Supporting the communities behind the places we travel through

Ireland’s rural communities are some of the most beautiful places to visit , but they also face real, everyday challenges such as isolation, seasonal work, and pressure on local services.

At Irish Experience Tours, we believe tourism should give something back to the places it depends on. That’s why we’re proud to partner with NEWKD, an organisation that works quietly across County Kerry to support community wellbeing, connection, skills, and opportunity.

 

Why this partnership matters

We travel through Kerry’s towns, villages, and rural areas every week. Behind the scenery are people working hard to stay connected, supported, and resilient year-round.

NEWKD plays a vital role in this by:

  • reducing rural isolation

  • supporting mental wellbeing and social inclusion

  • helping people access skills, training, and employment

  • keeping community spaces and services active

By supporting NEWKD, we’re backing work that helps communities function and thrive, not just during peak tourist season, but all year round.

How our support works

From 2026, a small fixed contribution per guest is built into selected Irish Experience Tours.

  • Guests are not asked to donate

  • Funds are collected by us directly

  • Support is passed on regularly to NEWKD

  • There are no visits, activities, or experiences attached

This support exists quietly in the background, strengthening communities while allowing them to lead their own work.

What this looks like in real life

The support provided through this partnership helps sustain everyday community work across Kerry. Examples of the types of initiatives NEWKD supports include:

🎨 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.

🤝 Rural Men’s Groups & Men’s Sheds

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.

🥛 Supporting Local Enterprise (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

🚜 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.

🏡 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.

Part of a wider network of community support

NEWKD does not work in isolation. Its work across Kerry is delivered in partnership with a wide range of national, regional, and local organisations, ensuring community support is joined-up, accountable, and effective.

This includes working alongside bodies such as Pobal, SICAP, LEADER, local authorities, health services, and community networks across the county.

Looking ahead

This partnership with NEWKD forms part of Irish Experience Tours’ wider Community Impact Programme, launching in 2026.

We’ll continue to support this work carefully and responsibly, growing the programme over time while staying true to our values.

Because the places we love to explore are also places where people live, work, and build their lives.