At Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, sustainability isn’t just a strategic objective; it’s something the team actively works on every day. Throughout 2025 and into 2026, the club has made significant progress in embedding care for the environment and community impact into its long term running of the club, its facilities and its future.

 

SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club's sustainability strategy is built around a select number of clear priorities:

  • Protecting the unique landscape and natural habitats that make their setting so special
  • Reducing their environmental footprint through practical, measurable actions
  • Engaging members, staff, and the wider community in meaningful change
  • Implementation of a structured communications programme to ensure their sustainability efforts are shared clearly and consistently with everyone connected to the club.

Over the coming year, the club has set ambitious but achievable goals, including further reducing energy use with more efficient heating systems, expanding on-site solar power generation, increasing the number of EV charging points available and continuing to promote water-refill stations throughout the club.

GEO CERTIFICATION®

One of their biggest achievements in 2025 was becoming the first golf club in County Kerry to achieve GEO Certified® status. This internationally recognised certification is the gold standard for sustainability in golf and reflects Killarney Golf and Fishing Club's long-term commitment to protecting the environment, supporting their member, visitor and local communities, and responsibly managing the club and their facilities.

 

ISTARS 

The club has also successfully completed the ISTARS Sustainable Tourism Programme, placing them among a small group of golf clubs to reach this milestone. As a result, the team has seen growing international interest, with more guests than ever asking about their environmental practices.

 

Biodiversity

Biodiversity remains central to the club's mission. A comprehensive audit carried out with ecologist Alan Lauder confirmed the ecological importance of the club's grounds which borders onto the largest of Killarney's lakes, Lough Leane. The ecologist's audit highlighted what generations have believed to be true, that the course grounds play a role as a habitat for rare flora and fauna. Indeed the grounds borders onto the 'core zone' of the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area of Killarney National Park.

The club's greenkeeping team continues to lead the way in sustainable turf management by minimising chemical use and following best-practice methods to protect soil and water quality—all while maintaining the high standards our members and visitors expect.

 

Sustainability Embedded

Sustainability is now part of how Killarney Golf and Fishing Club operate every day. In the months ahead, they will continue to:

  • Strengthen biodiversity
  • Reduce waste
  • Improve energy efficiency
  • Support local suppliers
  • Enhance education and awareness for members and visitors

 

Future Focused

Most importantly, the club is proud to show that exceptional golf and responsible environmental management can go hand in hand. Achieving GEO Certified® status is a major milestone, but it’s only the beginning. With the continued support of our members, staff, community partners, and guests, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club remains fully committed to protecting this remarkable landscape for generations to come.