Killarney Christmas Markets are in full swing at the Outlet Centre, running every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm in the lead-up to Christmas, providing a vital platform for local makers and small businesses.

The market was co-founded by Killarney residents Claire Lyne and Laura Corlett.
Ms Lyne’s initial inspiration for the markets came after she began soap and candle making herself and realised there was nowhere locally for her to sell her products.
She and Ms. Corlett subsequently launched the venture together, with Ms Corlett handling marketing and Ms Lyne managing emails and vendor relations.
The market has a strong personal connection for Ms Lyne, whose own business is named Solzie Skincare & Candles.
She is a holistic therapist who loves natural and essential oils and named her brand after her mother’s nickname for her.

She said that she learned everything about skincare from her mother, who passed away in 1995, and wanted to keep her memory with her in her business.
The markets bring together a vibrant mix of local makers, artists, and crafters. Visitors can find a wide variety of stalls featuring handmade gifts, festive décor, natural skincare, jewellery, woodcraft, toys, and seasonal treats.
The organisers stated that their goal has always been “to support local businesses and create a space where the community can come together, shop local, and enjoy the magic of Christmas.Every purchase made at our markets directly supports a local family, a dream, or a small business trying to grow.”

A Headford native and local Chartered Architectural Technologist, Michael O’Keeffe, played a key role in bringing the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) AGM and 60th Anniversary celebrations to Dublin recently.

Michael, who runs healycornelius design ltd. in Deerpark, Killarney, led the three-year effort that secured the international event for Ireland.
More than 250 delegates from across the globe attended the AGM and anniversary celebrations. The bid to host the milestone gathering began when Fáilte Ireland contacted Michael over three years ago during his term as Executive Board Trustee and Chair of CIAT Republic of Ireland. He immediately saw an opportunity for Ireland.
“While hailing from Headford, Killarney, I have been fully invested in my professional institute since joining in 2014 and, with the support of Fáilte Ireland and my Committee colleagues, was thrilled to bring its AGM and 60th Anniversary to Ireland,” he said.
The successful bid followed a competitive process supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events team. Dublin’s connectivity, capacity and cultural offering helped secure the event, which included student presentations at Technological University Dublin, a charity fundraiser at the Mont Hotel which raised over €1,500, the AGM at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, and a gala celebration in the Round Room at the Mansion House.
Reflecting on the weekend, Michael said: “As Chair, it was an honour to help bring my professional institute’s 60th Anniversary Celebration to Dublin. The support from all involved was incredible. To see delegates from around the world enjoying our hospitality made all the work worthwhile.”