Killarney is a stunning small town along the famed scenic drive known as the Ring of Kerry. Cill Airne, as the town is called in Irish, is surrounded by towering mountains, immaculate forests, waterfalls, and castles, offering plenty of activities for tourists looking to explore the Irish countryside. Many tourists only stay a night or two in Killarney while they complete the Ring of Kerry, but this tiny town is chock-full of incredible things to see and do that you could easily spend a week exploring the area.
Regardless of how much time you’re planning to spend in the region, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience all Killarney has to offer, which is why we have crafted a list of the best things to do in Killarney. This way, you can plan your trip with peace of mind knowing you haven’t missed out on an extraordinary attraction!
Explore Ross Castle
Ross Castle is easily one of the best tourist attractions in Killarney, and for good reason. This stunning 15th-century has a fascinating history and an even more enchanting beauty as it sits on the shores of Lough Leane nestled between tall trees and small islands.
Ross Castle was built by Clan O’Donoghue Mór in 1537 and has a colorful history of war. The most notable event at the castle took place in 1644 when Cromwellian troops were closing in on the castle. Ross Castle remained the last stronghold in the Munster area and a prophecy had foretold the only way the castle could be taken is by boat. General Ludlow, Cromwell’s commander, learned of this prophecy and on the morning of the attack launched a boat into Lough Leane. This led to the defenders of Ross Castle surrendering the castle, which was subsequently destroyed.
Today, tourists can explore the Medieval tower and grounds on a guided or self-guided tour. There are several nature walking trails on the estate, leading out to Ross Island and offering fantastic views of Lough Leane. For a unique experience, visitors can visit the castle at night and see it lit up and reflect off of the lake.
Take a Boat Tour of Lough Leane
Right beside Ross Castle, there are several boat companies offering tours of Lough Leane and the Lakes of Killarney. This is a great way to explore Ireland’s lake ecosystems as well as visit some of the harder-to-reach attractions.
The most popular and budget-friendly tour of the Lakes of Killarney is on the Lily of Killarney Watercoach. This one-hour boat tour from Ross Castle will take you on a fully covered and heated boat cruise through Killarney National Park, passing attractions like Innisfallen Monastery, Ross Island, and Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Innisfallen Monastery is of particular interest as it was home to a monastery founded by St Finian the Leper in 640 AD. If you want to visit the island and explore it on foot, then book a boat tour with Visit Innisfallen. Boats depart every hour from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily from Reen Pier.
Another great option for those looking to explore Lough Leane and the Lakes of Killarney is to book a kayaking tour with Outdoors Ireland. The tour lasts about three hours and lets you get off on Innisfallen Island to explore the abbey ruins.
Tour the Grounds at Muckross House and Abbey
Another outstanding Killarney attraction is Muckross House and Estate, located in Killarney National Park. This massive luxurious estate is home to several attractions, including Muckross House where Queen Victoria famously stayed during her time visiting the area in 1861. You can explore the furnished 19th-century mansion and snap some beautiful photos in the rose garden while touring the home. There are also plenty of open lush green areas to enjoy a picnic or you can opt to grab a bite at the Garden Restaurant.
After touring the main home, set out on a trek of the grounds to explore even more fantastic attractions, such as the ruins of Muckross Abbey and Muckross Traditional Farms. Muckross Abbey dates back to the 15th century, but folklore claims there has been a friary on the land since the beginning of Christianity in Ireland in the 6th century. The abbey has no roof but the rest of the building is well intact to explore, including a stunning courtyard. Muckross Traditional Farm is a great area for kids to roam and explore as there is a petting zoo with pigs, cows, donkeys, and more. You’ll learn about how farm homes were run and farming traditions in the area.
After exploring the grounds, head over to Muckross Lake to take a boat tour to Dinis Cottage across the lake. Dinis Cottage was originally a hunting cabin during the 1700s, but today it is a tea room serving up scones and warm beverages. If you don’t fancy a boat tour, you can walk to Denis Cottage from Muckross House in about an hour. Once you’ve warmed up with a cuppa, make your way to Old Weir Bridge to snap some incredible photos of the stone bridge and surrounding mountains.
Hike to Torc Waterfall
If you’re looking to go on a hike in Killarney, there really is no shortage of trails. But one of the most accessible and popular trails is the trek to Torc Waterfall.
There are two different routes you can choose when planning a trek to Torc Waterfall. The first is the shortest and easiest way to get to the waterfall with little kids. Simply park your car in the small lot or on the side of the road on the Ring of Kerry. From here, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the lower part of the waterfall. If you want a more challenging hike, make your way first to Killarney National Park Car Park on the east side of the waterfall. From here, you can set out on a steep uphill hike to the top of the waterfall. Be aware though that this hike can be a bit strenuous, so bring lots of water and good hiking shoes.
