Killarney

Travel Guide
Muckross House showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and flowers

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.

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 hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"Fantastic location for launching into Killarney national park. Outstanding views from the room, the dining area, the hot tub. Spa facilities were wonderful with different shower and sauna options. Restaurants were lovely for both breakfast and dinner."

Reviewed on 29 Oct, 2024

The Lake Hotel Killarney
The Brehon Hotel & Spa
The Brehon Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (726 reviews)
"Spectacular but not cheap!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct, 2024

The Brehon Hotel & Spa
Killarney Heights Hotel
Killarney Heights Hotel
4 out of 5
Cork 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 helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
Very nice
"Very nice property in a good location. Nice food and good bar area"

Reviewed on 27 Oct, 2024

Killarney Heights 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! (472 reviews)
"This is a nice property in Killarney I would stay at again. Only about 2-3 blocks from main tourist part of town with excellent restaurants and Tesco - so location was great. I was confused by their procedures - they said check-in was from 3-6pm which was fine and the desk was unmanned other than ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct, 2024

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! (131 reviews)
"Everything about Muskross Hotel and Spa delivered on every level I could have dreamed of! Y'all made my Anniversary perfect, the food was absolutely divine. The service was out of this world, and the Hotel was simply magical; if I could do anything I wanted to point out your superstars. Kruno and ..."

Reviewed on 26 Oct, 2024

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 apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and Speir Bhean Monument ...
7.8/10 Good! (99 reviews)
"The property management manager was very helpful and responsive.However the property is on the outskirts of Killarney and a 20 min walk in case you are going out at night in the town."

Reviewed on 22 Jul, 2024

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.

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Reviews of Killarney

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
279
" "5 - Excellent 76.64835164835165%
4 - Good
81
" "4 - Good 22.252747252747252%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 1.098901098901099%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

very charming city with incredibly nice people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful town. Upon check in we were recommended to visit the national park. The Torc Waterfall is a must!

5/5 - Excellent

koray

i went off season but less crowds even better. kilarney snow on the mountain tops great for photos

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved this trip through Killarney.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent town and I wish we had more than one day to explore

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The pubs and the music are a must. Great selection of restaurants to choose from

Cities near Killarney