Kerry International Film Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF), established in 1993, is a premier international film festival held annually in Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland, from October 16–19, 2025. Now in its 26th year, KIFF showcases a curated selection of Irish and international short films, feature films, and documentaries, with a focus on emerging talent. Supported by Kerry Airport, the Arts Council, and Fáilte Ireland, the festival has premiered Oscar®-nominated shorts like Granny O’Grimm (2010) and Stutterer (2016).

KIFF’s Maureen O’Hara Award, established in 2008, honors women in film, with 2025 recipient Fiona Shaw joining past winners like Saoirse Ronan and Juliette Binoche. With over 50 events across four days, KIFF fosters community engagement and film industry connections, drawing thousands to Killarney’s scenic backdrop.

Event Highlights

• Film Screenings: Irish and international shorts (e.g., Irish Language Shorts, Animation), features, and documentaries at Cinema Killarney and St. Mary’s Church.
• Maureen O’Hara Award: Honoring Fiona Shaw at a ceremony, venue TBD.
• Industry Day: Workshops, panels, and IFTA networking at Killarney House, October 18.
• KIFF/Siamsa Tíre Film Club: Monthly screenings in Tralee, extending KIFF’s reach.
• Live Score Screenings: Select films with live music at St. Mary’s Church or Muckross Schoolhouse.
• Family Program: Free screenings for kids, Cinema Killarney, Saturday–Sunday mornings.
• Q&A Sessions: Post-screening discussions with filmmakers at Cinema Killarney.

City

• Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland: Events across central venues, set against Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Killarney, with the primary venue at Cinema Killarney, 24 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 FX65, Ireland: Hosts most screenings; other venues include St. Mary’s Church and Killarney House.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 16–19, 2025 (Thursday–Sunday).
• Duration: 4 days.

Venue / Location

Events span multiple Killarney venues, with Cinema Killarney as the main hub:

• Cinema Killarney: 24 High Street, V93 FX65 (main screenings, family program).
• St. Mary’s Church (Church of the Sloes): Kenmare Place, Killarney (short films, live score screenings).
• Killarney House: Muckross Road, Killarney (industry day, workshops).
• ANAM Cultural Centre: East Avenue Road, Killarney (additional screenings).
• Muckross Schoolhouse: Muckross, Killarney (heritage screenings, ~10-minute drive).
• St. James’ Church, Dingle: Dingle, Co. Kerry (select screenings, ~1-hour drive).
• Courtney’s Bar: Plunkett Street, Killarney (festival club).
• Note: Full venue schedule announced September 2025; check kerryfilmfestival.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@kerryfilmfestival.com (general/ticketing inquiries).
• Website: www.kerryfilmfestival.com
• Social Media: Follow @kerryfilmfest on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Address: Festival Office, c/o Kerry Airport, Farranfore, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 KHF7, Ireland (inquiries only, not ticketing).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.kerryfilmfestival.com or Eventbrite.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.kerryfilmfestival.com or Eventbrite (search “Kerry International Film Festival 2025”). In-person tickets at the Cinema Killarney box office (cash/card). Contact info@kerryfilmfestival.com for group bookings or accessibility needs. No refunds; transfers via Eventbrite (check terms). Book early for festival passes, as screenings may sell out.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD, based on historical estimates):
  • Single Screening: €10 (~$11.20 USD).
  • Day Pass: €20 (~$22.40 USD).
  • Festival Pass: €50 (~$56 USD, full access to all screenings and events).
  • Free Events: Family screenings (Saturday–Sunday mornings) and select talks at Killarney House.
  • Kids (Under 12): Free for family screenings with ticketed adult (supervision required).
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices are estimates; exact 2025 pricing will be announced in September 2025.
  • Festival pass includes the IFTA networking event and the Maureen O’Hara Award ceremony.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Cultural Significance

