Things to do in Killarney

Things to do in  Killarney

There’s something about Kerry

County Kerry is home to some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, and Killarney is a popular base for seeing them all. Located at the edge of Killarney National Park, the town of Killarney is a gateway for attractions, including a Victorian mansion named Muckross House, natural landmarks like the Torc Waterfall, and the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Many of the best things to do in Killarney expose visitors to the green beauty of the great outdoors, from Gap of Dunloe hiking tours to national park horseback tours.

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Top 13 attractions in Killarney

#1

Killarney National Park

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Killarney National Park, with idyllic lakes and ancient woodlands backed by the serrated MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains, is an area of stunning natural beauty. The park is also historically significant, with two heritage buildings on-site: Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress-turned-hotel, and Muckross House, a stately Victorian estate.More
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#2

Blarney Castle & Gardens

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The famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle & Gardens is officially called the Stone of Eloquence, with a legend that states if you kiss the stone, you will never be at a loss for words. People travel from all over the world to kiss this mystical stone, which can only be done by hanging upside down over a sheer drop from the castle's tower. In addition to the draw of the stone, the 600-year-old fortress also boasts an array of handsome gardens and several interesting rock formations known collectively as Rock Close and given whimsical names such as Wishing Steps and Witch's Cave. Take your turn to kiss the stone, but don't leave the castle without exploring the grounds a bit too.More
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#3

Torc Waterfall

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Experience the natural beauty of County Kerry with a visit to the Torc Waterfall. Located a short walk from the Killarney–Kenmare road, in Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall is part of the River Owengariff and flows into Muckross (Middle) Lake. The site is a popular spot on the area’s scenic drives and hiking routes.More
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#4

Ross Castle

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A vision on the shores of Lough Leane, the 15th-century Ross Castle was built as a medieval fortress for an Irish chieftain named O’Donoghue, and was said to be one of the last strongholds to fall to the brutal English Cromwellian forces in the mid-16th century. The ruin has been restored, and features lovely 16th- and 17th-century furniture.More
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#5

Ladies View

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This scenic lookout takes its name from Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting, who were bowled over by the views when they visited here in 1861. These days, the vista remains as spectacular as back then, with visitors lingering at the lookout to soak up the magnificent lake and peak landscapes of Killarney National Park.More
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#6

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

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One of Ireland’s finest stately mansions, the 65-room Muckross House was built for the Herbert family in 1843. Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms sits on the shores of Muckross Lake and is replete with period furnishings and decorative objectives. Three recreated farms on the estate showcase the life of rural dwellers in the 1930s and ’40s.More
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#7

Skellig Michael

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Famously used as a filming location in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the rocky peak of Skellig Michael sits amid the wind-whipped Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of South West Ireland, reaching a height of 712 feet (217 meters). This  UNESCO World Heritage Site was a hideaway for hermit monks between the 6th century and the 12th century. The island is no longer inhabited, but you'll find the remnants of the old monastic settlement, including historic beehive huts, scattered across the island.More
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#8

Gap of Dunloe (Bearna an Choimín)

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The lake-studded glacial valley known as the Gap of Dunloe (Bearna an Choimín) is wedged between County Kerry’s Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The rugged natural scenery along the 7-mile (11-kilometer) paved mountain pass made it a magnet for sublime-seeking, 19th-century, Romantic writers such as William Thackeray and Alfred Lord Tennyson, who waxed lyrical about its beauty. Despite its popularity, the landscape remains as unspoiled as ever.More
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#9

Gougane Barra

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Ninety minutes from Kenmare and Cork, Gougane Barra National Forest Park is a popular day trip for time in Ireland’s nature—and history. Beyond the 339 acres of balding mountains, lush valleys, and the River Lee, visitors will find 300-year-old monastic ruins and a 19th-century church on a small island in a lake, one of the most photographed churches in the country.More
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#10

Muckross Abbey

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Founded in the 1440s as a Franciscan Friary, the Muckross Abbey, like many religious sites in Ireland, has a long and violent past. Damaged and rebuilt several times, what remains is an intriguing collection of well-preserved mossy ruins. Visitors are drawn to the beloved yew tree, thought to be more than 500 years old, that grows within the Abbey walls.More
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#11

Derrynane Beach

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Backed by dunes, green hills, and wave-worn rocks, this vast expanse of sugary soft, seaweed-free white sand looks almost Caribbean when the sun shines. It’s a popular spot for swimming and beach walks, and at low tide, it connects to Abbey Island, home to the ruins of the sixth-century Derrynane Abbey.More
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#12

Derrynane House

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The former home of Irish politician Daniel O’Connell, Derrynane House is packed with period furnishings and exhibits related to the statesman, who campaigned for Catholic emancipation in the 19th century. The house sits within Derrynane National Historic Park, which encompasses woodland trails, walled gardens, and scenic shoreline.More
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#13

Aghadoe Cathedral (Aghadoe Church and Round Tower)

