Killarney, Ireland, is an excellent place for a day trip from a larger city like Cork or a stop when traveling the Ring of Kerry. It was my favorite place when I went to Ireland for 10 days in October, so I highly recommend you visit Killarney.
This ultimate travel guide to Killarney, Ireland, has all the information you need to hike in Killarney National Park and the things you need to do in the town. There are also great places to eat and stay in Killarney, plus information on how to get around.
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Killarney National Park
Hiking is the best thing to do in Killarney, and you can see plenty in one day, even if you don’t have a car. But, if you do have a car, you can see a lot more of Killarney National Park during your visit.
Killarney National Park is right next to the town. Even if you only have one day in Killarney, you should spend part of it at the national park.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Killarney National Park?
Visiting the national park when you have a car gives you many more options for where you can visit, but you can still see plenty without one.
If you have a car, I recommend spending more than one day in Killarney. The national park is so big, so there is a lot to see, especially if you want to have time in the town.
The next section has all the best places to go in Killarney National Park, and you can get to all of them with a car. But, if you plan on parking your car near any of the sites listed, arrive early, or you may struggle to find a parking spot.
Don’t worry if you do not have a car when you visit Killarney. You can still see a lot of the town and the national park, especially if you don’t mind walking. I didn’t have a car when we visited Ireland, and it was super easy to get around the town and the national park.
Here is the route that I hiked from the town to Ross Castle. I highly recommend this route since it includes a few miles of the beautiful park before you reach the castle. Then, from the castle, you can head back into town or continue your hike to Library Point. And, you can always shorten it depending on how comfortable you are walking in one day.
Where to Hike in Killarney National Park
There’s so much to see in Killarney National Park since there are over 25 thousand acres to explore. The places on this list are the best places to hike in Killarney National Park, but it’s far from a complete list, and you can spend days seeing all the sites.
And, no matter where in the park you are, keep an eye out for all the wildlife that live in and roam there.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle is the most accessible place to hike when you do not have a car in Killarney. You can easily walk to it from the town and see beautiful views of the park on the way.
The castle was built in the 15th century by O’Donoghue Mór, and it sits on Lough Leane.
There’s an old legend that O’Donoghue still lives in the lake. He rises from the lake every seven years to ride around the lake on a white horse, and if you see him, you will have good luck for the rest of your life.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit in Killarney, and you’ll have amazing views if you arrive early before the crowds.
It is easy to get to if you have a car, or if you don’t mind a bit of a walk from Killarney, it is a doable walk.
There is a parking lot near the waterfall, and you can walk to Muckross House from the waterfall in less than an hour.
Muckross House
The Muckross House is a beautiful mansion with gardens and a farm. The home was built in 1843. The Muckross Estate was donated to the state in 1932, and this donation started the first national park in Ireland.
Upper Lake Killarney
Upper Lake Killarney is another excellent place to hike in Killarney National Park. The lake is beautiful, and there are a ton of other great scenic spots and places to stop near the lake:
- Derrycunnihy Falls
- Looscaunagh Lough & Viewpoint
- Derrycunihy Church
- Ladies View
- Owengarriff River
Killarney Trail
The Killarney Trail officially starts on the west side of Lough Leane, opposite Killarney. It is a 3.75 mile, or 6 km, loop trial. The trail takes you by O’Sullivan’s Cascade, another one of Killarney National Park’s amazing waterfalls.
Ring of Kerry – Killarney
There are plenty of other great hikes west of Killarney that are part of the Ring of Kerry. If you are driving the Ring of Kerry, Killarney is a great stop, and you should spend a few days enjoying the town and national park.
Places to Eat in Killarney, Ireland
Irish food and beer are some of my favorites, and Killarney certainly doesn’t disappoint in this category. There are plenty of places to eat in Killarney, but these three are a few of the best!
John M Reidy Cafe
This cafe and bar is a great place to visit any time of day. They have fresh pastries and coffee to get your day started in the morning. Or, you can visit them later in the day for some food and drinks.
The cafe has a fascinating history that dates back more than a century and a half. You can read more about the history of the John M Reidy Cafe here.
Murphys Bar & Restaurant
If you only have one meal in Killarney, I highly recommend it be at Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant. Murphy’s is a traditional Irish Pub with all the classic dishes you’ll want to try during your trip to Ireland. They also have a full bar that you can enjoy at any time of day.