KIFF is a cornerstone of Ireland’s film scene, celebrating Kerry’s role as a filmmaking hub since 1993. It champions emerging talent, with past screenings leading to Oscar® nominations, and honors women in film through the Maureen O’Hara Award (2025: Fiona Shaw). The festival’s county-wide partnerships (e.g., Tralee, Dingle) and venues like St. Mary’s Church connect audiences with Irish heritage. Its economic impact boosts Killarney’s tourism, supporting local businesses like Randles Hotel and Courtney’s Bar.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues:
  • Cinema Killarney: Snacks and drinks (~$3–$7 USD).
  • Courtney’s Bar (Festival Club): Pub fare, Guinness (~$6–$12 USD).
• KIFF-Recommended Dining:
  • Posh Nosh:
    • Kayne’s Bar (Dromhall Hotel): Steak, seafood ($15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
    • Checkers Restaurant (Randles Hotel): Irish cuisine ($20–$35 USD, 5-minute walk).
    • Bricín Restaurant: Irish dishes ($15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Quick Bites:
    • Tango Street Food: Argentine gourmet ($8–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
    • The Curious Cat: Vegetarian options ($7–$12 USD, 5-minute walk).
    • Khao Asian Street Food: Thai dishes ($10–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Coffee:
    • Lir Café: Opposite Cinema Killarney, water refills ($3–$6 USD).
    • The Black Sheep Coffee Shack: Takeaway coffee ($3–$5 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Pubs with Food:
    • Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder: Food and drinks ($10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
    • Killarney Brewing Company: Pizza, craft beer ($10–$15 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at festival club (Courtney’s Bar) and recommended pubs; no outside alcohol at venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free family screenings (Saturday–Sunday mornings, Cinema Killarney) for kids under 12 with a ticketed adult (supervision required).
  • School day program with free student screenings, Friday at Cinema Killarney (pre-booked).
  • Recognized as autism-friendly by KIFF (details at kerryfilmfestival.com).
• Accessibility:
  • Cinema Killarney and St. Mary’s Church are wheelchair-accessible with ramps.
  • Muckross Schoolhouse and St. James’ Church (Dingle) have limited access due to historic structures.
  • Audio descriptions and ISL-interpreted screenings for select films (details September 2025).
  • Contact info@kerryfilmfestival.com for accommodations or inquiries.
  • Free family events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Kerry Airport (KIR, 15 km, 15-minute drive); Dublin Airport (DUB, 300 km, 3.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 14 to Killarney Bus Station (5-minute walk to Cinema Killarney).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Killarney Station (5-minute walk to Cinema Killarney).
• By Car: Parking at Cinema Killarney (High Street, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD) or nearby lots (e.g., Fair Hill, ~$2.24 USD/hour).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from KIR (~$15–$25 USD) or DUB (~$200–$300 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Film Screenings: October 16–19, Cinema Killarney, St. Mary’s Church, ANAM Centre, Muckross Schoolhouse, St. James’ Church (Dingle). Includes the Irish Language Shorts category and award contenders.
  • Maureen O’Hara Award Ceremony: Honoring Fiona Shaw, venue TBD, October 18.
  • Industry Day: Workshops, panels, and IFTA networking at Killarney House, October 18.
  • KIFF/Siamsa Tíre Film Club: Monthly screenings in Tralee, tied to the festival.
• Expected Events:
  • Short Film Competitions: Categories include Best International Narrative, Irish Narrative, Documentary, Student, Animation, Best of Kerry, Best Original Score, Screenwriting, and Irish Language Short (~$11.20 USD/screening).
  • Feature Films: Narrative and documentary screenings with Q&As (~$11.20–$22.40 USD).
  • Live Score Screenings: At St. Mary’s Church or Muckross Schoolhouse, ~$11.20 USD.
  • Family Screenings: Free, Saturday–Sunday mornings, Cinema Killarney.
  • School Program: Free student screenings, Friday, Cinema Killarney.
• Note: Full program and ticket prices announced September 2025; check kerryfilmfestival.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Sold-out screenings of Small Things Like These and Housewife of the Year; Rebecca O’Flanagan received the Maureen O’Hara Award.
• Past Luminaries: Paul Greengrass, Liam Neeson, Saoirse Ronan, Juliette Binoche.
• Oscar® Connections: Premiered Granny O’Grimm (2010), Stutterer (2016), and Detainment (2019).

Sustainability Initiatives

• Autism-Friendly: Recognized for inclusive screenings (details at kerryfilmfestival.com).
• Local Partnerships: Supports Kerry businesses (e.g., Randles Hotel, Kerry Airport).
• Waste Management: Recycling at venues; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check kerryfilmfestival.com.

Educational Impact

• Industry Day: Workshops and panels at Killarney House for aspiring filmmakers (~$22.40 USD with day pass).
• School Program: Free screenings and workshops for students, Friday at Cinema Killarney.
• Screenwriting Competition: Free entry for short scripts (max 15 pages), with mentoring and a 2026 festival pass for winners.
• Community Engagement: Partnerships with Tralee and Dingle extend cultural outreach.

Cultural Activities

• Literary Walking Tours: Guided tours of Killarney’s cultural sites, ~$11.20 USD (book via kerryfilmfestival.com).
• Festival Club at Courtney’s Bar: Networking, drinks, and music, included with festival pass.
• Live Score Screenings: Films with live music at St. Mary’s Church, ~$11.20 USD.
• Family Screenings: Free kids’ films, Saturday–Sunday mornings.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Festival passes ($56 USD) and screenings ($11.20 USD) may sell out; book via kerryfilmfestival.com in September 2025.
• Weather Prep: October in Killarney (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Killarney National Park (5-minute walk, free) or Muckross House (10-minute drive, $10 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Bus Éireann/rail.
• Festival Info: Check kerryfilmfestival.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Killarney National Park: Muckross Road (5-minute walk, free).
• Muckross House: Muckross, Killarney (10-minute drive, $10 USD).
• Torc Waterfall: Killarney National Park (15-minute drive, free).
• Ross Castle: Ross Road, Killarney (10-minute drive, $5.60 USD).
• Ring of Kerry: Scenic drive (starts 5-minute drive, free).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels (KIFF-Recommended):
  • Randles Hotel: Muckross Road ($100–$180 USD/night, hosts KIFF opening).
  • Great Southern Hotel: East Avenue Road ($120–$200 USD/night, near train station).
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel: Kenmare Place ($110–$190 USD/night, near Cinema Killarney).
  • The Lake Hotel: Muckross Road ($100–$170 USD/night, lakeside).
• B&Bs:
  • Dan Linehans B&B: Muckross Road ($70–$120 USD/night, central).
  • Ardree House B&B: Muckross Road ($60–$110 USD/night).
• Hostels: The Black Sheep Hostel, New Street ($20–$50 USD/night, eco-friendly).
• Airbnb: Priory Glamping Pod ($80–$120 USD/night) or town-centre apartments ($70–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Cinema Killarney; nearest hospital is Kerry University Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor screenings.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for venue transitions.