Regardless of the route you choose to trek, you’ll be rewarded by the beautiful view of this 20-meter-high waterfall surrounded by lush forest. If you’re lucky enough, you can sometimes find a bagpiper on the lower trail serenading and busking!
Go for a Scenic Drive or Walk Through the Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes near Killarney. It can be explored in a number of ways, either on foot, by car, by horse-drawn carriage, or by hiking the valley ridges.
This mountain valley pass winds its way through the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain ranges, offering stunning views of ridge waterfalls, lakes, and towering mountains. The best way to enjoy a self-guided tour of the Gap of Dunloe is to park at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which marks the entrance to the valley. The cottage is over 150 years old and offers a spot to shop for souvenirs, warm up with a cup of coffee, or enjoy a hearty stew before setting off on your trek. If you’re hesitant about walking the gap, then consider hiring one of the horse-drawn carriages from outside Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Alternatively, you could drive or bring a bicycle.
The Gap of Dunloe walk and driving route is a 6.8-mile (11 kilometers) long trek one way or a 13.6-mile (22 kilometers) long hike round trip. If you do plan on driving the route, make sure to exercise a high level of caution as there are several sharp turns along the way, along with many walkers, bikers, and horses. Make sure to stop about a kilometer into the walk/drive to see the Wishing Bridge!
Alternatively, you can opt to hike the Gap of Dunloe and Strickeen Mountain on a two and half hour route that will give you a birds-eye view of the glacial valley.
Enjoy the Views From Ladies’ View Gift Store Cafe Bar & Roof Terrace
If you’re out and about sightseeing in Killarney, make sure to stop in at Ladies’ View Gift Store Cafe Bar & Roof Terrace located on the Ring of Kerry route. This hidden gem outside of town offers one of the best views of the Ring of Kerry and the surrounding Killarney National Park. There are plenty of tables outside and on the rooftop offering sweeping views of the area. Visitors can browse the gift shop, enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness, or enjoy a light lunch.
Check Out St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, is a massive Roman Catholic church designed by architect Augustus Welby Pugin in a Gothic Revival style. Pugin is most known for designing the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster. The church was constructed in the mid-1800s and was built on the burial site of several children who died of starvation during the potato famine. There is a statue outside the church built in memory of these children.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll be blown away by the high ceilings, stained glass windows, and the sheer enormity of the building. Make sure to walk past the church at night, too, as the stonework lit up at night is quite beautiful. St. Mary’s Cathedral is open free of charge to visitors and there is free on-site parking as well.
Wander the Grounds at Killarney House and Gardens
Another excellent free thing to do in Killarney is visit Killarney House and Gardens in Killarney National Park. The house and gardens are within walking distance of town and offer a great spot to start your tour of Killarney National Park.
Inside the Killarney House, you’ll find a free museum with interactive exhibits on the anthropological and geographical history of the home and national park. While the large 18th-century house offers guided tours, the real attraction here is the pleasure gardens and the cherry blossom tree-lined path. The gardens and grounds also offer breathtaking views of the mountains, so make sure to bring a fully charged camera!
Sample Craft Beers at the Taproom at Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co.
Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. is easily one of the most popular brewers in the region, and there are two ways you can sample and learn more about their refreshing brews.
The first is by visiting the distillery visitor center, located about a 10-minute drive outside of town. Here, you’ll find a fantastic restaurant and bar serving up whisky and beer with fantastic views of MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Lakes of Killarney. If you don’t feel like leaving town to enjoy a cold brew, then head to their Taproom located near Killarney House and Gardens.
All of the craft beers produced by Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. are preservative and additive free. Each beer is also named after a local legend or myth, to keep the brewery connected to the community and the area.
Take a Carriage Tour With Killarney Horse and Carriage Tours
One of the best ways to explore Killarney is with a guided carriage tour with Killarney Horse and Carriage Tours. This is a great activity in Killarney for the whole family or couples who want to tour iconic attractions in a relaxed way.
The jaunting cars, as they call the carriages, have been operating with Killarney tourism for 350 years. The company offers a range of tours at several of the area’s top attractions, such as Ross Castle, Muckross Castle, and the Gap of Dunloe. Alternatively, you could book a jaunting car tour of Ross Castle with a boat cruise through the Lakes of Killarney or you can work out a custom carriage ride tour in Killarney. Tours are available 365 days of the year and each carriage is equipped for all weather.
