Killarney

Travel Guide
Killarney
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-kilometer) 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 center is easy to navigate on foot.

Killarney has a long tradition of hospitality and offers plenty of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodations. 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.

The Lake Hotel Killarney
The Lake Hotel Killarney
4 out of 5
On The Lake Shore, Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is CA $295 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $295
CA $335 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Lovely room with a view of the lake and very large windows and a balcony. Room was older but clean and the beds comfortable. It was late when we arrived so we ate dinner at the pub in the hotel. The food was decent but expensive as to be expected. Breakfast was very nice. Plenty of parking. The location ..."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

The Lake Hotel Killarney
Killarney Heights Hotel
Killarney Heights Hotel
4 out of 5
Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry
The price is CA $168 per night from May 29 to May 30
CA $168
CA $191 total
includes taxes & fees
May 29 - May 30
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 helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (917 reviews)
"Great location! Great service! Loved the restaurant! Rooms were clean and comfortable. Highly recommend staying there."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Killarney Heights Hotel
Park Place Apartments
Park Place Apartments
4 out of 5
High Street, Killarney, Kerry
The price is CA $249 per night from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4
CA $249
CA $283 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (364 reviews)
"Park Place has an excellent location. Very easy walk to main street Killarney with food and shops. It was a short run/walk to Killarney National Park as well which was a welcome surprise. Parking was very easy. The downsides were that the wi-fi did not work well, if at all; and the hallways were ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Park Place Apartments
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 convenient parking and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (364 reviews)
"Park Place has an excellent location. Very easy walk to main street Killarney with food and shops. It was a short run/walk to Killarney National Park as well which was a welcome surprise. Parking was very easy. The downsides were that the wi-fi did not work well, if at all; and the hallways were ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Park Place Apartments
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 apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and Speir Bhean Monument ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (78 reviews)
"Great and convenient place. The apartment is fairly large and has all the necessary amenities."

Reviewed on Apr. 17, 2024

Wild Atlantic Apartments Killarney
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. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and Cloghereen ...
9/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
"We had a two bedroom apartment. It beds we comfortable, the sitting room good, and a nice kitchen. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

The Reserve at Muckross
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.

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Reviews of Killarney

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
38
" "5 - Excellent 70.37037037037037%
4 - Good
13
" "4 - Good 24.074074074074073%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 5.555555555555555%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 16, 2019

Beautiful town, a must see!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Oct. 23, 2019

Lovely stay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 20, 2019

The Ring of Kerry and Killarney House, and Muckross are all well with visiting.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Sep. 13, 2019

Friendly town with plenty of shopping and drinking. Unfortunately, it seems that the trend to cater to tourists is taken to extremes. When traveling away from my home country , the last thing i want is food and themes i can get every other day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 15, 2019

Wonderful town. So fun to walk around. Beautiful surroundings. Great Restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 10, 2019

We Loved Killarney and will Definitely be back!!

Cities near Killarney