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.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce members took business outdoors on Wednesday last, with an informal networking walk through

Killarney National Park offering a unique opportunity to connect while exploring some of the area’s rich history and heritage.

Coffee cups in hand – reusable ones, naturally – Chamber members and guests gathered for a walking tour with a difference, guided by local historian Jerry O’Grady.

His deep knowledge of Killarney’s historic homes and estates turned a stroll through the Park into a journey back through time.

From grand estate houses to the stories of the families who shaped them, O’Grady’s insight gave members a fresh appreciation of the landscape many pass through every day.

The morning stayed dry, allowing everyone to enjoy the walk, with conversations on business and local issues continuing along the way.

The Chamber was also delighted to welcome a very special guest to Killarney for the occasion: Kara Newport, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fioli, the historic estate and botanical garden in California.

Newport’s visit forms part of ongoing research into the fascinating connections between Muckross Estate and Filoli – two properties separated by an ocean, yet linked by shared stories of stewardship, heritage and landscape. Her presence added a truly international dimension to the morning.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce continues to bring members together in new and engaging ways throughout the year, combining business networking with opportunities to experience and celebrate the very best of what Killarney has to offer – this month, quite literally, on its own doorstep.