile                 

Surf the mighty Atlantic at Inch Beach and explore Killarney National Park by bike with this fun filled three night break.  It includes three nights accommodation with breakfast each morning, your surf lesson at Inch Beach, full day bike hire, a main course with a glass of wine in The Brehon Bar, inhouse movies with popcorn and some well earned relation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. The Brehon An Inch and A Mile package costs from €237 per person sharing.

Biking in the Kingdom

Explore Killarney’s National Park by bike while enjoying a two night break in The Brehon. Their Biking in the Kingdom package includes two nights bed and breakfast, one day bike hire with maps and a packed lunch and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. This package costs from €125 per person sharing.

Kayaking in Killarney  

The famous Lakes of Killarney are perhaps best viewed from the water, and what better way than by kayak. The Brehon’s Kayaking in Killarney package includes two nights bed and breakfast, a half day kayak on the Lakes of Killarney accompanied by you expert guide and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. This package costs from €176 per person sharing. No previous kayaking experience is required and the kayaking equipment is provided.

Walk With Me

Explore Tomies Wood and Mountain with an expert guide versed in the mythology and history associated with this famous burial place of an ancient Irish Chieftain. This is an easy scenic grade C half day walk. The Walk With Me package includes two nights bed and breakfast, the half day guided walk, return trip to Tomies Wood, a packed lunch, après walk drink in the Scotts Bar and some well earned relation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa.  This package costs from €176 per person sharing. Walks are subject to weather conditions and suitable walking gear must be supplied by guest.

Corrán Tuathail, McGillycuddy Reeks 

Join The Brehon’s expert guide for an intimate sharing of the extraordinary natural, cultural and spiritual history of our highest peaks, this is truly an unforgettable experience. This unique package includes two nights bed and breakfast, the guided walk of Carrauntoohill, return trip to the foothills of Carrauntoohill, a packed lunch and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa. This package costs from €185 per person sharing. Walks are subject to weather conditions and suitable walking gear must be supplied by the guest.

For further information on any of the above packages check out www.thebrehon.com or call 064 6671543.

10 Things to Do in Killarney in The Rain

This summer is officially a wash-out.  I don't know if the rain is ever going to stop.  In fact, I feel like Noah & I'm going to build an ark.  But do you know what, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!  Here is my list of 10 things to do in Killarney even though it’s bucketing down.

1.       Get those kids out from under your feet & get them into the free Kids Club in our sister hotel, The Gleneagle.  There they can do arts & crafts, parachute games, egg & spoon races, or play on the bouncy castle.

2.       Bored teenagers? Try the Teen Zone at The Gleneagle Hotel, again open to our guests. They can hang out with teenagers their own age and lounge around on bean bags playing computer games, play table football, go on cinema trips, indoor soccer & hockey, quiz nights & basically scuff someone else’s furniture that is not yours!

3.       Can’t get out for that walk? Killarney has so much indoor activities it’s amazing.  Try rock climbing at Play at the Height, swim in the 25 metre pool or try a spinning class at the Gleneagle next door or burn off some energy in our Gym.

4.       Get under that duvet, turn on our block buster movies & order up popcorn, Pringles & chocolates from our room service & chillax. It’s a known fact that calories consumed whilst under a duvet do not exist.  Really!

5.       Book a couple's massage & unwind in our spa.  Gorge on tropical fruits, sip ginger tea & enjoy bubble bliss in our Jacuzzi. It may not have the suns of Thailand but it is a taste of Thailand.

6.       Get shopping! Killarney Outlet Centre has loads of shops all under cover & with our discount voucher book you can save loads.  Killarney has a ginourmous Tesco’s, Marks and Sparks, Boots, Dorothy Perkins, New Look & much more & you will only get wet going from your car to the threshold.  It’s do-able.

7.       Hoist yourself up on a bar seat in The Brehon Bar & sample our cocktail menu.  Start with a mojito, swing by a cosmopolitan & end with The Brehon Cocktail. The rain might not have stopped but by the end of that you won’t know it’s raining.

8.       Killarney is steeped in history.  Muckross House welcomed Queen Victoria in 1861 to stay & Ross Castle was built in the 15^th century & you can do a guided tour of both for a small pittance.  And guess what, both these places have roofs!

9.       Pretend to be posh & order our scrumptious afternoon tea.  Curl up by our open fires, get a good book (I have heard 50 Shades of Grey is good!) and feast on mini desserts, yummy sandwiches & tasty bites.  Jolly good ol’ chap!

10.   Lastly, buy a rain jacket & get out there.  We have a National Park on our doorstep & we hide from drops of rain.  No one can melt in the rain.  We are rust proof.  So don that coat & go see Torc Waterfall, The Gap of Dunloe or the Lakes of Killarney!

