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Pubs seek early opening

Killarney publicans are applying for special early opening times on Sunday morning, for the first time, as the town prepares to welcome 100,000 visitors in what is expected to be one of the busiest weekends of the year.

The early exemption is to facilitate the Munster football final between Clare and Kerry minors and Cork and Kerry seniors at Fitzgerald’s stadium. Killarney’s bonanza game comes as the Pairc Uí Chaoimh reopening was postponed two weeks ago.

The town is also hosting the county’s biggest single one-day fundraising charity event, the 34th Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.

Ten thousand cyclists will set out on Saturday from Killarney around the 180km Ring of Kerry.

Around 50 pubs are involved in today’s vintners’ application at Killarney District Court to allow them open from 10am on Sunday instead of 12.30. Gardaí are not expected to object.

Five to six late-night venues are also seeking special late night exemptions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Gardaí expect at least 30,000 people for the match alone and say thousands will also come to Killarney to accompany the cyclists. At least 100,000 people will pass through the town this weekend.

Dublin Champs of 2017

Over 40 front line tourism representatives from across the city and county were honoured as ‘Dublin Champions’ at a ceremony in The

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National Maritime Museum of Ireland. The group is now fully armed to help visitors uncover some of Dublin’s hidden stories and experiences.

The group were recognised for completing the Dublin Champions Programme - an initiative developed by Fáilte Ireland to ensure visitors to Dublin receive an excellent experience and are provided with up to date information on what is happening in Dublin. Running since May 2016, the programme has had almost 600 people take part.

Before being honoured at the reception, the group uncovered even more hidden gems through an informative workshop and a cycling tour of the South Dublin coastline.

Speaking about the initiative, Mark Rowlette from Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin team said:

Dublin Town splits restaurateurs

Restaurateurs in Dublin city are split over the approach of their Association to a referendum on the future of the business group Dublin

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Town.

More than 2,500 retail members of the city’s Business Improvement District (Bid), which operates under the name Dublin Town, will hold a five-yearly plebiscite next month to decide on its future.

The RAI is leading a campaign for a 'No' vote but 18 of its Dublin members have asked its president Liam Edwards to ensure that the Association takes a neutral stance.

The Licensed Vintners Association representing publicans is remaining neutral on the issue but the Irish Hotels Federation is urging its member to vote 'No'.

An RAI-led alliance calling itself the “No To Bid” campaign is encouraging a “No” vote among businesses, arguing that an annual levy paid to Dublin Town is double taxation on top of commercial rates.

Louise heads Tourism Partnerships

Tourism Ireland has announced the appointment of Louise Finnegan as Head of Business Partnership. Louise will be responsible fo

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r Tourism Ireland’s co-operative access programme with air and sea carriers, ports and airports, as well as the organisation’s business partnership activities with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI, as well as island of Ireland-based tourism industry operators and overseas travel trade.

Accommodation Approval Deadlines

The renewal deadlines for statutory and listed accommodation sectors have been announced by Failte Ireland.

Statutory sectors (Hotels, Guest Houses, Holiday Hostels, Youth Hostels, Holiday Camps, Caravan & Camping, Holiday Cottages and Holiday Apartments) must renew their Fáilte Ireland Quality Assurance for 2018 by 15th October 2017.

Listed sectors (Irish Home Bed & Breakfasts, Historic Houses, Failte Ireland Welcome Standard, Individual Self Catering Cottages and Apartments) can renew their Fáilte Ireland Quality Assurance for 2018 by 11 September 2017.

Ensure your accommodation is renewed for 2018 approval, by completing the online renewal form available on Fáilte Ireland’s Trade Portal - http://www.failteireland.ie/Supports/Get-quality-assured.aspx

All eligible operators should have received an email with details of the renewal process, along with instructions on how to sign in to Fáilte Ireland’s trade portal. Once in the portal you will be able to enter your details, update them, and pay.

If you have any difficulties you can contact the Fáilte Ireland Quality Assurance Team at 1890 697000 or by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.