If you fancy a craft beer at Killarney Brewery and Distillery and want to enjoy a carriage ride, consider booking this two-and-a-half-hour tour to the Killarney Brewery and Distillery Visitor Center outside town.
Drive the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most beautiful scenic drives and a must-see in Killarney for tourists. This 111-mile (179 kilometers) loop winds its way through the mountains and lakes of Killarney National Park, picturesque small towns, and beautiful beaches, offering plenty of scenic stops and historic attractions.
You’ll want to set aside an entire day to drive the Ring of Kerry as it takes three and a half hours to drive without stopping at any attractions. And trust us, you will want to stop at more than one of the several historic and natural points along the way.
Make your way out of Killarney towards the town of Kenmore, or head out towards Killorgen to drive the loop counterclockwise. Alternatively, you could take the scenic route through Molls Gap to link up with the Ring of Kerry. There are plenty of fantastic attractions on the Ring of Kerry, including one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, Derrynane Beach, the Kerry Bog Village Museum, and Cahergall Stone Fort. If you want to hit up even more attractions, consider adding the Skellig Ring to your day trip. This one-and-a-half-hour loop will take you to some seriously underrated attractions like Valentia Island, where you’ll find the Tetrapod Footprints dating back 370 million years ago, Saint Brendan’s Well, and O’Shea’s Faux Pub, a fake remote pub built by Guinness for advertisement. You can also add a day tour to the famous Skellig Michael, which is home to a gorgeous Christian monastery that was used as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
If you’re a bit hesitant to rent a car in Ireland, then you can opt to join this full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry from Killarney.
Hike the Devil’s Ladder Trail on Carrauntoohil
Outdoor adventurists and hikers don’t need to go far to find one of Ireland’s best hiking trails. Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s tallest mountain and is a local favorite for hiking since the reward is unparalleled views of the Ring of Kerry. The most direct route up the mountain is known as Devil’s Ladder. It is a challenging 12-kilometer trail that takes about four to six hours to hike. The name “Devil’s Ladder” comes from the 300-meter-long portion of the trail that is extremely steep and filled with loose rocks. Hikers must scramble (a hiking technique of using both your hands and feet to make it up a steep portion of the trail) the grade one section to make it to the next part of the trail, which can be quite dangerous for little ones or those out of shape. However, once you make it up the ladder portion of the trail you will be struck by outstanding views of the surrounding nature and mountain. At the top of Carrauntoohil, there is a large cross that marks the peak.
We recommend bringing lots of water, snacks, and food along for the hike, as well as a first aid kit and good hiking shoes.
Take a Day Trip to Dingle
Another popular day trip destination from Killarney is Dingle, located on the Dingle Peninsula. This gorgeous area often takes a back seat to the Ring of Kerry, so the area is less crowded with tourists.
There are plenty of attractions to visit in and around Dingle. One of the quirkiest attractions on the peninsula is the Gallarus Oratory – a crude stone building, believed to be a church, that is estimated to have been built between the 6th and 9th centuries. The 17-foot tall oratory is a shining example of Neolithic building techniques as it was constructed using a technique known as corbelling. Corbelling was the practice of stacking stones on top of each other at a slight angle with the stones lower on the outside so that water could run away from the building’s interior. The true purpose of this ancient building isn’t known, but there is a Celtic burial ground nearby, so it is believed it was a place of worship or ritual. There is a small window in the back of the oratory and rumor has it that if you can squeeze your body through the window, then you will be cleansed of all your sins. Don’t get too excited about a good soul cleansing though, as the window is so small only a child could fit through it!
Another popular attraction on the Dingle Peninsula is Dunquin Pier. This gorgeous scenic area boasts a twisting pier road that overlooks Blasket Island and the rocky cliff edges of the peninsula. This is a great spot to walk around and snap some seriously enchanting photos of the Irish countryside. You can also walk down the road for a few minutes to The Blasket Center, where you’ll find a fantastic museum on the lives of those who lived remotely, the heritage of the area, and the local folklore. You can also book a ferry ticket here to Blasket Island.
Other noteworthy attractions on the Dingle Peninsula include the town of Dingle, the FairyFort Ringfort, Eask Tower, Kinard Beach, and Conor’s Pass and Conor’s Pass Waterfall. You can opt to head out on a self-drive tour of the Dingle Peninsula or a guided day trip tour of Dingle from Killarney.
