Kerry to Hollywood: Celebrating Jessie Buckley and the Creative Spirit of Our Region

There are moments when a place pauses with pride and this week is one of those moments for County Kerry.

The extraordinary talent Jessie Buckley has brought global attention to her hometown of Killarney after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress, an achievement that resonates far beyond Hollywood.

For those of us who live and work in Kerry, the joy is deeply personal. We know the landscape, the music, the storytelling traditions and the sense of community that shape people here. It is no surprise that such creativity emerges from this corner of Ireland. And just 30 minutes from Killarney lies the heritage town of Kenmare, where visitors often discover a quieter side of the same magic that defines Kerry.

The Creative Heart of Kerry

Kerry has always been a place where storytelling thrives. From traditional music sessions to poetry, theatre and literature, creativity flows through this region. It is the same cultural richness that has inspired artists, writers and performers for generations. Visitors travelling to see Killarney National Park or to drive the famous Ring of Kerry often discover that Kerry’s greatest treasure is its people and its stories. Jessie Buckley’s remarkable journey from Killarney to the Academy Awards is simply the latest chapter in that long tradition.

Discover Kenmare: Kerry’s Hidden Cultural Gem

While Killarney is internationally famous, many visitors choose to stay in Kenmare to experience the region at a gentler pace.

Nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, Kenmare is the gateway to Killarney and the surrounding peninsulas with colourful streets filled with independent shops and galleries, award winning restaurants and Irish food traditions, traditional music sessions in intimate pubs and easy access to the landscapes of Kerry and West Cork.

It is also the perfect base from which to explore Killarney and its national park while returning each evening to the warmth and charm of a small heritage town.

The Lansdowne Kenmare

At The Lansdowne Kenmare, we are proud members of Small Luxury Hotels of The World and Ireland’s Blue we are proud to welcome visitors from around the world who come to experience the beauty, culture and hospitality of Kerry. Whether you are visiting to explore the lakes and mountains of Killarney, drive the Ring of Kerry, or simply soak in the creative spirit of this region, Kenmare offers a wonderful place to pause and stay awhile.

Moments like this remind us that while Kerry may feel wonderfully remote, its stories travel far.

From the streets of Killarney to the stage of the Academy Awards, the world is once again being reminded of something we have always known; that Kerry is a place where stories begin.

A Note of Pride

Everyone across Kerry celebrates Jessie Buckley’s remarkable achievement. Her success shines a light on the talent and creativity that this region quietly nurtures. We raise a glass to her from Kenmare and we warmly welcome visitors who wish to discover the landscapes, music and stories that make this corner of Ireland so special and only 30 minutes from Killarney!