Killorglin
| Killorglin Cill Orglan | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
|
River Laune | |
  Killorglin Location in Ireland | |
| Coordinates: 52°06′23″N 9°47′06″W / 52.106505°N 9.785042°WCoordinates: 52°06′23″N 9°47′06″W / 52.106505°N 9.785042°W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Kerry |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Urban | 2,089 |
| Time zone | WET (UTC+0) |
| • Summer (DST) | IST (WEST) (UTC-1) |
| Irish Grid Reference | V774965 |
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Killorglin (Irish: Cill Orglan) is a town in County Kerry, Ireland. It is located on the river Laune, which has a rowing club and a new boathouse. The population of Killorglin is 2085 (CSO 2011) although this expands considerably during Puck Fair due to visitors and returning emigrants.
Killorglin is a major activity centre for Kerry and has a number of tourist hostels on Dromin Hill and also has one of the last inn chains started by Charles Bianconi. It is right in the centre of the town, called the Bianconi and features his famous transportation painted on the sign and on the inn. The town hall is held to have been built with the help of Andrew Carnegie.[1] FEXCO, which includes the operations centre for the Prize Bond Company are headquartered in Killorglin, in addition the Pharmaceutical firms Temmler and Astellas have small plants in the town.
The town contains the ruins of Castle Conway.
Puck Fair
Every year, starting on 10 August, Killorglin holds the three-day Puck Fair, the oldest traditional fair in Ireland. It is a substantial source of revenue and business for the town as a large influx of people descends upon the town each year for the festival. Will Scally, produced and directed a documentary for Channel Four Television entitled "Puck Fair" Ireland`s Only King, this was originally only available on VHS, but it is being re-released on DVD to coincide with the 400th year celebration.[2]
People
- Tom Barry, Irish revolutionary and author.
- James Cahillane, Irish-born American politician and businessman. One of only two Irish born mayors in the USA when elected.
- Mairin Cregan, republican and writer of children's books, was born in Killorglin in 1891. An article on her life is in 'The Kerry Magazine', issue 23(2013) pp50–51
- Mike-Frank Russell, Former Kerry GAA footballer and All-Star
- Liam Hassett, Former Kerry GAA footballer
- Daniel Clifford, Former professional and Irish National team cyclist
in Literature
The book Things My Mother Never Told Me by Blake Morrison (Vintage 2003 ISBN 0-09-944072-5) tells the story of the author's mother who was from Killorglin who emigrated to England.
Sport
- Laune Rangers is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.
- Killorglin also has an 18 hole parkland course.
- The Killorglin Rugby Club under 16 team won the West Munster Trophy in 2006 and went forward to compete in the final of the Munster Championship, which they lost. In 2008 the Under 18 squad won the West Munster Trophy against Tralee R.F.C..
- Killorglin has an Association football club, . Former player, Shane McLoughlin is with Ipswich Town F.C. - He has also played with the Republic of Ireland U15s and U16s.
Killorglin is the home of Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre, which is run under the auspices of Kerry Education Service since 1981. The outdoor Centre caters for the full range of adventure sports and environmental studies. Activities include: kayaking; rock climbing; camping; canoeing; hill walking; orienteering; sailing; mountaineering; sea kayaking and abseiling.
Recent changes
Recent developments include:
- An expansion by the Killorglin-based financial services firm FEXCO resulting in two large sites in Killorglin.
- A sizeable mixed development of commercial, residential and public buildings. Aldi has now filled the large retail chain slot in the development.
- The fair field, the main carpark in the centre of Killorglin, was completed resurfaced and repaired by Kerry County Council in 2012.
- A 100m wind turbine was erected at the Astellas Plant on the Tralee Road in 2012[3]
International relations
Killorglin is twinned with Plouha in France.
See also
References
- ↑ Statement by Thomas O'Donnell (MP), The Irish People, February 13. 1909, included in a report on Tower Model Village (County Cork)
- ↑ MNVDISCS
- ↑ http://www.kerryman.ie/news/100m-wind-turbine-plan-for-killorglin-town-2045596.html
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Killorglin. |
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