Looking for things to do in Killarney, Ireland? Then you are in the right place. Below is my guide to all best Killarney attractions to help you plan the perfect trip.
Located in the southwest of Ireland, Killarney is known for its mesmerising scenery and quaint town. With Killarney National Park on the town’s doorstep everywhere you look you’ll see rolling green hills, rugged landscapes, mountain views and ancient ruins.
I’m not sure I had even heard of the town when the opportunity to visit came up. What an opportunity it turned out to be though.
Within just a few hours of arriving it became one of my favourite places I’ve visited in Ireland.
The best things to do in Killarney
So, I’ve put together this guide of the best things to do in Killarney on a short visit. It covers what you can do in the spectacular park and what to see in the town itself. There is also some handy information on how to get around the town and where to stay.
Below is my guide to the best things to see in Killarney covering what you can do in the park as well as the town itself.
Killarney National Park
Rolling green countryside, cascading waterfalls, sparkling lakes and rugged mountains. Killarney National Park has it all. It is exactly what you imagine Ireland to be like.
All 26,000 acres of it.
Once voted Ireland’s Best Day Out. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. For the adventurous, there are mountain hikes and kayaking on shimmering lakes.
While for those that like a slower pace, there are plenty of walking trails to stroll along and take in the scenery. Or you can step back in time with ancient castles (with stories to tell) and old manor houses to explore.
The park is easily accessible from Killarney town. You can even walk to it. However, unless you like long walks you’ll need some transport to see the best of the park.
You can hire a car from Kerry airport or a bike from the town centre. There is also a hop on-off hop bus that loops around the main sights in the park. The park is the perfect first stop for a day in Killarney.
Here are some of the best things to do in Killarney National Park.
Hike up to Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterall is a cascade waterfall at the base of Torc Mountain. It stands 20 meters high and 110 meters long.
When I visited we parked and had a 10 minute gentle hike to the waterfall passing some scenic views of Muckross Lake. However, once at the waterfall we discovered a car park just 300m away so if you are not a fan of walking far make sure you search out this carpark!
As you approach the waterfall you’ll notice the temperature drop a little and the light begin to dull slightly, the overhang of the trees blocking out some of the natural light. The soothing sound of the water cascading down the rock face then gently flowing down the stream will greet you first before the waterfall comes into sight.
If you are lucky enough to be there after it has rained (and let’s face it, it rains a lot in Ireland so you have a pretty good chance of that) it will be particularly stunning.
Torc Waterfall is a pretty popular place to visit so keep that in mind when planning your trip. I visited it twice and saw both sides. The first time was at the end of the day where my friends and I were pretty much the only ones there. We could take our time, take lots of photos and enjoy the stillness.
I returned on a Sunday lunchtime when it was much busier. Not so much that it felt overcrowded but enough where you had to wait your turn to take a photo from the best spot. The sense of stillness and calmness wasn’t quite the same either.
For more scenic views, and a proper hike, the trek to the top of Torc Mountain will give you a panoramic perspective over the national park and Killarney itself.
The climb is moderate (although being nicknamed the cardiac steps implies you do need a reasonable level of fitness to climb) and it should take around two to two and a half hours.
Get Inspired | 8 photos to inspire you to visit Torc Waterfall
Wander around Ross Castle
Sitting on the edge of Lough Leane, one of Killarney’s three lakes, is Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower castle.
Built by the ruling clan of Killarney at the time, the O’Donoghue family, the castle is typical of the strongholds constructed by Irish chieftains’ during the middle ages.
It has a colourful history and was one of the last places to fall to Oliver Cromwell’s forces in the 1650s Irish Confederate War. Legend has it that O’Donoghue is still around today, living at the bottom of the lake keeping an eye on everything going on.
Every seven years at the beginning of May he makes a reappearance riding his white horse around the lake. Look out for him, as if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse, you can look forward to good fortune for the rest of your life.
Ross Castle is well preserved, two of the original towers are still standing. Other parts were restored to their former glory in the 1990s.
To explore inside, you’ll need to book on a guided tour. As the site is restricted, the tour is kept small, just groups of 15 people. So, if you wish to visit, then it is advisable to book in advance.
You can explore the outside of the castle free of charge. The grounds and the lake make for a nice stroll. Don’t miss the canal just by the castle. The fishing boats lined up make a charming image.
Explore Muckross House and Gardens
One of the most popular places to visit in Killarney is Muckross House.
