Killarney might be Ireland’s most famous and popular town and it’s easy to understand why. Located in the heart of County Kerry, the town is brimming with historic sites and natural beauty, and it’s lively atmosphere brings it all together. Overlooking the incredible shores of Lough Leane, with the McGillicuddy Reeks mountain range towering in the background, the town has a vast selection of attractions, no matter what your interests might be. Here’s a quick run through of 10 of the most popular attractions:
Killarney National Park:
Killarney National Park is a big part of what makes Killarney such an incredible town. Many of the Attractions in this list lie within 25,000 acres of the park, but the park is an attraction unto itself. The flora and fauna on display at the park all year round is spectacular, with thousands of species of plants, many of which were brought in to decorate the Royal estate during the The British Royal family’s visit in the 1800s. During your exploration of the park you’re likely to see Red or Sika deer wandering the grounds also. Visit Dinis Cottage a hidden gem located in Killarney National Park which is located on Dinis Island close to the Old Weir Bridge at the Meeting of the Waters.
Muckross House and Gardens:
The centerpiece of the Killarney National Park is The Muckross House and Gardens. This is where Queen Victoria stayed during her aforementioned Royal Visit. Now open to the public, the regal estate makes for incredible viewing. The lush flower beds of the gardens add a splash of vibrant colour to greens and pathways which surround the estate. Muckross House majestically looks over the Muckross Lake and Dinis loop is a path to walk around the full lakes shores. Visiting Muckross House is literally an adventure befitting a King/Queen.
Ross Castle:
Ross Castle is a 15th century castle that sits on the shores of Lough Leane, the biggest of Killarneys lakes. Once home to Irish chieftain O'Donoghue Mór, this historic fortress offers insight into Ireland before total British Rule. Impressive in size and stature, Ross Castle is also an excellent spot for a summer sunset!
Torc Waterfall:
Just a short drive from Killarney, Torc Waterfall is a marvel to behold all year round. The powerful cascading waters are an impressive reminder of the natural world's force and might. During spells of rain, the waterfall really comes to life, making this a great all weather activity!
Molls Gap and Ladies View:
If you continue along driving past Torc Waterfall you will find yourself on an incredible drive through the rolling hills of Molls Gap, a road which has featured on TV many times, including on the BBC hit show “Top Gear”. As you weave up through the valley on these winding roads you’ll come to a viewpoint known as Ladies View. Named after Queen Victoria's “Ladies in Waiting” who visited the viewpoint during their Royal visit to Killarney, the scenery from here is truly breathtaking, and definitely worth a trip.
Gap of Dunloe:
On the other side of Killarney is another famed attraction, the Gap of Dunloe. This narrow valley pass has attracted visitors from all over the world with its dramatic landscape and rugged feel. The pass can be explored on foot, bicycle, or even horse drawn jaunting cart, to get a real feel for bygone days. The pass can also be driven by car, but we advise caution as the roads are extremely narrow and often busy with other visitors walking. Driving the Gap of Dunloe early in the morning or later in the evening can make the drive easier, but even when quiet, the roads can be difficult to maneuver so caution is advised.
Killarney House and Gardens:
Sitting in the center of Killarney, the Killarney House and Gardens are another incredible piece of historic architecture to behold during your trip to Kerry. Recently restored to its former glory, the house is now home to a free museum on the history of the grounds, as well as an art gallery. The gardens and greens which extend from the front of the house are a peaceful oasis right inside the hustle and bustle of Killarney town.
Innisfallen Island:
Home to a 7th century Christian monastery, Innisfallen island is another incredible example of Killarney’s fusion of natural beauty and historic significance. The island sits in the center of Lough Leane, meaning it is only accessible by boat. There are regular tours out to the island, on which you will learn about the history of the Island, and how and why it was used by the monks over a thousand years ago. Being totally separated from the mainland of Killarney gives the island an aura of tranquility, allowing visitors to really connect with the monastic ruins. For more info on boat tours in Kerry, click here for our boat tours page!
St. Mary’s Cathedral:
Visible from miles away, St. Mary’s Cathedral was designed by Augustus Pugin in the Gothic Revival Style. Reaching almost 300 feet into the air, the spire of the Cathedral towers over Killarney. From inside, when the sun shines through the beautiful stained glass windows, they are vibrant with colour.
Killarney Jaunting Carts:
A staple of Killarney, the traditional horse drawn jaunting carts are an excellent way to see Killarney. The drivers (known locally as “jarveys”) have a wealth of knowledge on the town's history. They are the Killarney equivalent to London’s black taxi cabs. You can book tours with them online, or catch them directly in the center of town.
Killarney’s mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences, make it a must see stop on your trips to Kerry. This is just a small selection of the many incredible options available to those lucky enough to visit this incredible town. For more information on Killarney, such as Killarney’s hotels and restaurants, be sure to check out our Killarney web page here.