Indulge in an Afternoon High Tea at the Great Southern Killarney Hotel
After a morning of exploring some of Killarney’s attractions, why not enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at the luxurious Great Southern Killarney Hotel? This stunning four-star hotel is home to a fantastic afternoon tea service that is perfect for anyone who has wanted to experience high tea in a classic Victorian drawing room (basically, who wants to feel like they’re in an episode of Bridgerton?). High Tea has been served in these luxurious rooms since the Victorian era, and you can book a table from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. Included in high tea is a selection of open-face and finger sandwiches, warmed butter scones, a selection of cakes and pastries, and coffee or tea. If you’re feeling boujee and boozy, you can upgrade your high tea to include some bubbly!
Make sure to book your high tea at the hotel in advance as the service is quite popular with locals and tourists. You can make reservations on their official website.
Book a Private Falconry Experience
One of the most unique tours in Killarney to book is the Falconry Experience with Killarney Falconry. You can book a private or group outing to the Lakes of Killarney with an experienced falconry guide and a hawk (or team of hawks) where you’ll experience the awe-inspired craft of falconry. Along with the expert, you’ll dawn a falconry glove and watch as the bird of prey swoops down over the lakes and mountains, landing on your glove. You’ll learn all about the training these birds undergo and the basics of falconry. This is a great experience for families or groups with an interest in nature.
Take the Kids to Kennedy Pet Farm
If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney with kids, then look no further than the Kennedy Pet Farm located just a 10-minute drive outside town.
The Kennedy Pet Farm is a great place to visit in Killarney and spend an afternoon with the little ones while getting up close and personal with some furry friends. The farm and activity center has plenty of attractions to keep energy-fueled kids busy. There are two playgrounds on the property, one inside and one outside, along with loads of animals like donkeys, peacocks, horses, pigs, and goats. If you’re lucky, you may even get to cuddle up with some kittens and puppies! After a day about the farm, head over to the on-site café for a bite to eat or bring your own snacks and enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
Hike to O’Sullivan’s Cascade
There is no shortage of outstanding natural waterfalls near Killarney, but one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls to hike to is O’Sullivan’s Cascade in Killarney National Park.
Located between the Gap of Dunloe and Lough Leane, this gorgeous waterfall offers a stunning setting among the Tomies Wood trees where you can snap some pictures or even go for a dip in the pool below! To get to O’Sullivan’s Cascade, make your way to Tomies Wood Car Park located about a 20 minute drive from town. The trail to O’Sullivan’s Cascade is a loop trail, but alternatively, you could opt to walk out and back if you’re just interested in seeing the waterfall. We recommend hiking the whole loop route, which takes about an hour and a half to complete. Legend says that O’Sullivan’s Cascade used to run whisky down its path instead of water, but when the English invaded the golden fountain began to run clear with water.
Visit the Irish Franciscans Monastery
Another beautiful religious attraction to visit in Killarney is the Irish Franciscans Monastery. Here, visitors can marvel at the high domed ceilings and mosaic walls while learning more about Franciscan life in Ireland.
The Irish Francisicans have had a turbulent history in Killarney, with friars being ousted from the area on a number of occasions from the mid-1400s to the 1800s. This Irish church is dedicated to Francis Diarmuid O’Sullivan, who was beheaded by the Cromwellian English in June of 1653. Visitors will even find his skull on display at the entrance to the church!
Take a Horseback Riding Tour of Killarney National Park
If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Killarney, then why not head out on a horseback adventure through the stunning forest and lakes of Killarney National Park?
This three-hour guided horseback tour is suitable for the whole family no matter what your background is with horse riding, as the guides with Connemara Wild Escapes are happy to accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advance. The tour will take you through the winding paths of Killarney National Park, past Knockreer Estate and the Lakes of Killarney. If you’re lucky, you may even get to spot some of the local wildlife like deer, bunnies, and foxes. This is a can’t miss experience for nature lovers or horse lovers!
Visit Kilgarvan Motor Museum
Last on our list of the best attractions in Killarney is the Kilgarvan Motor Museum located outside Kenmare. This fantastic museum is the ideal day trip for car enthusiasts interested in vintage and classic cars. The family-run museum boasts a great collection of Irish and international vehicles, like a 1924 Ford Model T, 1939 Rolls Royce and a 1959 Sunbeam Alpine. Visitors can roam the collection at their own pace and chat with the knowledgeable owners about their collection. There is an on-site café and gift shops where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or browse for souvenirs after. The Kilgarvan Motor Museum is located just under a 30 minute drive from Killarney and is open from Tuesday until Sunday.
Well, guess what? You’re now an expert on all the amazing things there is to do in and around Killarney. We’ve done the heavy lifting by sorting this list out, so now it’s your turn to put in the work and see how many of these outstanding attractions you can pack into your itinerary. Maybe make yourself a nice Irish coffee while you plan your vacation itinerary to get yourself in the Irish mindset (we won’t tell anyone)!
Comments