Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition was officially opened, on Saturday 29th August, at Killarney House by the Mayor of Killarney, Councillor John O’Donoghue. This marks a significant milestone for a club that has been capturing images of people, places and moments home and abroad for a quarter of a century.


Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted how fortunate local residents are to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with its dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and the open sea just a short distance away. For photographers, he said, Killarney provides an almost endless source of inspiration.


One of the club’s founding members, Seamus Long, who remains an active member 25 years on, reflected on the club’s journey from its modest beginnings. He recalled the first meeting in September 2001 at the Park Place Hotel on High Street, attended by around eight people, with the club’s first exhibition in the Bean House Café the following year.

Today, the club has significantly increased its membership and meets at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre, with valued support from Kerry County Council and the Arts Office.

Seamus also highlighted the transition from film to digital as one of the biggest changes the club has experienced, opening photography to a much wider audience. He stressed, however, the importance of seeing photographs in print in an increasingly digital world, noting that there is “nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall.” It is this opportunity that makes exhibitions such as the 25th anniversary showcase so important.


The club is particularly grateful to the team at Killarney House for providing such a wonderful venue and for their continued support.


Our exhibition is available for viewing at Killarney House until Sunday October 4th 2026. All are welcome.