The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division.

Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive environment where young members are encouraged to reach their full potential through a mix of play, discovery, and community involvement.

As part of the Irish Girl Guides (IGG), the mission of the branch is to enable girls and young women to develop into responsible citizens of the world.

The Ladybirds programme specifically focuses on building confidence and teaching essential life skills.

Participants engage in fun activities that help them develop a respect for the outdoors and learn to work effectively as part of a team.

Weekly meetings take place during the school term on Monday nights from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

These sessions are held at the Presentation Monastery School on the New Road, providing a consistent and safe space for the girls to gather and learn.

A dedicated registration and information evening will be held on September 29th at 6:00 pm at the Presentation Monastery School.

Organisers have noted that spaces within the Killarney branch are limited, so any parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to attend this session.

For further details on the enrolment process or the activities planned for the upcoming term, Maura Fitzgerald is available for inquiries at 087 7986958.

Killarney has secured a major boost for its winter tourism season, as international salon software company Phorest officially announced that its annual flagship event, the Phorest Summit, will relocate to the town in January 2027.

Following ten consecutive years in Dublin, the 11th annual summit will bring hundreds of salon, spa, and clinic owners from Europe, North America, and Australia to the Gleneagle Arena on January 24 and January 25, 2027.

The two-day global conference features keynotes, practical business workshops, and networking events designed to share actionable growth strategies, leadership frameworks, and artificial intelligence integration for wellness professionals.


As part of Phorest’s B Corp commitments, the event organisers are collaborating with local venues, entertainment providers, and suppliers across Killarney to keep event spending within the local economy.

Local businesses involved include hospitality and entertainment providers such as J.M. Reidy’s, The Laurels, The Grand, 1Image Photography, Killarney Photo Booth Hire, Reel Irish Dance Entertainment, and the Gleneagle Arena.

“In my view, becoming a B Corp doesn’t make Phorest exceptional,” said Ronan Perceval, Founder and CEO of Phorest. “My hope is that this level of accountability and long-term thinking becomes the standard our entire industry holds itself to. Sourcing locally ensures that local businesses gain benefits from an internationally attended event landing in their locality.”


The arrival of the summit offers an economic boost during a traditionally quieter period for the town.

On the opening evening of Sunday, January 24, attendees will take part in a ‘Town Takeover’, with Phorest hosting guests across three historic venues on Main Street: J.M. Reidy’s, The Laurels, and The Grand. The evening will feature live traditional Irish music, local food, and entertainment, with complimentary shuttle buses connecting the Gleneagle Arena to the town centre.

The conference will conclude on Monday night, January 25, with an after-party held at the Gleneagle Arena.