NEWKD & Irish Tours Experience
We would sincerely like to thank Irish Experience Tours for their generous support of NEWKD. Their commitment to partnering with local organisations play an important role in strengthening our community and promoting sustainable development. We are proud to work along side a company that values responsible tourism and local growth and we truly appreciate their continued support. To learn more about their services please visit their website www.irishexperiencetours.com
Why this partnership Matters
Every week, Irish Experience Tours travels through Kerrys towns, villages, and rural areas, bringing visitors to the heart of our communities. Behind the scenery are people working hard to stay connected, supported, and resilient year-round—and it’s support from partners like Irish Experience Tours that makes a real difference.
Their partnership helps NEWKD to:
- Reduce rural isolation
- Support mental wellbeing and social inclusion
- Help people access skills, training, and employment
- Keep community spaces and services active
How The Support Will Work
From 2026, a small, fixed contribution per guest is built into selected Irish Experience Tours.
Guests are not asked to donate, and the funds are collected directly by the tour company and passed on regularly to NEWKD. There are no visits, activities, or experiences attached—this support exists quietly in the background, helping communities stay strong while allowing them to lead their own work.
We are grateful to Irish Experience Tours for this thoughtful partnership, which strengthens local communities year-round and makes a lasting impact without disrupting the experience of visitors.
Examples of types of initiatives NEWKD supports include:
Rural Mens Groups & Mens Shed
NEWKD supports a network of rural men’s groups and men’s sheds across Kerry, including areas such as Tralee, Dingle, Listowel, Ballybunion, and surrounding villages.
These groups provide:
- social connection and peer support
- a relaxed space to talk and share experiences
- opportunities to learn skills and take part in activities
- outings and shared experiences that reduce isolation
For many men in rural areas, these groups offer an important sense of belonging and routine.
Community Craft Circles
NEWKD Craft Circles run weekly in locations including Tralee, Listowel, Ballyduff, Ballybunion, Dingle, and Lyreacrompane.
These groups bring people together through:
- arts and crafts
- creativity and shared learning
- social connection and wellbeing
They are informal, welcoming spaces where people can work on their own or shared projects, build friendships, and feel part of a community.
Tractor Training for Young People
NEWKD delivers tractor safety and driving courses for teenagers across Kerry, now being rolled out in schools throughout the county.
These courses focus on:
- safe tractor operation
- practical safety checks
- correct use of trailers and equipment
This training helps young people build confidence, responsibility, and practical skills that are particularly relevant in rural life.
Supporting Local Enterprises (LEADER Programme)
Through its LEADER programme, NEWKD supports rural enterprise and innovation.
One example includes backing local milk producers to bottle and sell fresh, non-homogenised and flavoured milk through vending machines in North Kerry, using recyclable glass bottles. These projects support:
- local livelihoods
- sustainable rural enterprise
- keeping food production local
Home Visitation Service for older people
NEWKD runs a Home Visitation Service in North Kerry, supporting people aged 60+ who may be experiencing isolation.
Through regular weekly visits, trained participants and volunteers:
- provide social contact and conversation
- help reduce loneliness
- link older people with other local services
This service helps people remain connected within their own communities.
Dingle GAA
Multi-Purpose All-Weather Community Astroturf Pitch:
We are supporting the very successful GAA club enhance local facilities by developing a new community astroturf pitch with lighting. The pitch will be open to all members of the community and will include car parking and access to the clubhouse and changing facilities. The Project is very much based around full community user engagement, and the most innovative aspect to this development is the use of this facility in conjunction with Sacred Heart University which is a college based out of Connecticut in the US, with a satellite college in Dingle town. Having a facility such as this available to their students who are studying Sports Science is a useful addition to the college in terms of practical teaching outside of classroom in sporting environment and to be able to use the facility as activity area outside of college hours.
C.L.G. Daingean Ui Chuis conducted a community consultation and needs analysis, which highlighted the following reasons for developing an all-weather outdoor AstroTurf facility in Dingle Town:
- Lack of access to a year-round and floodlit training facility.
- Limited recreation space due to saturated grass pitches.
- Inadequate public transport to existing facilities.
- Slot availability issues leading to the postponement of training and recreation for all age groups.
- Nearest all weather facility over 9 kilometres away
The facility will be open to the whole community, and provide a valuable asset for the whole community. The project is committed to sustainability and environmental care. High-quality AstroTurf provides a durable and reliable playing surface, low energy emitting LED Lighting will all enhance the experience for athletes and visitors and encouraging repeat participation.
Minister Dara Calleary turning the sod on the project recently, accompanied by Minister Michael Healy Rae, TD, Paul Geaney – Dingle & Kerry Captain, Sean O’Suilleahan – Cathaoirleach, Minister Norma Foley, Jim Garvey, Cllr Breandan Mac Gearilt, Cllr Charlie Farrelly, Derry Murphy