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.”

St Brendan’s College were first out of the blocks this year as Killarney’s annual schools Christmas jumper day gets underway next Monday.

The Sem has already begun gearing up for the popular fundraiser, which brings colour and fun to the final days of term while raising much-needed funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation and the palliative care unit.
Students and staff will take part in the event on Monday, with the two other secondary schools in the town set to follow suit, keeping the long-standing tradition alive.