Kerry village all set to sprinkle some fairy magic and fun
While many visitors flock to experience the fairy trails and fantasy-filled activities, the true heart of the event lies in its extraordinary community spirit and charitable mission.
Organised by a small, dedicated committee of passionate individuals, the festival thrives thanks to the tireless work of local volunteers.
'We are totally reliant on our local community volunteers,' said Mick Brady, Chairperson Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival.
'Their tireless dedication is what brings this festival to life each year, creating an event where people truly meet their neighbours and friends, fostering a wonderful sense of togetherness,' he added.
From its inception, the festival has been supported by generous local landowners, whose hospitality has made the magical setting possible year after year.
Beyond the captivating fairy trails and delightful attractions, every ticket purchased is a direct contribution to charity and local community organizations.
He said in line with its local-first ethos, the festival proudly prioritises local Kerry suppliers wherever possible, helping to further strengthen the regional economy.
In 2025, the festival is proud to support Kerry Hospice as its charity of choice. Over the years, other deserving causes have included Laura Lynn, Brú Columbanus, Down Syndrome Ireland, Kilflynn National School, the local defibrillator group, and Shannow Family Resource Centre.
Throughout the festival grounds, local groups also run shops and special fundraising attractions such as the ever-popular Teddy Bears Hospital. Participating groups include Abbeydorney Ladies Football, Abbeykilleix Camogie Abbeydorney, and Kilflynn Community Games Crotta GAA
'This festival truly encompasses what a community is. It's about working together, supporting one another, and creating something truly special for everyone,' Mick said.
'However, this year also brings a bittersweet note to the celebrations, as it marks the last time Queen Pearl will travel the fairy trail. Her presence has enchanted countless children and adults alike over the years,' Mick said.
'But we know those tiny little fairy feet deserve a rest. Queen Pearl's incredible legacy with affection and gratitude. She will forever be a friend of this festival,' he added.
Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival is on June 29. Check out its Facebook page for information and updates. Prepare to be enchanted and inspired. There really is a little bit of magic in this village!
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Irish Independent
14 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Kerry village all set to sprinkle some fairy magic and fun
While many visitors flock to experience the fairy trails and fantasy-filled activities, the true heart of the event lies in its extraordinary community spirit and charitable mission. Organised by a small, dedicated committee of passionate individuals, the festival thrives thanks to the tireless work of local volunteers. 'We are totally reliant on our local community volunteers,' said Mick Brady, Chairperson Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival. 'Their tireless dedication is what brings this festival to life each year, creating an event where people truly meet their neighbours and friends, fostering a wonderful sense of togetherness,' he added. From its inception, the festival has been supported by generous local landowners, whose hospitality has made the magical setting possible year after year. Beyond the captivating fairy trails and delightful attractions, every ticket purchased is a direct contribution to charity and local community organizations. He said in line with its local-first ethos, the festival proudly prioritises local Kerry suppliers wherever possible, helping to further strengthen the regional economy. In 2025, the festival is proud to support Kerry Hospice as its charity of choice. Over the years, other deserving causes have included Laura Lynn, Brú Columbanus, Down Syndrome Ireland, Kilflynn National School, the local defibrillator group, and Shannow Family Resource Centre. Throughout the festival grounds, local groups also run shops and special fundraising attractions such as the ever-popular Teddy Bears Hospital. Participating groups include Abbeydorney Ladies Football, Abbeykilleix Camogie Abbeydorney, and Kilflynn Community Games Crotta GAA 'This festival truly encompasses what a community is. It's about working together, supporting one another, and creating something truly special for everyone,' Mick said. 'However, this year also brings a bittersweet note to the celebrations, as it marks the last time Queen Pearl will travel the fairy trail. Her presence has enchanted countless children and adults alike over the years,' Mick said. 'But we know those tiny little fairy feet deserve a rest. Queen Pearl's incredible legacy with affection and gratitude. She will forever be a friend of this festival,' he added. Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival is on June 29. Check out its Facebook page for information and updates. Prepare to be enchanted and inspired. There really is a little bit of magic in this village!
