The town of Killarney – things to do and see

Last updated on November 10, 2024

The small town of Killarney is one of the most visited towns on the Wild Atlantic Way. It is the starting point for the Ring of Kerry – but also so much more…

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Mountains near Killarney (photo by Catalina Rete on Unsplash)

Intro

Kerry – a magical term for many Ireland fans and for me too. No, we’re not talking about the golden butter here, although that also comes from here.

We’re talking about the Ring of Kerry, the famous coastal road, the beautiful Killarney National Park and the magnificent mountains of County Kerry in general. Here, in the south-west of Ireland, you’ll also find the highest mountains on the island of Ireland!

And we are mainly talking about the small town of Killarney, which for many is the starting point and destination of this wonderful region. The town has only 14,000 inhabitants, but the largest range of accommodation options after Dublin.

In summer, tourism is booming here and the number of people increases considerably. The range of exciting things to do and activities is also correspondingly high!

Kayaking Lough Leane (photo by Killarney Kayaking on Google Maps)

As if the beautiful sights and the marvellous location on Lough Leane with its enchanting mountains in the background weren’t highlights enough….

If you’re interested in what to see and do in Killarney, then you’ve come to the right place. Below I’ve put together lots of tips for you.

This is not meant to be an elaborate programme, but rather a loose collection of topics from which you can pick and choose what interests you.

So let’s get started:

Muckross Abbey (photo by Yoni Rothbart on Google Maps)

Sightseeing

Ross Castle: A well-preserved 15th century castle on the shores of Lough Leane. See: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ross-castle/.

Muckross House and Gardens: A Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens in Killarney National Park. See: https://www.muckross-house.ie/.

Muckross Traditional Farms: Open-air museum of traditional Irish farming and rural life: See: https://muckross-house.ie/muckross-traditional-farms/.

Torc Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall in Killarney National Park, easily accessible via a short walking trail. See: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/ireland/county-kerry/torc-waterfall-trail.

St Mary’s Cathedral: An impressive neo-Gothic cathedral in the centre of Killarney.

Killarney House and Gardens: A restored manor house with magnificent gardens that tells the story of the town. https://killarneynationalpark.ie/visit-us/killarney-house-and-gardens/.

Muckross Abbey: Ruins of a 15th century Franciscan monastery with a cool atmosphere. See: https://killarney.ie/things-to-do/#heritage.

Muckross House (photo by Lisa Fecker on Unsplash)

Music and Culture

INEC Killarney: Event centre for concerts and shows, including many traditional Irish concerts. See: https://www.inec.ie/.

Celtic Steps The Show: A dynamic show of Irish music and dance. See: https://celticsteps.ie/.

Pubs with live music: There are several in Killarney, for example: https://dannymann.ie/entertainment/, or: https://murphysofkillarney.com/live-music-killarney/, or: https://www.killarneygrand.com/venue.

Torc Waterfall (photo by A.H.Stubij on Google Maps)

Eat and Drink

Murphy’s Ice Cream: Handmade Irish ice cream with special flavours from Dingle – also found here in Killarney. See: https://www.murphysicecream.ie/.

Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House: Traditional Irish cuisine in a historic building. And you can also shop for traditional Irish jewellery here. See: https://bricin.ie/.

The Porterhouse Gastropub: Modern Irish cuisine and craft beer in a cosy atmosphere. See: https://theporterhousekillarney.com/.

Kitty O’Se’s Seafood Restaurant and Grill: As the name suggests, “Surf&Turf”, see: https://www.kittyoseskillarney.com/food/.

Killarney City (photo by Gelmis Bartulis on Unsplash)

Guided Tours

Jaunting Car Tours: Traditional horse-drawn carriage rides through the national park. See: https://killarneyjauntingcars.com/, or: https://killarneylaketours.ie/our-tours/.

Gap of Dunloe Tour: A horse-drawn carriage tour through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Gap of Dunloe. See: https://gapofdunloetours.com.

Boat trip around Lough Leane, past Ross Castle and Muckross House. See: https://killarneylaketours.ie/.

Boat trip from Ross Castle on Lough Leane to Upper Lake Killarney. The tour can also be combined with a carriage ride. See: https://gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com/.

Innisfallen Island: An island in Lough Leane with the ruins of an old abbey, accessible by boat. See: https://visitinnisfallen.com/.

Evening at Ross Castle (photo by Marcin Gasior on Google Maps)

Self guided tours and outdoor activities

Killarney National Park Walking Trails: Guided walks through the most beautiful parts of the national park. See: https://www.nationalparks.ie/killarney/things-to-do/.

Killarney Town Trail: A tour of the town’s main attractions. See: https://killarney.ie/things-to-do/#heritage.

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club: Wonderful golf course with breathtaking views. https://www.killarneygolfclub.ie/.

Cycle tours in Killarney National Park: Hire a bike and explore the area on your own. See for example: https://killarneyrentabike.com/.

Lough Leane (photo by Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash)

More activities

Killarney Photography Tours: Landscape photography in Killarney National Park with a professional – as a half-day, full-day or multi-day tour. See: https://www.killarneyphototours.ie/.

Killarney Falconry: Experience the art of falconry up close. See: https://www.killarneyfalconry.com/.

Festivals in Killarney: Experience music, fun and entertainment at one of Killarney’s colourful festivals. See: https://killarney.ie/festivals-events/.

Killarney Brewing Company: Local brewery and distillery with tours and tastings. See: https://killarneybrewingdistilling.com.

Guided horse rides in Killarney National Park can be organised here. See: https://killarneyridingstables.com.

Torc Mountain (photo by Mark Lawson on Unsplash)

Conclusion

As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Killarney.

A little bonus tip: Maybe you’d like to stay two nights, then you can drive the Ring of Kerry for a day and spend a day in the mountains, and then spend some time at Ross Castle and Muckross House – and then…

As you can see, you can easily fill three days with life here!

I wish you lots of fun in Killarney!