Killarney
Killarney has been welcoming visitors for over 250 years. Known for its scenic beauty, atmospheric town and welcoming locals, Killarney is a great base to explore Kerry but there is so much to experience in Killarney itself.
A visit to Killarney town can lead to a taste of locally made ice cream, enjoying a traditional session in a local bar or a shopping trip to one of the many stores in the town. When it comes to dining options in the town there are many options to choose from including casual dining fish restaurants, family friendly bistros or romantic restaurants for couples.
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Killarney National Park contains 26,000 acres of lakes, mountains, waterfalls, woodlands and Ireland’s highest mountain range Mac Gillycuddy’s Reeks. A popular highlight of Killarney National Park for visitors is Muckross House and Gardens, a 19th Century Victorian Mansion sat on the shores of one of Killarney’s three lakes. Muckross House and Gardens are open daily for visitors (except Christmas) and the House is only accessible by a guided tour.
Other attractions to visit during your time in Killarney are Ross Castle, where you can hire a boat out on the lakes or to Inisfallen Island, St. Mary’s Cathedral the only Cathedral in County Kerry, Muckross Abbey and Killarney House and Gardens.
Killarney is an idyllic area for any photographer, there are a number of viewing points the most popular being Aghadoe Viewing Point, Ladies View located 19km outside Killarney on the N71 towards Kenmare and top of the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass between Mac Gillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. The Gap is 11km in length and can be accessed by boat from Ross Castle and travel up the gap or you can rent a bike or jaunting car also.
Torc Waterfall located 7km outside Killarney on the N71 is a sight to behold. The waterfall is 20 meters high and is best after a heavy rainfall. After a visit to Torc a short 1km on N71 towards Kenmare you can visit Dinis Cottage and behind the Cottage a hidden gem you will find Meeting of the Waters, this is where the three Killarney lakes meet. An area full of tranquillity and peace to enjoy.
Killarney’s event calendar is full of entertainment and festivals. The Gleneagle INEC Arena plays hosts to the best of International and National musicians, comedians, singer songwriters, musicals and acts throughout the year and their calendar is worth checking out. Killarney’s Festival calendar kicks off in March with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This family festival celebrates everything Irish and takes place over a few days, the highlight being the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Later in March the Wander Wild Festival takes place, a weekend full of unique outdoor experiences from mountain hiking to kayaking on the lakes. Ireland BikeFest takes place annually over the June Bank Holiday Weekend, a festival full of free entertainment, Bike Parade, Ride Outs, Custom Bike Show and more! All welcome at the festival. Celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks and a parade at the 4th of July Celebrations, a great family event full of spectacular! Killarney has a busy racing calendar also with races meetings in May, July and August, Killarney Racecourse is one of the most scenic race courses in Ireland. There racing calendar is available to view on their website. The final festival of the year is Christmas in Killarney, this celebration of Christmas takes place over a number of weeks in December. The town is dressed in festive decoration; a Christmas Parade takes place every Saturday evening with a Special Guest, enjoy a festive sleigh ride, or visit to the ice rink.
It will be no surprise that Killarney is full of outdoor activities from walks, hikes and cycle routes, horse riding through the National Park and enjoying the views of the lakes and mountains, a visit to Muckross Traditional Farm to learn about the traditional farming methods, a horse drawn jaunting car trip around Killarney town or Killarney National Park and these are only the activities on land.
A golfing experience is very popular for those visiting Killarney that wish to experience an round of golf on a prestigious and historic golf club. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club offer two 18 hole course at Killeen and Mahony’s Point and a 9 hole course at Lackabane. Beautfort Golf Course a short 10 minutes from Killarney town offers a superb 18 hole parkland course to enjoy. Explore Killarney by lake, enjoy a boat trip or cruise across the lakes of Killarney, a fishing trip to catch your dinner or a sunset kayak with friends. There is so much to enjoy in Killarney that choosing your favourites will be the biggest challenge!
