Training for Ireland’s first dedicated Cadaver Water Search Dog Programme officially commenced on the Lakes of Killarney.

Following a report in the Killarney Advertiser on January 2 regarding the launch of the initiative, specialist teams and their canine counterparts are now active on the water.
The programme is a collaborative effort between Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery, Hounds and Helis, and Ireland’s Specialist Search and Rescue Dogs (ISSARD). The training exercises involve dogs learning to detect human remains underwater, a skill designed to significantly assist emergency services during missing person searches.
A series of photographs captured this week show the dogs and their handlers undergoing drills within Killarney National Park. The exercises are conducted using both shoreline searches and boat-based operations to simulate real-life recovery scenarios where time is a critical factor.
Organiser Éadaoin O’Gorman expressed her gratitude for the local support of the volunteer-led project. The initiative aims to establish a permanent national capability for water-based canine searches, with Killarney serving as a primary training ground due to its unique lake environment.
The specialist canine teams will remain on the lakes periodically throughout the year as they work toward full certification for the 2026 national launch.

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa has unveiled a newly refurbished leisure facility.

Halcyon is a state-of-the-art gym, calming wellness studio and 11-metre swimming pool with luxurious thermal quarters.

Halcyon will remain complimentary for hotel residents while also introducing a limited number of private memberships.

The thermal quarters have also been enhanced with the addition of a new serenity shower, complementing the existing sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

The fully upgraded gym now features cutting-edge fitness equipment to support both performance-driven training and gentle movement.

Adding to the sense of tranquillity is the newly created yoga and movement studio.

Gemma Ring, Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, said the newly refurbished facility represents a thoughtful evolution of the Plaza’s leisure facilities.

She said they are delighted to now offer locals the opportunity to be part of this new chapter.

Exclusive perks include 15% off spa treatments from Monday to Thursday, 10% off spa retail products and food and beverage in Café du Parc and The Tan Yard, one complimentary Serail Mud Chamber experience per year and one complimentary personal training session.

More information is available on their website.