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Beloved Irish bar shuts doors forever in ‘end of an era' after 38 years as locals cry ‘never another like it'
A POPULAR Carlow pub has served its last pints after 38 years, leaving loyal locals gutted. Dicey Reilly's on Centaur Street in Carlow shut down for good last weekend. 2 Punters paid tribute to Dicey Reilly's as it closed up, saying they'd 'never have another pub like it' Credit: Alamy Owner Michael O'Reilly has retired as publican at the beloved watering hole after almost four decades at the helm. He originally rented the pub with his mother before he ended up buying it. Announcing his retirement to devastated punters, Michael said: "I've made a lot of friends in this pub. "This is a great little pub, a savage pub with savage people and savage singers." READ MORE IN CLOSURES Locals turned out to bid Dicey's farewell at a special Last Song With Mick evening last Sunday. Confirming their final festivities last week, the Dicey's team said: "So next weekend is the end - Friday 13th Mick 10pm, Saturday 14th Mick 10pm. "Sunday 15th The Last Song with Mick, the pub will open at 6pm, there is no booking tables so please make sure your in early for a seat. Find the Ace of Hearts €3,700 has to be won. "Lets make this a weekend to remember." MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Dicey's had played host to hordes of musicians over the years, with singers who played regularly at the venue paying tribute to Michael. One called it the "end of an era" while others thanked Mick for giving them the space to share their talent. Another said: "You've kept the music going over the years with karaoke, live music. "I started playing there over 30 years ago and finished just a few weeks ago. It's your own love of music that's kept it going." Tributes from locals flooded in for publican Mick and his partner Mary after news of the closure emerged. One person said: "Fabulous pub that will be missed by all. "Best wishes Michael and Mary and thanks for the wonderful hospitality you gave to all your customers and to me any time I was in over the years. "Lovely tribute from Danny & the musicians, enjoy your retirement Michael." 'GREAT MEMORIES' Another person wrote: "There will never be another pub like it, had all my family special occasion parties in Dicey's, and what great memories we have. "Wishing Mick and Mary all the best, enjoy your retirement, well deserved after all your hard work, Diceys will be missed." One more added: "Mick, you never had a customer, you had nothing only friends. And you were a true friend to all who came to your bar. "I want to thank you so much for all the support and friendship you gave me. "You will retire tonight with a huge extended family and will forever have our love and friendship. "I really hope you have a great night buddy, and once again, sorry I couldn't make it over. "I look forward to having a pint and a catch up with you real soon. Have a great night." Another punter said: "Best of luck Mick for the future, I loved going down to Dicey Reilly's Carlow, one of my favourite pubs, you're gonna be missed big time." The latest pub closure comes after it emerged a major Dublin store is River Island, which has 24 stores across the Republic of Ireland, will close its Henry Street shop on Dublin's northside on Friday June 27. 2 Dicey Reilly's on Centaur Street in Carlow has closed its doors Credit: facebook/@Diceyreillyscarlow
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
The Kerry woman who created a fairy legacy has decided to hang up her wings
Through her vision in creating Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival in 2014, Edel and Queen Pearl created two alternate worlds in the popular north Kerry village – one real, and one sprinkled with enchantment and imagination inhabited by the fairies. Sadly, due to increasing work commitments, the Tralee woman is departing the festival this year as she is finding it difficult to juggle work and festival commitments. But worry not as the festival continues as usual on June 29 in Kilflynn. Legend has it in the fairy world that queens only do a 12 year term. Queen Pearl now plans to bury her crown in a nearby fairy fort in the hope a new queen will find it in the future. 'I'm leaving feeling very positive and with great pride at having been involved with such a wonderful community. The role of Queen Pearl is something that will always stay in my heart,' said Edel. When she opened her centre in Kilflynn in 2010, striking a balance between work and interactivity was a priority. Because listening to adults talk about mental health isn't easily absorbed by children, Edel developed an idea of fairies serving as the guardians of childhood happiness. This started with a tiny fairy trail down by the river where children played and interacted in an imaginary world. Noticing its positive impact, soon after a committee was formed and the Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival was born. 'Though my work, I started to see a decline in children's play and imagination. That's really where the idea came from. My whole idea is to get children outside and playing by getting their imaginations involved. It's a great way of doing my work by being a different character. I love the character of Queen Pearl,' she said. 'The first fairy trail went on for a couple of years in a small way before I spoke with John Byrne and Carmel Walsh about setting up a fairy festival. There was great craic in what was, and still is, a fantastic idea. Former Minister Frances Fitzgerald was one of our first visitors to the centre and fairy trail in 2012. She thought it was a brilliant idea and we even sprinkled her good shows with some fairy dust!' Edel recalls. Kilflynn Fairy Festival has a year round presence through visits to local schools and connecting with organisations chosen as the recipients of proceeds raised. Even visitors from America, Germany, France and the UK have taken away precious memories from Kilflynn, thanks to the festival. 'We have people that come from all over Ireland and who would book their holidays around the festival. There is a lot goes on outside of the main event,' Edel explained. ADVERTISEMENT 'You can see it on the day of the festival when children see the fairies what it means. I'm so well known as Queen Pearl by boys and girls that it's a magical feeling. Even seeing parents looking on with joy as their children play in the fields with the fairies, there is something very special in that.' Edel knows such an idea could never take off without the willingness of community. Locals welcoming people to Kilflynn for a fairy festival is something that would have seemed unimaginable just 20 years ago. Now, it's part of village life. Edel paid special mention to Teresa Power who recently passed away. Teresa was an important link in the fairy chain as she loved seeing children in her land on festival days. It's a festival the Power family are immensely proud of. 'Something that a lot of people comment on is the sense of community in Kilflynn. The sense of creativity and friendship is unique. People in Kilflynn come out and support the festival because they are very proud of it. This comes from landowners right down to people helping on the day,' she said. 'I've made great friends in Kilflynn and there is a huge amount of creativity and work involved in the festival for a small committee and community. None of it would be possible without their drive and passion. They need to be very proud of that,' she said. Edel's memories are second to none and she talks of often finishing a festival day with 20 children's teeth in her possession. Once the children locate Queen Pearl, they insist on handing over their baby teeth and their secret wishes. 'I have a jar of teeth that will be kept very, very safe by Queen Pearl. It's gas because during the year I'll often get post with just 'Queen of the Fairies, Kilflynn Village' written on the envelope. It could be a letter from a child saying, 'I love you, Queen Pearl. Can't wait to see you at the festival'. Funny how the post man always seems to know where to deliver it!' Lastly, Edel said the festival has been an important part of her family. Her children and grandchildren have been immersed in the festival since its inception 11 years ago, while also helping out Queen Pearl are six fairies who have greeted hundreds of children as part of their special day. 'A funny thing is that some of the kids I work with wouldn't even recognise me on the day. They just see Queen Pearl, not Edel. Or the older ones might give me a little wink as if to say, 'I know'. That's very special and I'll always be available to the committee if they want advice. I'm already looking forward to attending as a visitor. And just to say, Queen Pearl will always be around. She's just taking a break,' she said. Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival takes place on June 29. Check out its Facebook page for update.
