Kerry – Sustainability, Sports, and Business Events
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29th Apr, 2025
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Kerry has moved beyond its reputation as a scenic tourist retreat to become a leader in sustainable business events, inclusive sporting initiatives and world-class hospitality. During my recent visit, Fiona O’Donoghue, responsible for Lead Conversion at Kerry Convention Bureau, explained how the region is more than just about business and hosting conferences; it is about creating experiences that inspire, connect and leave a lasting impact. Whether in Killarney, Tralee or the smaller MICE ready destinations of Kenmare, Dingle and Sneem, Kerry’s approach is defined by its ability to combine natural beauty with purposeful meeting programmes.
Jesús Guerrero Chacón reports
Killarney: A Destination Integrating Nature, Hospitality, and Sustainability
Surrounded by lakes and mountains and adjacent to Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first established national park, Killarney has long understood the importance of preserving its natural environment. The Killarney Coffee Cup Project is a perfect example of this, making Killarney Ireland’s first town to eliminate single-use coffee cups through a collaborative initiative between hotels, cafés, and local businesses. This project is part of a broader sustainability commitment led by Kerry Convention Bureau, Kerry County Council and Kerry Tourism Industry Federation ensuring that tourism and business events generate a lasting positive impact.
HQ’s first stop in Killarney was the historic Great Southern Killarney, a landmark Victorian hotel with views of the town’s green spaces, undergoing renovations to achieve five-star status by 2026. Located just steps from the train station, the hotel can even arrange private train charters with red-carpet arrivals for delegates. Its event centre, accommodating up to 1,000 attendees, is a favourite for association congresses and corporate meetings. One of its standout features is the flexibility of its conference centre, which will continue to offer meeting space rentals under a four-star classification, even as the hotel transitions to five-star status. This unique model responds to the needs of specific associations and industries that face restrictions on hosting events in five-star properties due to budget constraints, ethical guidelines, or compliance with industry regulations.
Killarney’s accommodation is second to none in Ireland and boasts the highest concentration of four and five-star hotels in the country. Our visit continued at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, which won Ireland’s Hotel Casual Dining Experience at the 2025 Gold Medal Awards. The hotel’s Tan Yard Restaurant, ranked number one on TripAdvisor, and Café du Parc sourcing fresh ingredients from the hotel-owned Killarney Urban Farm.
The Europe Hotel & Resort, overlooking Lough Léin and Ireland’s highest mountains, combines luxury, a world-class convention centre and sustainability with a private pier for networking cruises and farm-to-table dining from the property’s own farm. The Global Economic Summit will return to this hotel in May 2025 for a second year in a row, bringing together 400 international leaders to discuss the future of trade, digital transformation, and sustainability. The Brehon Hotel, with its flexible meeting spaces and focus on wellness-driven hospitality, integrates sustainability into its operations as part of the Fáilte Ireland Climate Action Programme, designed to support businesses to reduce costs, improve efficiency and lower their environmental impact.
One of the crown jewels of Killarney’s event infrastructure is the Killarney Convention Centre (KCC), Ireland’s second largest and one of the most versatile conference and entertainment venues. With a capacity of over 2,500 guests, KCC hosts everything from international conferences and large-scale exhibitions to live performances and gala events. The venue’s flexibility in event space configuration, advanced AV technology, and seamless integration with the Gleneagle Hotel make it a go-to choice for event organisers seeking scale without sacrificing convenience.
Killarney is also home to unique event venues that provide an alternative to traditional conference settings. The Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company has quickly become a sought-after space for corporate groups, offering private whiskey and beer tastings, rooftop receptions with national park views, and full buyouts for large-scale events. Sustainability is again central to its operations, with spent grain from the brewing process repurposed for local farms. Muckross Traditional Farms provides an entirely different meeting experience, where groups can engage in heritage-based activities, from artisan crafts to farm-to-table dining in a historic farm or schoolhouse setting. These venues allow organisers to create highly curated programmes that balance business, sustainability, and cultural engagement.
"Nestled on the edge of the Atlantic and serving as the gateway to Europe, Kerry welcomes event planners and attendees to a destination rich in culture, history, and modern vibrancy. Known for its warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes, Kerry offers a retreat from the bustle of large cities, inspiring innovative thought and fostering meaningful connections.
Kerry’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart as a premier location for association events. Ranking #19 in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Kerry has maintained a Top 20 position since 2019, reflecting its ongoing dedication to sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the business events sector.
In Kerry, event planners will find world-class venues and dedicated industry partners eager to collaborate. With a strong emphasis on community-led initiatives and environmental protection, Kerry ensures that every event is not just memorable, but impactful."
Becky Hargrove, Manager of the Kerry Convention Bureau
Tralee’s Role in Driving Inclusion and Innovation in Events
While Killarney’s event offering revolves around heritage, hospitality and nature, Tralee has taken a different route, positioning itself as a hub for research-driven conferences and inclusive sporting initiatives. The Kerry Sports Academy at Munster Technological University (MTU) plays a key role in advancing accessibility in sports. It will be the host venue for ISAPA 2025, the International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity. This event will bring over 600 delegates worldwide, including academics, policymakers, and athletes, to discuss the future of inclusion in sports. It will also feature the World’s Largest Disability Sports Exhibition, showcasing adaptive sports technologies and rehabilitation tools. Under the leadership of Catherine Carty, UNESCO Chair Manager at MTU, the academy is a pioneer in using sport as a tool for social impact. Read HQ’s exclusive interview with Catherine Carty and Becky Hargrove for more insights.
Another distinctive venue in Tralee is Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland. With a 350-seat auditorium, it has hosted TEDx events, corporate launches, and cultural performances while maintaining its status as Ireland’s only green-certified theatre. The venue’s commitment to sustainable practices, including zero waste-to-landfill policies, makes it a compelling option for events that align with environmental and social responsibility goals.
Tralee’s hospitality sector is also driving sustainability efforts, with several hotels setting new standards for ethical hospitality, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. The Meadowlands Hotel has made history as Kerry’s first B Corp-certified hotel, a distinction that reflects its commitment to sustainable business practices, social impact, and responsible tourism.
The Ashe Hotel, a contemporary boutique property in the heart of Tralee, has also been recognised for its dedication to sustainability. A finalist in the 2024 Irish Accommodation Services Institute Awards in the Sustainability category, it has earned multiple accolades, including TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice and a finalist spot in the 2024 Gold Medal Hotel Awards for Best Four-Star Hotel. With a modern approach to business travel that integrates eco-conscious operations, The Ashe offers a balance of comfort and responsibility, making it a compelling choice for corporate delegates. The Rose Hotel, a Gold Level Member of Fifty Shades Greener, combines its five flexible meeting rooms with a strong community focus. Its ‘Give It Back Club’ supports Meals on Wheels Tralee by donating recyclable plastics and cans, helping the charity benefit from Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
The Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, where I was initially set to stay before Storm Eowyn forced a change of plans, exemplifies how family-run properties can lead the way in sustainable tourism. The hotel operates its own beekeeping initiative. It is developing a glamping retreat that seamlessly blends nature with hospitality and meeting spaces. It has also opened The Pavilion, an outdoor venue designed for wellness retreats and corporate gatherings. Through these initiatives, Ballygarry Estate continues to innovate while ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of its offering.
The Kerry Convention Bureau, supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, plays a key role in promoting Kerry as a leading MICE destination.
Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.
