Killarney

Killarney is one of Ireland's best-loved destinations, a lively market town set right on the edge of a spectacular national park of lakes, woodlands and mountains.

With colourful streets full of pubs, restaurants and craft shops, horse-drawn jaunting cars clip-clopping past, and the peaks of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks on the skyline, Killarney has a warm, welcoming buzz all year round.

It's an ideal base on a touring holiday, offering easy access to the Ring of Kerry, the Gap of Dunloe and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

Killarney blends great outdoors with great hospitality. The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, and the national park begins almost at the end of the main street.

Visitors can cycle or walk along the lakeshores, take a boat trip across the lakes, ride a jaunting car through the woods, or simply relax in a cosy pub after a day in the hills.

Known for its traditional music, festivals and events at the INEC, Killarney has a lively calendar throughout the year.

Killarney National Park – Ireland's first national park, with over 10,000 hectares of lakes, ancient oak woodlands, mountains and wild red deer.

Muckross House & Gardens – A grand Victorian mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake, with beautiful gardens and traditional working farms nearby.

Ross Castle – A 15th-century tower house on the edge of Lough Leane, and the departure point for boat trips across the lakes.

Torc Waterfall – A short woodland walk leads to this impressive cascade, with trails continuing up for sweeping views over the lakes.

Gap of Dunloe & Ladies View – A dramatic mountain pass best explored on foot, by bike or by jaunting car, and one of the most photographed viewpoints in Ireland.

The Ring of Kerry – Killarney is the classic starting point for this world-famous scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula.

The Lake Hotel, Killarney
Family-run 4★ hotel on the shores of Lough Leane, about 2 km from the town centre.
Free on-site private parking for guests.
Welcoming guests since 1820 (Queen Victoria stayed here in 1861), with pathways down to the ruins of the 12th-century McCarthy Mór Castle.
Castlelough Restaurant and the Devil's Punch Bowl Bar on site, with lake and mountain views.
Perfect if you want a stunning lakeside setting with the national park right on your doorstep.

Killarney Riverside Hotel
4★ hotel overlooking the River Flesk on the Muckross Road, about a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Free on-site parking with plenty of space.
Close to the INEC and the national park, with the River Bistro and Bacchus Restaurant on site.
Great for a relaxed base with easy parking, with town still within walking distance.

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa
4★ hotel in the heart of Killarney town, directly across from Killarney House & Gardens and the national park.
Underground hotel parking for guests, plus indoor pool, leisure centre and spa.
Steps from the town's shops, pubs and restaurants.
Perfect if you want to park up and walk everywhere.

*The underground car park is on a first-come, first-served basis as spaces are limited. If it's full, there is a public car park to the rear of the hotel, which is free from 6pm to 8am Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and bank holidays. The car park entrance is at the back of the hotel.

Killarney has one of the liveliest social scenes in Ireland for a town of its size.

Cosy cafés and bakeries, perfect for breakfast before a day in the park or a treat afterwards.

Traditional pubs, many with live Irish music sessions every night of the week, especially in summer.

Excellent restaurants, showcasing local Kerry lamb, fresh Atlantic seafood and Irish produce.

Late-night bars and venues, giving the town a fun, upbeat energy at weekends.

Live music is at the heart of Killarney's character, from fireside trad sessions to bands and shows throughout the year.