Audi Cork Team Up with The Brehon and INEC, Killarney

The Brehon in Killarney welcomed a super stylish guest this week, a brand new Audi A7 has checked in for the forthcoming year as part of a new partnership deal between Ireland’s leading four-star hotel and Audi Cork.

The car will have a busy year transporting the hotels numerous VIPs and International stars to and from the hotel.

“We regularly welcome national and international celebrities to The Brehon whether they are performing in the neighbouring INEC, attending a conference or simply enjoying a well earned holiday in Killarney. Thanks to Audi Cork we can now give them that extra sense of luxury,” says Regional General Manager at The Brehon, Donagh Davern.  

 “Following a restructure of the Audi network in Ireland, we at Audi Cork have a responsibility to develop the brand within the Kerry region and believed the best way to achieve is to partner with a well known and extremely reputable company such as the INEC and The Brehon. We are delighted with this partnership, the opportunity to showcase the Audi models and the synergy that exists within our two brands.” Says Brian Quinlan, General Sales Manager, Audi Cork.

The INEC is gearing up for its best summer ever with the news that the INEC Brand Ambassador Programme is also to receive two stylish Audi A1s as part of the Audi partnership. The brand new cars will be mobilised to travel the length and breadth of Munster promoting the upcoming INEC events including Bohemian Rhapsody, Dancing Queen and Lord of the Dance so look out for them coming to your town over the summer months.

Online Sensation An Alternative Wedding at The Brehon, Killarney

The staff at The Brehon in Killarney are setting their sights on Hollywood following the news that their latest online video has gone viral.

Titled “An Alternative Wedding” - the three minute video has received over 1300 hits since being uploaded to You Tube just two weeks ago.

The video stars the staff from the hotel including Hotel Manager Gary Curran and Executive Chef John Drummond and was filmed by Director Tony Byrne and Director of Photography Fionn MacGhiolla Chuda along with students from the FAS Television and Video Production Course based in Tralee.  

The humorous storyline follows the behind the scenes preparations for a wedding at The Brehon while also highlighting Killarney’s stunning scenery.

“Our aim was to make a video that shows the thought and hard work that goes into every Brehon wedding.  This video gives real insight into the ethos and atmosphere of The Brehon which we believe cannot be illustrated by using words and photos alone,” explains Brehon Marketing Executive and Video Producer Sabrina Horgan. 

“The Brehon is a unique hotel and our staff go above and beyond the call of duty to make it so. We wanted to emphasis this through a video, we had great fun making it and we think you will agree that it is not like any other hotel video ever made.”

Couples planning their special day are invited to visit The Brehon on Sunday, June 24 between 2pm and 6pm for a Wedding Consultation Day.  In the meantime check out An Alternative Wedding at The Brehon by logging onto www.youtube.com/user/TheBrehonHotel or www.thebrehon.com

The Angsana Madhatters Tea Party At The Brehon, Killarney

Bright summer colours were all the go as Killarney’s most glamorous ladies gathered for an afternoon of high tea and high fashion at The Angsana Madhatters Tea Party at The Brehon, Killarney last Saturday in aid of Bee for Battens. 

Guests were greeted with refreshing Long Island Iced Tea before before sitting down to enjoy homemade lemonade. Vintage crockery sponsored by Enchanted Occasions of Limerick lent an air of elegance to the tea service which included delicious savouries followed by a buffet of sweet delights including cupcakes, cookies, strawberry mousse and lollipops.  

Highlights of the afternoon included Kerry Fashion Designer of the Year, Clodagh Irwin Owens’ insider tips on how to look your best at the Races and Milliner Kathleen McAuliffe’s advice on how to give your old hats a new lease of life. Hairstylist Pat O’Neill demonstrated how a few simple styling tricks can really complement your hat or headpiece.

London skin expert, Julia Ripley from Anne Semonin was also in attendance to launch the new range of facials which are now available at The Angsana Spa at The Brehon. The Anne Semonin facials combine the best of concentrated essential oils and trace elements, together with the use of neurocosmetics and cryotherapy to enhance your skin.

“We would like to thank all our experts who gave their time for free to help Bee for Battens. Thank you to Enchanted Occasions for their beautiful crockery, Pat O’Neill, Clodagh Irwin Owens, Kathleen McAuliffe, Julie Ripley of Anne Semonin and Bluebell Eco Candles” says Therese Breen, Manager at The Angsana Spa.

“We would also like to all the glamorous ladies who attended. The fashion on show demonstrates that Kerry is undoubtedly the fashion capital of Ireland.”

Other generous sponsors included Grande Charlie’s Auld Sweet Shops in Killarney and Killorglin, Retro Bazaar, Spillane’s Seafood, Pallas Foods, Musgraves, O’Shea’s Fruit and Veg, Findlater Grants and Classic Drinks.

Best head piece on the day was awarded to Mary Kelliher from Killorglin who won a girlie weekend away for four to The Maritime Hotel in Bantry.