Set on the shore of Muckross Lake, with the national park as a magnificent backdrop, Muckross House is one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The Muckross Estate dates back to the 17th century. However, the current Muckross House was built in 1843.
The impressive Tudor mansion hosted Queen Victoria in 1861 on her visit to Ireland. In 1932 the estate was gifted to the Irish nation and became Ireland’s first national park. The house is preserved as a late 19th-century mansion full of furniture and items from that period.
You can explore the three-story house (with 65 rooms!) through a guided tour.
The gardens are known around the world for their beauty and variety of plants. With a wide expanse of grass, colourful flowers, a rock garden and a walled garden you could easily lose a few hours wandering around here.
Muckross House is open all year round (except Christmas).
Step back in time at the ruins of Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey, one of the ecclesiastical sites found in Killarney National Park, is an old monastery. Founded for the Observantine Franciscans around 1448 it has quite a history and has been damaged and rebuilt many times.
Although largely roofless, the ruins of the friary are incredibly well preserved. You can explore the floors via narrow stone staircases giving an insight into what it might have been like in the past. The striking cloister walkways around the courtyard are almost fully intact.
In the middle standing tall is a huge Yew tree. Often found in old cemeteries and monastic sites in Ireland, the tree is a symbol of life and death. This tree is thought to have been planted by the Franciscans when they built the Abbey.
So that makes it over 500 years old!
Get Inspired | 11 photos to inspire you to visit Muckross Abbey
Surprisingly, the graveyard here is still used and a number burials take place each year.
The Abbey is just a few minutes walk from the Muckross House carpark. There is also a small carpark just off the main road and you can wander through the ground to reach the ruins.
For a more unique experience, you can also take jaunting car (two wheeled horse drawn carriage) to the abbey or house.
Explore Killarney’s three lakes
The famous Lakes of Killarney are all within the national park and offer dramatic views, boat rides, kayaking and fishing.
- Lough Leane is the largest lake and is home to Innisfallen Island and the remains of Innisfallen Abbey. Ross Castle also sits on the eastern shore of the lake.
- South of Lough Leane is Muckross Lake, also known as Middle Lake. With a depth of 75 meters in some parts, it is Ireland’s deepest lake.
- Upper Lake is the smallest of the three lakes but the most scenic.
The three lakes merge at the appropriately named ‘meeting of the waters’. This peaceful and tranquil spot can only be reached on foot or by bike.
Also around here are The Old Weir Bridge, a stone twin arched bridge thought to be over 400 years old, and Dinis Cottage, a former hunting lodge who’s tea rooms are a popular stop-off for those hiking through the park.
Gaze over Killarney’s Lakes at Ladies view
This scenic viewpoint is named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting as they loved the view so much when visiting Killarney in the 1860s. If you make it there you will see why.
The panoramic view of the shimmering lakes and rugged mountains is one of the most iconic perspectives of Killarney National Park.
Ladies View is 12 miles outside of Killarney town on the N71. There is a small car park and cafe bar where you can top up with refreshments while overlooking the spectacular view.
Steel your nerves to pass through the Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a spectacluar narrow mountain pass separating Purple Mountain and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks carved out by glacier flows many years ago.
Head to the Wishing Bridge, an arched stone bridge, for a glorious view of the gap. As the name suggests, if you make a wish here it will come true. I’ll let you know if that turns out to be the case…
Driving through the pass is discouraged. However, the road through the pass is a public road. Beginning at Kate Kearney’s Cottage in the north and going down into the Black Valley in the South, the route is around 11k.
When I visited my friends and I had no idea what we were letting ourselves in for. I’m not sure we would have driven across if we did. The road is very narrow in parts, wide enough for one car only, as it winds its way through the mountain pass. It descends steeply as well. If I’m being honest, it was a bit nerve-wracking at times.
Black Valley was the last place in Ireland to be connected to the National Grid so that gives a bit of an idea of how remote it is.
However the peace and tranquility of the valley with only the sheep for company were well worth the nail-biting drive. So if you do decide to drive it, care needs to be taken. Particularly during the main tourist season as it’s likely to be packed with walkers, tourists, cyclists and horse-drawn carriages.
That said, it was definitely the best thing I did in Killarney.
If you are not keen to drive yourself there plenty of other ways to explore the area. You can hike, cycle, take a guided tour or a jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage).
Read More | Driving the Gap of Dunloe in photos
Enjoy scenic views
After a few hours in Killarney you might think you are over incredible scenic views, however it is worth saving room for one more.
