It’s hard to beat the beauty of Killarney! Located beside the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks, this charming town in Kerry is a favourite stop on many of our tours—and it’s not hard to see why!
The fantastic selection of bars and restaurants make Killarney so special, bringing a lively atmosphere even on the quietest of days. The main attractions are all close by, making it easy to get out and explore your gorgeous surroundings.
We’ve rounded up our favourite things to do in Killarney—perfect additions for your bucket list!
Red Deer and Sea Eagle Watching in Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is ideal for walking, cycling or running, or taking a jaunting car ride (pony and trap)! Keep a look out for the red deer, an endangered species in Ireland, and the white-tailed sea eagles. The eagles were reintroduced into the park in 2007, after they became extinct during the Victorian age for over a hundred years! These birds are hard to spot but truly worth catching.
Visit the Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley
A trip to Ireland is not complete without a visit to the Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe. These are two of the most popular attractions near Killarney town. Enjoy the peaceful winding roads and take in the incredible views of MacGillycuddy Reeks, Purple Mountain, Ladies View and Muckross Park. Grab a bite to eat at Kate Kearney’s Cottage before heading to the hills!
Stroll Around Muckross House
Muckross House and Gardens is located in the heart of Killarney National Park. This impressive 19th century Victorian Mansion offers fabulous views over the surrounding lakes and the ruins of Muckross Abbey. Just a short stroll away, wander around a traditional farm to get a picture of what life was like in Ireland in the early 1900s. At Muckross, spectacular photo opportunities wait for you around every corner!
Step back in time in Ross Castle
Ross Castle is just a short distance away from the town centre. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle was originally built by the O’Donoghue Mór family and soon became a stronghold of the Irish Chieftain clan. Keep in mind, the castle, overlooking Lough Leane, is only open to the public during the summer months. It should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Killarney!
Explore Torc Waterfall and Torc Mountain
Torc waterfall is located just over 2.5km from the entrance to Killarney National Park. The waterfall measures 20 metres high and 110 metres in length, and originates at the Owengarriff River. It’s one of Killarney’s best-known attractions so beware the waterfall can get very busy during the summer months.
Feeling adventurous? Continue walking past Torc Waterfall to find the scenic hiking trail. It’s roughly a two-hour roundtrip and so worth it!
Climb Carrauntoohil – Ireland’s Highest Mountain
For experienced hikers, Carrauntoohil offers a great challenge! It’s Ireland’s highest mountain (1,039m) and like with any hike, you need to come prepared. Bring layered clothing, food and water and make sure your phone is fully charged. Irish weather is unpredictable, so if you don’t have a lot of experience, you might want to book an experienced hiking guide. It is a challenging climb but well worth it, with amazing views over Killarney, Cork and Limerick on a clear day.
Tour the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring, Molls Gap and Ladies View
Killarney is your gateway to starting the drive of a lifetime! The Ring of Kerry allows you drive through 180 to 200km of the most unspoilt and charming landscapes you’ve ever seen. Pass through Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Derrynane, Sneem and Kenmare before looping back into Killarney via Molls Gap and Ladies View. Give yourself a full day to enjoy everything at a relaxing pace.
If you have time, take a detour onto the beautiful Skellig Ring. No big coaches are allowed on this route, making it a quieter and more intimate experience. You’ll get a chance to visit Skellig Chocolate Factory which offers great views of Skellig Michael, a filming location for Star Wars; ‘The Force Awakens’ and ‘The Last Jedi.’
Experience Killarney’s Pub Scene
Part of the unique charm of Killarney is the great selection of pubs with high-quality food and fun live Irish music. Killarney Brewing Company have created an amazing craft brewery inspired by the age-old process dating back as far as the 1800s. All the craft beers are additive AND preservative free, and the brewery includes a wide range of lagers, ales and stouts.
Boat Trip on the Lakes of Killarney
One of the best ways to experience the true beauty of Killarney National Park is from the water! The 3 lakes in the park offer viewpoints as far as Innisfallen Island, Library Point, Governors Rock, Old Copper Mines, and Innisfallen Abbey.
Pro-tip: Look out for white-Tailed Sea Eagles which love to fly over the lakes!