Killarney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Muckross House featuring a garden, heritage architecture and flowers
Killarney
Torc Waterfall which includes forest scenes and a river or creek
Killarney
Killarney

Killarney Travel Guide Video

With a resident population of only 15,000 souls, Killarneymight seem an unlikely destination to rank second in popularity among visitorsto Ireland, but there’s far more to this charming town than its welcoming,bustling centre.

The historic and natural attractions of Killarney’shinterland will feature high on any itinerary, and for over 250 years the town hasbeen used as the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the ‘Ring ofKerry’: dramatic Irish scenery at its very best on the nearby IveraghPeninsula.

Killarney Centre

The warmth and attraction of Killarneyare apparent as soon as you arrive: the town boasts a beautifully kept,unspoilt centre, with many of the abundant independent shops, restaurants and traditionalpub frontages painted bright colours and bedecked with flowers bursting intobloom.

The signposted Tourist Trail makes for an extremelyconducive amble by day or in the evening one when the legendary ‘craic’ is infull flow – or alternatively hail a local jarvie and take a sightseeing trip onhis horse-drawn jaunting car.

Killarney NationalPark

The town stands on the boundary of the KillarneyNational Park, which is accessible for hikers on foot. Cycles areeasy to hire and regular buses also run up to the classic viewpoints over thetown, lakes and mountains.

You can take a jaunting car 2km via the Demesne publicpark to the LoughLeane shore and Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower and keepbuilt by the O'Donoghue Mór clan. Fromhere you can take a boat trip to Innisfallen– founded in 640 – on its atmospheric island.

A 6km jaunt away, the palatial19th-century MuckrossHouse is the centrepoint of the National Park, featuring periodinteriors, gardens and traditional farms.

The Ring ofKerry

Traditionally, Killarneyis the starting point and final destination on the 180km circular Ring of Kerry,celebrated for its unsurpassable, archetypal Irish scenery. It is possible tocomplete the tour by car in around four hours, but this rich landscape truly benefitsfrom a more leisurely exploration, in the time-honoured Irish tradition.

The spectacular PurpleMountain, MangertonMountain and MacGillycuddy'sReeks are the rugged high points, with famous waterfalls, lakes, valleys,inviting-looking islands and picture-postcard villages all plentiful along the windingway.

Sport inKillarney

While Killarney is aclassic hiking and biking destination, the Killarney Lakesensure top-class rowing also thrives locally, and the angling in the area isparticularly renowned, not least because the heavenly freshwater KillarneyLakes require no permits.

The lakeside Killarney Golf Clubis a world-class course where it is possible to book a tee time and play for agreen fee, Dr. Crokes is the biggest of the town’s three gaelic football clubsand it also has a hurling side, and Killarney Racecourseis a great Saturday afternoon destination.

Enjoy yourStay in Killarney

Whether you are visiting Killarneyfor a healthy, activity-based break, to enjoy the breathtaking scenery or aweekend of fun in the town’s bars and nightspots, rest assured you will enjoythe finest imaginable choice of hotels, as Killarneyfamously boasts more accommodation than any other Irish destination outside ofDublin!

Where to stay in Killarney

Killarney which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and landscape views

Killarney City Centre

If you're spending some time in Killarney City Centre, Killarney House Gardens and Killarney National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Killarney City Centre
Default Image

Dromhale

While there might not be top attractions in Dromhale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Killarney House Gardens and The Kerry Way.

Dromhale
Default Image

Ballycasheen

While Ballycasheen isn't home to many top sights, Killarney House Gardens and Cinema Killarney are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ballycasheen
Killarney which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and landscape views

Avenue

While visiting Avenue, you might make a stop by sights like Killarney House Gardens and Killarney National Park.

Avenue
Default Image

Scrahane

While Scrahane isn't home to many top sights, Killarney Race Course and The Kerry Way are some notable places to visit nearby.

Scrahane
Default Image

Cahernane

While visiting Cahernane, you might make a stop by sights like Killarney National Park and Lough Leane.

Cahernane
The Lake Hotel Killarney
The Lake Hotel Killarney
4 out of 5
On The Lake Shore, Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is £183 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£183
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel, beautiful property. Breakfast was fantastic. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

The Lake Hotel Killarney
Killarney Heights Hotel
Killarney Heights Hotel
4 out of 5
Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is £120 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£120
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"very clean. Tub and shower impeccable clean. We were there on a Monday night and went to bar for drinks and a bite to eat. Discovered you need to advocate for yourself when wanting return service / place an order or to pay the bill. Once we learned this, the service was great"

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Killarney Heights Hotel
Randles Hotel Killarney
Randles Hotel Killarney
4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is £149 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
£149
25 Jun - 26 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (680 reviews)
10/10!!!
"Such a beautiful hotel, food & drink were amazing, couldn’t ask for better !!!!"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Randles Hotel Killarney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Park Place Apartments
Park Place Apartments
4 out of 5
High Street, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (521 reviews)
"Excellent location. Very clean and spacious apartment with comfortable beds in a quiet area. Easy to park with secure garage."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Park Place Apartments
The Reserve at Muckross
The Reserve at Muckross
4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (145 reviews)
"Just a top notch place and the national park was a dream! We loved exploring the paths, buildings, grounds....such a beautiful place."

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

The Reserve at Muckross
Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
3.5 out of 5
1300 Block B, Hotel Killarney, Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and ...
7.8/10 Good! (107 reviews)
"Spacious for a family Very convenient located Need instructions for washer but everything else was great"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Killarney

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
43
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Killarney

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great choices of places to eat. Lovely shops. Great effort made with the Christmas decorations. Overall a very enjoyable experience.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very friendly people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Killarney is a must see. The lakes, the mountains, the drives, the friendly people are all unbeatable!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

a beautiful area where you can spend weeks seeing everything.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beware on check-in we were told we had the breakfast & evening meal package so had a great meal at the restaurant with a great bill we were not expecting. I had no access to email booking on the trip so could not verify the expedia package we bought.

Cities near Killarney