Christmas parades attracted over 25,000 people to town

By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Niall Kelleher has praised the efforts of the volunteers behind the Christmas in Killarney Festival who pulled off an exceptional series of events in difficult circumstances.

The festival returned this year after the pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020, but the organising committee still had to operate under current and ever-changing public health guidelines.

The first Christmas in Killarney parade took place on Saturday, November 27 and continued every Saturday night until December 19.
It is estimated that in excess of 25,000 people attend the four parades this year.

He explained that the Christmas in Killarney Committee and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce “pulled out all the stops this year” with a fantastic festival.

“This year – with the magical parades returning – we created an incredible atmosphere for those living and working in Killarney and those coming home or visiting for Christmas,” Mr Kellher told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Killarney has always given an example to other towns that if it worth doing, then it is worth doing right. Standing in the town centre during the month of December, you can observe a visual spectacle that many other locations could only dream about. The spectacular weekly street parades with sensational floats, magically illuminated with lighting and sound, are an absolute joy to witness and the street lighting display and giant decorations at key points are just fantastic focal points.”