You're Going to Love Killarney
With its charming period architecture and gorgeous setting of green fields and forests, blue waters, and mountains, Killarney offers you a taste of the lush Irish countryside, and you can expect accommodation and dining at all price points to go with the picturesque views and range of outdoor activities.
Located in the southwestern part of Ireland in County Kerry, Killarney is surrounded by more than 26,000 acres of ancient forests, rivers, and lakes, and the highest mountain peaks in Ireland. You're likely to see deer, rabbits, and more wildlife in Killarney National Park, which borders the town.
The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and there are many traces of Killarney's long history left to explore, including castles and the former homes of the area's gentry. Together with gourmet dining and traditional Irish hospitality, Killarney offers you the best of rural Ireland.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Killarney
1. Outdoor Adventure
Killarney is the ideal place to explore the bucolic Irish landscape, with many walking, cycling, and driving tours available. You can also explore your adventurous edge, including canyoning and waterfall jumping right in Killarney National Park.
2. Life on the Water
No matter how short your stay, you must get out on the water, whether it's a boat trip to Ross Castle or other area attractions, kayaking through the Killarney Lakes, or heading to the ocean in nearby Kenmare. There is canoeing, surfing, sailing, and stand up paddle boarding, among the many ways to enjoy the water.
3. Unique Accommodation Options
Forget bland chain hotels - staying in Killarney or the area is your chance to experience the best of Irish country living. There are picturesque resorts like the beautiful Carrig Country House, ideally situated on Caragh Lake overlooking the Kerry mountains, cute B&Bs in town, and many more such as Cahernane House Hotel, a 19th-century mansion that is now a 5-star resort.
4. Everything from Comfort Foods to Fine Dining
Many hotels include a classic Irish breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, and potatoes fried in butter, and you'll have to try at least one sumptuous Irish tea from one of the area's many tearooms, including those at Dinis Cottage, Deenagh Lodge, and Ross Castle too. The tourist industry has attracted many international chefs to Killarney. Fresh seafood is king of many menus, including lobster and freshwater fish like trout, along with produce, cheeses, and other dairy products from area farms.
5. History
There are many ways to explore centuries of history in Killarney, including the Innisfallen Monastery that dates from the 6th century and iconic Ross Castle, built in the 15th century. There are centuries-old cathedrals and many other sites to explore.
When to Visit Killarney
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Killarney has a seasonal climate, with summer daytime temperatures averaging in the high 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, and remaining around the 50 mark from April to November. The town sees a huge influx of tourists during the summer months. Fall and spring offer bargains and weather that is cooler but still pleasant enough for outdoor activities. The colors and deer rutting season make fall a good time to visit.
How to Get to Killarney
Plane
The closest international airport to Killarney is Cork Airport (ORK), at a distance of just under 55 miles. The most economical way to get to Killarney is the Irish Bus Service, Bus Éireann, which costs EUR14.00. It is possible to take the train with transfers in Cork and Mallow, at a total cost of about EUR35.00. From Cork or Dublin, you can also catch a regional connecting flight to Kerry Airport (KIR), just seven miles from Killarney.
Train
There are direct connections by train from Killarney train station to Dublin Heuston station and Cork. Irish Rail provides several trains to Killarney per day along the run between Dublin Heuston station and Tralee. The train station is located just at the edge of town within walking distance to Killarney National Park.
Car
Driving the Irish countryside is a pleasant and scenic journey. Killarney connects with N72, with links to Mallow and beyond to the M8. N22 links Killarney to Cork in the east and Tralee in the northwest.
Bus
Bus Éireann, or the Irish National Bus Service, provides service to Killarney from multiple locations including Tralee and Kenmare. There are also many private companies that operate tours and bus transportation from various centers such as Dublin and Cork.
Airlines serving Killarney
Where to stay in popular areas of Killarney
Most booked hotels in Killarney
How to Get Around Killarney
Public Transportation
The town is very compact and walkable, and there is no real public bus service available. Some private companies offer horse and buggy tours and transportation to the National Park, along with shuttle bus service to various locations.
Taxi
There are a number of taxi companies operating in Killarney, including Corcoran Taxis and Killarney Taxi. Fares start at EUR4.00, increasing by about EUR1.45 per 0.62 miles. Taxis are also an option to get from Killarney to nearby towns, with fares of about EUR40 for a trip to Kenmare.
Car
Even though the distances are not far between the town and many of the major attractions, a car rental is a good idea; prices start at about EUR10.00 per day and there are Budget and Enterprise outlets in town. Street parking may be at a premium but there are a few larger car parks in Killarney with hourly rates that start at EUR2.00.
Car rental agencies in Killarney
The Cost of Living in Killarney
Shopping Streets
There are many specialty stores in town such as Quills Woollen Market on High Street, while Lyne's of Killarney shopping mall offers many stores just down the street. The Killarney Outlet Centre is located near the bus and train stations and offers many international brands at discount prices.
Groceries and Other
Tesco and Spar are two of the supermarket chains available in Killarney, with well-stocked shelves and reasonable prices. Supervalu is a discount chain. A quart of milk costs about EUR1.00 and a dozen eggs will run about EUR2.60.
Where to Eat in Killarney
Rozzers Restaurant is a favorite place for fine dining Irish/continental style, located in picturesque Killeen House Hotel. A multi-course prix fixe dinner starts at EUR55.00. Award-winning Gaby's Seafood Restaurant focuses on the bounty of the ocean, with main dishes starting at EUR21.00. Bricin Restaurant and Craft Shop celebrates Celtic culture and cuisine with a menu of two and three course favorites like homemade seafood chowder and Boxty, a traditional Irish favorite, starting at EUR23.00 to EUR26.00.