This Irish town sits on the edge of Lough Leane, surrounded by mountains and woodlands. It's known for its 15th-century Ross Castle and nearby national park.
Killarney, a town in County Kerry, Ireland, sits next to Killarney National Park. You can hike through oak forests, take boat trips on the lakes, or climb Torc Mountain for panoramic views. In town, you'll find historic sites like Ross Castle, hear traditional music in pubs, and browse shops along High Street. Killarney's location makes it a good base for exploring scenic routes like the Ring of Kerry.
Hiking in Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park covers over 25,000 acres of lakes, mountains, and woodlands adjacent to the town. You can walk trails through oak forests, spot red deer, or take boat trips on the lakes. The park includes Torc Waterfall, a 20-meter cascade surrounded by green vegetation. For wide views of the area, climb to the top of Torc Mountain or drive up to Ladies View lookout point.
Exploring Ross Castle
This 15th century tower house is on the shore of Lough Leane, Killarney's largest lake. You can tour the restored interior to learn how the castle's medieval residents lived. The castle grounds have walking paths along the lakeshore. From here, you can also take boat trips to Innisfallen Island to see ancient monastery ruins.
Visiting Muckross House and Gardens
Muckross House is a 19th century Victorian mansion within Killarney National Park. Guided tours show you the well-preserved rooms and tell stories about the families who lived there. The gardens contain trees and shrubs from around the world. Next door, Muckross Traditional Farms recreates rural Irish life in the 1930s and 1940s.
Riding in a Jaunting Car
One way to see Killarney National Park is by taking a ride in a jaunting car - a horse-drawn carriage. Local drivers called "jarveys" guide you on scenic routes through the park while sharing information about the area. This mode of transport allows you to travel between sights like Muckross House and Torc Waterfall at a relaxed pace.
Activities Around Killarney
Killarney has many options for active visitors. You can hike trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain climbs. Popular routes include the 200km Kerry Way long-distance path and trails up Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak at 1,038 meters. You can also cycle through the national park, kayak on the lakes, or play golf at courses near town.
Listening to Music in Killarney's Pubs
In the evenings, many of Killarney's pubs host traditional Irish music sessions. Places like O'Connor's Pub and Murphy's Bar often have bands playing folk tunes. You can listen to fiddles and flutes while drinking a pint of Guinness or sampling Irish whiskeys. Many pubs also serve food like Irish stew or fish and chips.
Day Trips from Killarney
Killarney's location allows for easy day trips around County Kerry. The Ring of Kerry scenic drive circles the Iveragh Peninsula, passing coastal villages and mountain landscapes. You can also visit the Dingle Peninsula to see ancient ruins and coastal scenery. Daily guided bus tours of these routes leave from Killarney.
Transportation to Killarney
Kerry Airport is 20 minutes from Killarney with flights from Dublin and UK cities. Cork and Shannon airports are about 1.5 hours away. Trains connect Killarney to Dublin, Cork and Limerick. If driving, the town is on the N22 road about 4 hours from Dublin.
Accommodation in Killarney
Killarney has a range of places to stay. The town center has hotels like the historic Great Southern and family-run guesthouses. For national park views, consider lakeside hotels like the Europe Hotel. Hostels, B&Bs and self-catering cottages are also available at different price points.
When to Visit Killarney
Summer (June-August) is the busiest season with warm weather and large crowds. May and September often have mild temperatures with fewer visitors. Winter brings cold, wet weather but quieter hiking trails and cozy pub atmospheres. In spring, wildflowers bloom in Killarney National Park.
