Castleisland should be the flagship town within Kerry for Ryder Cup visitors in 2027.
That’s according to independent councillor Jackie Healy-Rae, who tabled a motion at the recent Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne MD meeting.
He urged Kerry County Council to promote the town as Kerry’s principal hub for the competition in Adare Manor in two years.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae said Castleisland has a unique opportunity to showcase itself to an influx of tourists for the Ryder Cup.
He described it as one of the marquee events of the next decade in the country and it’s on only up the road in Adare.
Cllr Healy-Rae noted places are already being booked out with visitors from the US and Europe for the event and it’s a chance to show off all the town has to offer.
He said Castleisland is ideally placed to be the Kingdom’s host town and flagship location for these tourists.
The motion was seconded by Fine Gael councillor Bobby O’Connell who said it’s a no brainer and would be a dereliction of duty if the council didn’t take advantage of this.
In response, Kerry County Council outlined it’s actively working with Tourism Ireland’s Golf Division and twinning initiative to ensure the county is well positioned as a premier golf and holiday destination.
It noted discussions are ongoing with Fáilte Ireland, KTIF, the Irish Hotels Federation, and Limerick City & County Council’s tourism unit to ensure Kerry can welcome the increased demand.
The council said a county-wide approach is planned to maximise the economic benefits.
Cllr Healy-Rae said he was encouraged by the response but urged council management to ensure the plan made Castleisland Kerry's flagship visitor town for the Ryder Cup.
