07/08/2026
Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce members turned out in force to celebrate one of the town’s best-loved businesses at the organisation’s recent July luncheon.
Members enjoyed networking and good food as they gathered to celebrate the Arbutus Hotel as it marked a phenomenal 100 years in business.
The Arbutus story goes back to 1926, when Tim Buckley and his wife Julia opened its doors on College Street, having saved the funds to buy the hotel Tim had long admired.
A century later, much of what Tim put in place is still there to see - his original Celtic Deco furniture and fittings remain throughout the hotel, a direct link back to the couple who started it all.
Guests at the luncheon on July 15 heard members of the Buckley family reflect on that history and what a century of continuous family ownership means for the hotel and for Killarney.