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A historic landmark outside of Killarney, the Aghadoe Cathedral (Aghadoe Church and Round Tower) sits atop Aghadoe Hill. There has been a monastery on the site dating back to the 7th century, but the current ruins date to the 12th. Come for the mountain and lake views, and take advantage of the few on-site benches, ideal for warm-weather picnics.More
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Explore Killarney by interest

Itineraries for your Killarney trip

Top activities in Killarney

The Ring of Kerry Day Trip including Killarney Lakes and National Park

The Ring of Kerry Day Trip including Killarney Lakes and National Park

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$49.38
Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach

Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach

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243
From
$65.84
The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney

The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney

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$53.77
Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle from Killarney

Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle from Killarney

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From
$39.50
Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs, starting in (from) Killarney

Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs, starting in (from) Killarney

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From
$103.15
Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours.

Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours.

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$153.63
Ring Of Kerry Tour

Ring Of Kerry Tour

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$49.38
Killarney National Park Tour

Killarney National Park Tour

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From
$42.25
Private Tour of Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island

Private Tour of Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island

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$712.56
per group
Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney

Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney

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$35.11
Ring of Kerry Private Tour from Killarney

Ring of Kerry Private Tour from Killarney

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$576.10
per group
Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Private Day Tour

Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Private Day Tour

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$691.31
per group
Jaunting Car Tour in Killarney National Park

Jaunting Car Tour in Killarney National Park

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From
$42.25
Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately)

Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately)

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$63.64
Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 3 hours.

Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 3 hours.

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5
From
$222.76
Private Transfer between SHANNON & KILLARNEY | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between SHANNON & KILLARNEY | Premium Vehicles

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$411.50
per group
Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall

Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall

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From
$21.95
Private tour of Dingle and Slea Head with accredited guide

Private tour of Dingle and Slea Head with accredited guide

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From
$713.26
per group
Ring of Kerry Private Day Tour

Ring of Kerry Private Day Tour

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From
$613.40
per group
Private Ring of Kerry luxury tour with accredited guide

Private Ring of Kerry luxury tour with accredited guide

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72
From
$713.26
per group
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All about Killarney

When to visit

International visitors are drawn to Killarney in summer, when families arrive to explore County Kerry’s dramatic landscapes. While the summer offers daylight hours that extend in the evenings and the highest chance of warm temperatures, these months are also the most crowded. To avoid the crowds, visit in spring or fall instead. Popular annual events in Killarney include the Christmas in Killarney Festival and Ireland Bike Fest in June.

Getting around

Killarney, located in the west of Ireland within County Kerry, is best reached by rental car. This part of Ireland is known for its scenic coastal drives, and a rental car allows visitors to explore at their leisure. Other options include buses, group tours, and private tours. Killarney is also a popular destination for cyclists; you can rent bikes in the town. The many lakes of Killarney offer leisure options like boat tours and kayak rentals.

Traveler tips

Many visitors plan a trip to Killarney to drive along the Ring of Kerry. This is one of Ireland’s best coastal drives, but is very popular and can be crowded at times. Go slightly off the beaten path by exploring the nearby Ring of Beara. And while the coastline is well worth discovering, don’t miss the chance to wander in Killarney National Park and hit the hiking trails and see some epic views.

Attractions
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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

What is Killarney famous for?

The town in the southwest of Ireland is famous for Killarney National Park. In addition to the scenic lakes, mountains, and forests of the national park, Killarney is near other landmarks including the Torc Waterfall, Killarney Brewing Company, and the Muckross Abbey historic site.

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What is there to do in Killarney on a wet day?

On a wet day in Killarney, there are several indoor attractions to explore. Check out Muckross House, St. Mary’s Cathedral, or Ross Castle. Note that locals don’t let weather interrupt their plans—pack a waterproof jacket and shoes, and a wet day won’t stop you exploring Killarney National Park.

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Does Killarney have a beach?

No. The town of Killarney does not have a beach. Killarney National Park is home to several lakes with scenic lakeshores that are nice for sunbathing in good weather. Killarney is located in County Kerry, which does offer beautiful beaches, including Dooks Beach, Inch Beach, and Rossbeigh Beach.

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Is Killarney worth visiting?

Yes. Killarney is worth visiting. Killarney National Park was the first national park in Ireland and is home to the dramatic scenery for which County Kerry is famous. Don’t miss the Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey historic site. Sample local flavors at Killarney Brewing Company.

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What is there to do in Killarney at night?

Killarney is known for its nightlife. This town in County Kerry is a great place to experience Ireland’s famous pub culture, including live music. In addition to traditional pubs, Killarney also offers a comedy club and nightclubs with dancing. Nightlife is especially bustling in summer.

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What can you do for free in Killarney?

Killarney National Park is free to visit. Many visitors hike, bike, take photographs, or picnic in the national park. Other free attractions near the town of Killarney include Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey. A drive along the nearby Ring of Kerry is another scenic, free thing to do.

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