Monday 8th December 2025

6:15pm Mass with Lighting of the Tree & Dedication of the Star.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, New Street, Killarney.

A spectacular 100ft tree, festooned with close to 3,000 energy-efficient bulbs and topped with a giant star, illuminates Killarney every Christmas. 

The towering Tree of Light on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral is a landmark giant Californian Redwood tree just outside the main door of the Pugin-designed building. It is one of the most wonderful visual features in Killarney, greeting tens of thousands of visitors passing the cathedral on their way to and from Killarney during the festive season.

The project is an exciting collaboration between the Christmas in Killarney Festival and the Killarney parish, and it creates a wonderful focal point in the town in the lead up to and during the festive season. 

IN MEMORY OF LOST LOVED ONES

The tree is adorned with up to 3,000 energy-efficient bulbs to symbolise the memory of loved ones burning brightly within the hearts of those who visit this magical space at Christmas time.

In recent years, the giant star at the top of the 100ft tree has been dedicated to local people who have passed away who have contributed enormously to Killarney during their lifetime.

This year we dedicate our star to Donal Grady.

Donal loved Killarney – and it showed. He always put the welfare and the wellbeing of his town and its people first and his was a strong and influential independent voice. A hugely respected public representative, Donal was first elected to Killarney Town Council in 1999, retaining his seat in every election until he retired in 2023 and he was a very popular and proud Mayor of Killarney in 2010/11. He served as Station Officer with the Killarney Fire Service for many years and played a very active and progressive role in so many facets of Killarney life. His commitment to many community causes was admirable, and he leaves a real legacy of public service of which he and his family and supporters can be immensely proud.

Star dedications to date have remembered Johnny Hickey, Yvonne Quill, Paul Coghlan and Rena Kennelly

HISTORY OF THE TREE OF LIGHT

The Tree of Light was first lit to mark the millennium year, when it commemorated all those who lost their lives in the conflict in Northern Ireland and it was again illuminated in the mid-2000s to remember those who had been killed on Irish roads.  Since then, the project is all about community and it celebrates the fact that Killarney is such a wonderful town to live in and to visit. 

THE CEREMONY

The lights are officially switched on immediately after a special ceremony, which is held in St Mary’s Cathedral. Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien, and the Christmas in Killarney committee extend a warm invitation to all community groups, schools, clubs and organisations, families and individuals to join the wonderful community celebration.