Killarney

Travel Guide

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

Killarney Travel Guide Video

Explore the cobbled streets, 19th-century architecture and beautiful walking trails of this Irish town known for its pub culture, hospitality and mountain surrounds.

Killarney is known as the gateway to the County or “Kingdom” of Kerry. The small town’s natural surroundings, including woodland, lakes and high peaks, are its biggest draws. The town itself is a popular destination for visitors year-round, thanks to its 19th-century architecture, narrow cobbled streets and lively pub culture.

Killarney is located in the southwest of Ireland and surrounded by Killarney National Park. The town is the starting point for the famous Ring of Kerry tourist route. This 110-mile (177-kilometre) drive takes in forests, waterfalls and rugged coastline.

Explore Killarney’s narrow lanes and stumble across cafés and craft shops. Visit 19th-century landmarks, such as St. Mary's Cathedral and Muckross House. The small town centre is easy to navigate on foot.

Killarney has a long tradition of hospitality and offers plenty of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation. Fierce competition among pubs and restaurants keeps quality high. Visit one of the many venues offering live music and entertainment and join locals in having a rowdy good time, especially on weekends. If you’re looking for something quieter, visit midweek, or ask locals for current recommendations.

From raucous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to Christmas festivities, Killarney hosts a variety of festivals year-round. The town is especially busy in the summer months of July and August. Visit during these peak seasons to participate in the special celebrations or come in spring or autumn to avoid the crowds.

Venture outside the town on scenic hiking trails or tourist drives to reach the three Lakes of Killarney and the peaks of the national park. Killarney sits on the shores of Lough Leane. Take a boat tour or simply walk around this lake and enjoy mountain views. Torc Waterfall and many other nature spots are also easy to reach on foot or by car from Killarney town.

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
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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
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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
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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
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Cahernane

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

Cahernane
Killarney Heights Hotel
Killarney Heights Hotel
4 out of 5
Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is S$243 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$243
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (994 reviews)
"Such a pleasant place and staff."

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

Killarney Heights Hotel
The Lake Hotel Killarney
The Lake Hotel Killarney
4 out of 5
On The Lake Shore, Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Front desk staff was very pleasant and helpful. Loved the variety of menu selections for dinner and the free breakfast buffet is the best I’ve ever had."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

The Lake Hotel Killarney
Randles Hotel Killarney
Randles Hotel Killarney
4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is S$269 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$269
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (691 reviews)
"Our room was spacious and quiet. It was walking distance to everything. The reception staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 30 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 WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews)
Great location
"Great apartment with everything you could need!!! Awesome location!!"

Reviewed on 29 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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (147 reviews)
Great experience!!!!
"Wonderful place and staff!!!"

Reviewed on 24 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and ...
8/10 Very Good! (111 reviews)
"Place was nice"

Reviewed on 30 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.