Aghadoe Viewing Point is apparently one of the locals favourite views and you can see why. Overlooking the town, lakes and mountains this would be a great place to watch the sunset.
Things to do in Killarney town
While the national park is the main attraction, Killarney town itself is worth spending a bit of time in. Being one of the main stops in the south-west of Ireland and on the Ring of Kerry, it is often seen as a bit touristy.
However, it is a nice lively, vibrant place to wander around. The colourful streets are an instant mood lifter. There are plenty of shops where you can pick up a souvenir of your visit. Or enjoy a drink in a traditional Irish pub.
If you are doing a road trip around Ireland, then it is certainly a stop you should considering adding to your itinerary. And if you are on a cruise stop at nearby by Cork (Cobh) cruise port, the area makes for a great shore excursion.
Events in Killarney
Killarney has a huge events and conference centre – the Gleneagles INEC (Ireland National Events Centre) – so whether you like concerts, festivals or family events there is sure to be something for you.
Artists that have played there include The Script, Tom Jones, Daniel O’Donnell (obviously), Van Morrison and of course Riverdance.
A concert was the reason I visited Killarney and it was a great experience. One I hope to repeat one day. Being much smaller than than the usual arenas gives it a much more intimate feel to shows.
Check to see if any events coincide with your visit or see if there is anything on that would inspire you to take a trip to Killarney. Check what’s on here.
Day trips from Killarney
There is enough in and around Killarney to keep you occupied for a few days.
However, Killarney is the perfect spot to base yourself when exploring the south-west of Ireland.
Popular day trips include
- Ring of Kerry – a 179 km circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula taking in seaside villages and coastal landscapes.
- Dingle Peninsula – one of the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way with it’s rugged coastline and scenic views. The most westerly point in mainland Ireland is on the peninsula.
How to get to Killarney
Despite being tucked away in the south west of Ireland, Killarney is easy to get to wherever you are flying in from. Kerry airport is the nearest airport. You can fly here from London and select European destinations.
On arrival, you can get a bus or taxi for the short ride to town. If you are planning to drive you can pick your rental car up here.
If you are flying internationally or from a destination not served by Kerry airport, Cork or Dublin are your next options.
You can get to Killarney by train, around 1 hour 30 minutes from Cork or 3 hours 30 minutes from Dublin.
Getting around Killarney
To see the best of Killarney you’ll most likely need transport at some point.
There are lots of walking and hiking trails so you can see a lot on foot. However, in the interests of maximising your time and saving a bit of energy, you’ll need a bit of help.
Bus: There is a hop on hop off bus that tours Killarney’s attractions.
You can stay on and do a full loop or hop off at the places you wish to explore. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll get to see the best of Killarney with a bit of entertainment along the way. It’s a big red bus so you won’t miss it!
Cycling: A popular way of exploring Killarney is by bike. There are many cycle routes catering for cyclists of all levels. Bikes can be hired in town.
Jaunting Car: These two-wheeled carriages pulled by a single horse are a common sight around Killarney ferrying tourists around the main attractions.
You’ll get used to hearing the clip-clop as they pass by. You can pick a jaunting car up in the town centre, at Torc Waterfall or at Muckross House.
Where to stay in Killarney
Being a popular tourist spot and home to a huge convention centre means there are no shortage of accommodation options.
From camping to luxury five-star hotels, you’ll be able to find something to suit your budget. Remember to book in advance though. If an event is on, or it is summer holiday season, it can get very busy and your choice might be limited.
Below are my two top choices of where to stay.
The Ross Hotel – a boutique hotel (just 29 rooms) right in the middle of town. Reasonably priced, gorgeous comfortable rooms, friendly staff and a great bar.
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa – if you are looking for a bit of luxury then look no further than the Muckross Park Hotel.
Located in the park (4km out of Killarney town), the hotel offers a choice of rooms and suites or self catering apartments with all the facilities you’d expect. You can also unwind after a day of sightseeing at their award wining spa.
The Last Word
Ireland is full of beautiful small towns and villages to visit. Killarney is no exception.
It is a great place to visit whether you are doing an Ireland road trip, backpacking around Europe, on a cruise stop or just fancy a weekend break.
With its inspiring scenery and plenty of attractions to explore, Killarney National Park, is a magical place to spend a day. There really is nothing better than being out in the fresh air enjoying the countryside and Killarney is the perfect place for that.
I hope you love Killarney has much as I did.
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