Killarney, nestled in County Kerry, presents a captivating blend of Ireland's stunning natural landscapes and rich historical depth, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both tranquil natural beauty and cultural immersion.
The heart of Killarney Town, particularly around High, Chapel, New, and Main Streets, buzzes with a lively energy, offering a vibrant setting to socialise. Here, you will find an abundance of colourful shops, pubs, and restaurants, perfect for enjoying traditional Irish music sessions and connecting with other travellers.
Top 5 Things to do in Killarney
Visitors can immerse themselves in Killarney's breathtaking natural landscapes and historical sites, exploring ancient castles, majestic waterfalls, and stunning glacial valleys, often through active pursuits like cycling, hiking, and boat tours.
1. Explore Killarney National Park and Muckross Estate
One can experience the expansive beauty of Killarney National Park, home to diverse ecosystems and historic landmarks. Within the park, Muckross House, a grand Victorian mansion, offers guided tours that transport visitors back to 19th-century Irish life, showcasing its opulent interior and beautifully maintained gardens. Additionally, Muckross Abbey, a picturesque Franciscan friary ruin with a central yew tree, invites peaceful exploration. The park's pathways are ideal for leisurely strolls or more energetic cycling, revealing stunning lake and mountain vistas.
Cost: Access to Killarney National Park and Muckross Gardens is free. A guided tour of Muckross House costs approximately €9 for adults and €6 for children aged 6-18, with children under 5 admitted free. A combined ticket for Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms is around €16 for adults.
Transport: Muckross House and the National Park are about 6 km from Killarney town centre. One can walk for approximately an hour, or take a taxi for €15-€19 (7 minutes). A local bus (KY03) can be taken from East Avenue to The Brehon Hotel (approx. €1.55), followed by a short taxi ride to Muckross House, taking around 9-10 minutes in total. Cycling is a popular self-serve option, with bike rentals available from €15-€20 per day.
2. Visit Torc Waterfall
Witnessing Torc Waterfall is a refreshing experience within Killarney National Park. This 20-meter high cascade is particularly impressive after rainfall, as the Owengarriff River tumbles dramatically down. A short, five-minute walk from the car park leads directly to the falls, while a more challenging hike up the steps offers panoramic views of the Killarney lakes and surrounding mountains.
Cost: Entry to Torc Waterfall is free.
Transport: Torc Waterfall is located within Killarney National Park, often visited as part of a scenic drive or cycle. The Killarney Shuttle Bus offers a day ticket that includes Torc Waterfall, among other sites.
3. Discover Ross Castle and Lough Leane
Exploring Ross Castle, a well-preserved 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane, provides a glimpse into ancient Irish history. Visitors can freely wander the castle grounds and lakeside paths, appreciating the defensive architecture and the tranquil waters. Guided tours offer insights into the castle's past. This location also serves as a departure point for boat tours across the Lakes of Killarney.
Cost: Walking around the exterior of Ross Castle is free. Guided tours of the interior cost approximately €5 per person and operate seasonally from early March to late October.
Transport: Ross Castle is situated within Killarney National Park, a short distance from Killarney town. It is accessible by walking, cycling, or by taking the Killarney Shuttle Bus for €2 from the town centre.
4. Experience the Gap of Dunloe Tour
The Gap of Dunloe tour is a captivating journey through a glaciated valley, offering dramatic mountain scenery. Typically, this full-day experience involves a bus transfer to Kate Kearney's Cottage, followed by a traverse through the 7-mile (12 km) Gap. Visitors can choose to walk, cycle, or hire a traditional horse-drawn carriage (jaunting car) with a local 'jarvey'. The adventure often concludes with a scenic boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney, eventually returning to Ross Castle.
Cost: Combined bus and boat tours generally range from €45-€60 per person. The horse-drawn carriage (jaunting car) ride through the Gap is an additional cost, usually €140 per carriage for up to four people, or €35 per person, paid directly to the ponymen in cash. Bicycle rental for self-cycling through the Gap starts from €15-€20 per day.
Transport: Tours include bus transfers from Killarney town to Kate Kearney's Cottage (start of the Gap). The boat trip typically ends at Ross Castle, from where local transport is available back to Killarney town.
5. Drive or Tour the Ring of Kerry
Embarking on the Ring of Kerry offers a renowned scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. This 179 km loop showcases Ireland's stunning coastal landscapes, rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and charming villages like Waterville and Sneem. The journey includes breathtaking viewpoints such as Ladies View and Molls Gap, providing ample opportunities to appreciate the region's natural beauty and rich heritage.
Cost: Joining a guided bus tour from Killarney costs approximately €30-€45 per adult. Driving the route independently incurs fuel costs, while private tours are available at a higher price.
Transport: Killarney is the traditional starting and ending point for the Ring of Kerry. Numerous tour operators offer daily bus tours departing from Killarney town.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
