This week marks the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Gleneagle Arena, formerly known as Ireland’s National Events Centre (INEC). Opened on Sunday, June 4, 2000, by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the venue has become one of Ireland’s most iconic and versatile event spaces.
Over the past 25 years, Gleneagle Arena has hosted countless unforgettable moments—from sold-out concerts by global artists to major conferences, festivals, and sporting events. Its success has positioned Killarney as a premier year-round destination for entertainment and tourism.
The venue was the brainchild of the late Maurice O’Donoghue, whose vision and commitment shaped its legacy. “This was our father’s most ambitious project,” said Patrick O’Donoghue, CEO of Gleneagle. “He believed in its potential to benefit Killarney and the region. He’d be proud of what it has become.”
Earlier this year, the venue was renamed Gleneagle Arena as part of a strategic rebranding to align more closely with the Gleneagle brand, under which it has always operated. The new name reflects its broader mission—not just as a national events venue, but as a key pillar of the Gleneagle experience and heritage.
As Gleneagle Arena looks to the future, it continues to uphold its founding principles: to offer a world-class, community-driven space that brings people together for unforgettable experiences.
For more, visit
www.gleneaglearena.ie.
