Summer 2016 is the ideal time to visit The Malton and Killarney. With so much happening over the summer months you will be spoilt for choice. The county of Kerry is set to play host to a number of events and festivals this summer. The county will be buzzing with a vast range of music, gastro, literary and sporting events for all the family to enjoy. A plethora of activities awaits you over the coming months which we have outlined below.
Killarney Walking Festival takes place from 10-12th June with a weekend full of spectacular hikes and guided walks through hidden valleys, mountains, lake shores and the stunning Killarney National Park. This festival is suitable for everyone especially those who have a love of the great outdoors. There are 13 guided walks to choose from with something suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Dingle Adventure Race takes place on Saturday 11th June 2016. This 48km course takes participants through some of the marvellous gems of the Dingle Peninsula. Bike over the spectacular winding Conor Pass, follow in the footsteps of St Brandon climbing Ireland's second highest Mountain range, run country roads and kayak in the beautiful Dingle Harbour. The race begins with a short run to kayak, followed by a 1km sea kayak, a cycle around the stunning Slea head and up the steep Mam Clasack, a run up the mountain track to the summit of Mount Eagle and finally a cycle back to Dingle with a 1km run to finish! The Dingle Adventure Race Mini is for those who are new to adventure racing and multi-sport events. Participants will get a great taste of running, biking, kayaking and the atmosphere at these great events. This race has something for everyone!
Killarney 4th July Festival aims to celebrate all that is great about the US and to remember the years of legacy between the United States and Ireland. In its third year, this one day event will attract thousands of visitors to Killarney town centre for a great line-up of events and celebration. The main street will be transformed into “Main Street USA” and the town will be alive with an array of entertainment including a parade and fireworks display. The Malton is a great place to stay for this celebration, situated right in the heart of Killarney town. Explore our special offers and discover exciting deals.
The Ballyheigue Summer Festival runs from 5th to 10th July. This festival is packed with fun activities and events for all the family and kids of all ages! Events include pig racing, sandcastle competitions, king of the beach, terrier racing, puppet shows, slip to shore swim, tops of the parish, table quiz, as well as lots of live music at the festival marquee.
The Ireland Folkfest takes place in Killarney from 8th – 10th July. This festival sees a host of incredible artists perform in Killarney for a memorable 3 days of entertainment. Damien Dempsey will headline the Friday night and the Saturday night will see the legendary Christy Moore headline. This is a festival not to be missed and guarantees to be a great weekend!
Killarney July Racing Festival runs from Monday 11th July to 14th July. This fantastic four day racing festival includes a mix of both National Hunt and Flat racing and also includes the Queen of Fashion Ladies Day on the Thursday meeting. The Monday kicks off with Family Evening with a dedicated Kids Zone featuring a host of activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy including bouncing castles, puppet and magic shows. This festival is the centrepiece of the racing calendar in Killarney and offers a great day out for all the family to enjoy. The Malton is ideally located minutes away from Killarney Racecourse, why not indulge in an overnight stay with our special offers.
On July 30th Ring of the Reeks will take place; a 110km looped leisure cycle will take place around Ireland’s highest mountains, the McGillicuddy Reeks. Experience the spectacular scenery and challenging terrain which comes with this cycle. The route is for intermediate and experienced cyclists but all are welcome. There will also be a shorter 60km route option available. Refreshments will be provided along the way. Relax afterwards in style with a luxurious stay at the Malton, in Killarney town.
Celebrated on the same dates every year, August brings the traditional Puck Fair on 10th-12th August. This is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals. This festival includes a programme of free family orientated entertainment with a selection of over 200 stalls. Enjoy storytelling, traditional music sessions, fireworks, street artists and buskers plus many more.
On August 17th to the 23rd will see the fabulous annual Rose of Tralee. The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland's largest and longest running festivals, celebrating 57 years in 2016. The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee which brings young women of Irish descent from around the world to Co. Kerry for a global celebration of Irish culture. The festival incorporates seven days of street carnival in addition to the Rose of Tralee TV show broadcast live on RTE from the Festival Dome. The Roses visit various attractions in Tralee and other parts of Kerry, and they can be seen at any of the three parades that take place during the Festival. During this time the town is transformed into a carnival atmosphere by day and this goes on into the night. Attractions include family and children's entertainment, a fashion show, live music and concerts, fireworks, workshops, markets, circus, funfair, air display and Rose parades.
Killarney Cycling Festival takes place on Saturday 27th August. Choose to cycle the famous Ring of Kerry “The Wrong Way Round” or “The Hard Way Round” with this exciting festival which is now in its third year. Depart from Killarney and cycle through the stunning scenery passing Sneem, Waterville, Glenbeigh, Killorglin. You can also choose to take the more challenging route which includes a detour around the incredible Skellig Ring. There is also an optional extra which allows you to donate to the Donal Walsh LiveLife Foundation. This is a fantastic end to the summer season.
Here at The Malton we run The Malton’s Family Fun Programme with garden walks, an onsite children’s play area, leisure centre and two outdoor tennis courts to keep the little ones entertained. We also open a supervised playroom in July & August which is a fantastic place for our junior guests to make new friends and have fun!
Wishing you a wonderful summer in Killarney & Kerry!