A new glamping development is underway in Killarney, with the first phase expected to open before the end of 2025. Linda and Mike O’Sullivan, founders of Killarney Glamping, are expanding their business with a second site on the grounds of Killarney Racecourse.
The couple launched their first site, Killarney Glamping at The Grove in Ballycasheen, in 2012.
The O’Sullivans’ business has grown from a single bell tent near their home into a year-round operation with consistently high occupancy levels.
According to the owners, the site has recorded over 90 percent occupancy during the summer months and above 80 percent in September for the past two years.
The new development will open with five units by December 2025, with the full complement of 15 lodges scheduled for completion in April 2026.
“We are thrilled to be able to deliver quality and affordable family accommodation in Killarney, as family glamping is really taking off. We have reached full potential at our existing site, and we know this project will benefit the region, adding further diversity to the accommodation product in Killarney,” Linda O’Sullivan told the Irish Examiner.
The new lodges are designed with families in mind, some featuring open-plan living spaces with kitchenettes, two bedrooms, and large bathrooms.
A fully accessible glamping unit will also be part of the new site. In line with sustainability goals, the O’Sullivans are incorporating reclaimed and locally sourced materials, including flooring from a Kilkenny basketball court and a Cork badminton court.
The project has received support from Fáilte Ireland, the LEADER programme through South Kerry Development Partnership, and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
Linda O’Sullivan noted, “We’re so grateful to Killarney Racecourse Company, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce too for their support in making it happen.”
The expansion is expected to increase staffing from seven to twelve employees. The O’Sullivans attribute the strong demand for their accommodation to both domestic visitors and inbound tourism, supported by routes from Germany and France into Kerry and Cork airports.
“The demand is definitely there and thankfully it’s not displacing other accommodation demands,” said Linda.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the development illustrates several industry trends. Family-oriented glamping, sustainable construction practices, and partnerships with tourism organizations are all contributing factors to business growth.
The O’Sullivans’ approach shows how diversification of product offerings and alignment with regional tourism strategies can help operators capture new market segments while maintaining strong occupancy.