Kilkenny's Newpark Hotel appoints 'Head Dinosaur Ranger'

Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny has appointed a 'dinomite' head ranger for their new Jurassic Newpark attraction - dinosaur expert Luke O’ Connell from Luke’s Deadly Dinosaurs.

Jurassic Newpark is the hotel’s on-site dinosaur attraction, which has drawn thousands of visitors since it opened earlier this year,

A dedicated team of rangers will do pop up talks and fossil shows year-round at a new outdoor, open-air theatre which is set to open shortly. Recently completed, this new theatre is part of expansion plans at Jurassic Newpark which will increase the infrastructure to 12 paddocks and habitats, populated by both farm animals and by the new dinosaur species that will be added to the park soon.

One of the first guests in to meet Luke in his new role as Head Ranger was, fittingly, one of Ireland’s biggest dinosaur fans six-year-old Roisín Dolan from Leitrim. Roisín is renowned for her appearance on the Late Late Show last year when she wowed Ryan Tubridy (and the nation) with her impressive knowledge of different dinosaur species!

Head Ranger Luke, who hails from Wexford, has a passionate interest in fossils and dinosaurs and has for the past two years worked as an educator hosting entertaining and informative sessions at libraries, festivals, and events throughout the country.

Accompanied by his trusty sidekick ‘Reggie’- a baby T-rex puppet- who helps bring Luke’s prehistoric tales to life, capturing the imagination of audiences young and old. In his role as Head Ranger, he will be responsible for caring for the needs of the various dinosaur species on site which includes Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Velociraptor, and some dinosaur eggs which have yet to hatch! He will also have his hands full looking after the new dinosaur species when they arrive, which will include flying Pterodactyls and an enormous Spinosaurus.

The Jurassic Newpark Ranger team plays an important role, maintaining the habitats of both herbivore and carnivore species, ensuring healthy, happy Dinosaurs and above all guest safety- particularly in the case of apex hunter T-Rex, whose teeth are to be avoided at all costs.

General Manager at Newpark Hotel Paul Beehan commented on the Head Ranger appointment.

“Luke brings a wealth of prehistoric and dinosaur knowledge to the Jurassic Newpark experience which is sure to bring added appeal to Dino enthusiasts young and old planning a visit," he said.

"As Head Ranger he is an enthusiastic ambassador for the park and will be roaming about imparting fun Dino facts to hotel guests and day visitors. We will also be offering add-on VIP experiences which would be ideal gifts for birthdays or Christmas.”

Newpark Hotel is a 4-star family run establishment, part of the Flynn Hotel Collection. Renowned as one of Ireland’s leading family destinations, the hotel also provides the ideal base from which to explore the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny.

For more visit NewparkHotelKilkenny.com  or JurassicNewpark.com or stay tuned on social media.