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.

A nationwide coastal truck run raising funds for cancer charities will pass through Killarney next week.

Organised by Ange’s Kitchen in Letterkenny to mark their 20th anniversary, the six-day Irish Coastal Truck Run departs Donegal on August 24.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to The Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Care West.

Drivers along with supporting truckers joining along the route, will arrive in Killarney on August 25 at the end of their Day 2 leg from Westport. 7

The convoy will head towards Waterford the following morning, August 26, before continuing along the coast to finish back in Letterkenny on August 29.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser, donate, or join the run can contact Robert Brown on 086 244 1350.