Killarney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Muckross House featuring flowers, a park and a castle
Killarney
Torc Waterfall featuring forest scenes and a river or creek
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-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.

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, Cinema Killarney 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 Cinema Killarney and The Kerry Way.

Dromhale
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Ballycasheen

While Ballycasheen isn't home to many top sights, Cinema Killarney and Killarney House Gardens 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 Cinema Killarney 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$307 per night from 13 July to 14 July
AU$307
13 July - 14 July
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! (995 reviews)
nice but a little datd
"The hotel was in a nice location, just a quick drive or longer walk to downtown. Parking was easy there as its a regular parking lot. The room was not air conditioned ( i should have checked - it was cool enough outside, but some air circulation would have been nice). The bar and outside sitting ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Stayed after a 7 day cycling trip. Very comfortable room and really emjoyed bar area"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

The Lake Hotel Killarney
Killarney Court Hotel
Killarney Court Hotel
3 out of 5
Tralee Road, Killarney
The price is AU$196 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$196
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (409 reviews)
Nice stay
"We had our evening meal at the hotel which was very good. The room had everything in it that you needed."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Killarney Court Hotel
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! (531 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! (112 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

Activities

Reviews of Killarney

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots to see, beautiful countryside, great small villages, but at certain can be very busy making parking an issue.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great jumping off point for driving the ring of Kerry. People were very friendly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good nights sleep

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

My husband and I really liked Killarney, the restaurants and bars were great, we could have stayed longer.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful national park. Boat trip across lakes and up rivers to Lord Brandon Cottage superb.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very close to Muckross house, the town isn't too far & convenient location to do the Ring Of Kerry.

Cities near Killarney