The bar & restaurant is connected to Murphy’s Townhouse, a 20 room inn located in the heart of Killarney. If you plan on staying in Killarney for more than a day, this is the perfect place to stay.
The Laurels Pub & Restaurant
The Laurels is another traditional Irish pub that serves a full food and drink menu. The interior is just how you would picture an Irish pub, and the restaurant has been run by the same family for nearly a century. On certain days and times of the year, there is live music and dancing, which only adds to the fun.
Transportation in Killarney, Ireland
Getting to and around Killarney is very easy, whether you have a car or not. Driving is so popular among tourists in Ireland. If you have a car, you should obviously use it to get to Killarney.
But, don’t worry if you are without a car. You can easily get to Killarney with public transit, then walk around once you arrive.
How to Get to Killarney
Most people rent a car when they visit Ireland, and if this is true for you, you can easily drive to Killarney. Then, you just need to find a public parking lot or ask your hotel where to park when you arrive.
But, you don’t need a car to get to Killarney. I didn’t rent a car when I was in Ireland, and I had no problem getting around with trains, buses, and my feet.
If you don’t have a car, you can easily get to the city by train. The Killarney Train Station is right in the town, so you can get anywhere on foot once you arrive.
I would recommend taking the earliest train into Killarney and the latest train out if you only spend a day here and want to make the most of it.
All the information you need to visit Killarney by train is on the Irish Rail website.
You can also take a bus if you are not coming from somewhere with a train line, but this will take longer than a train.
How to Get Around Killarney
As for getting around in Killarney, the town is so small, so unless you are venturing into the national park, you won’t need a car.
Most people will have no problem getting around the town and seeing a good part of the national park just by walking.
There are also horse and carriage rides you can hire for a ride around the town.
Where to Stay in Killarney, Ireland
Killarney has so many places to stay. It is overwhelming to find a good place, so I’ve listed the best places to stay in Killarney. These cover a range of budgets, but if you can’t find one you like, check out Hotels.com for more options!
Budget: The Black Sheep Hostel
The Black Sheep Hostel is your best option for a place to stay in Killarney on a backpacking budget. It was voted the best hostel in Ireland in 2019! You have the choice between dorm rooms and private rooms, and breakfast is included.
You’re right by the town center and an entrance to Killarney National Park. Plus, there’s a fireplace and a full kitchen with free pasta, and the staff can help you organize other activities and excursions.
Mid-Range: Murphy’s Townhouse, Killarney
Murphy’s is a great place to stay if you want something simple and cozy. You’ll be in the heart of the town, and you don’t need to leave the building to grab some delicious food at Murphy’s Bar. Plus, you’ll have the privacy of a hotel room without having to spend too much.
Luxury: The Killarney Park
The Killarney Park is perfect if you want all the amenities and to be in the town’s center. It’s a five-star hotel, and it is one of the highest-rated by guests in Killarney. Inside the hotel are two restaurants, a bar, a pool, and a full-service spa.
Things to do in Killarney, Ireland
Besides exploring the national park and enjoying the pubs and food, there are a few other things to do in Killarney that you can’t miss. You can easily fit these in with a hike through the national park, even if you only visit for a day.
Killarney House and Gardens
If you want to spend more time in Killarney outdoors other than at the national park, or you want to learn more about the town’s history, you should visit the Killarney House and Gardens.
The Killarney House, built in 1726, is a part of Killarney National Park, and you can tour the house and gardens for free during your visit. There are exhibits inside the house about the animals and plants in the park and how the house was used throughout history.
The gardens are beautiful to walk around as well. You have great views of the mountain from the national park and are right by the town center, so they are easy to walk to.
See St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is on the edge of Killarney, right by one of the entrances to the national park. You can explore the cathedral for free, but they have limited hours, so check the website.
And, the cathedral is right by the trail in the national park which takes you to Ross Castle. If you drive to Killarney, there is also a parking lot near the cathedral, which is right in the center of everything on this list.
Enjoy Killarney, Ireland!
Killarney is a great place to visit in Ireland and you shouldn’t skip out on it, even if you can only visit for a day. The national park is a must-see, and you’ll find some great pubs and restaurants in the town.
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And, don’t forget to book your flights with Skyscanner! Kerry airport is closest to Killarney, or you can fly to Cork or Dublin and see more of Ireland during your visit 🙂
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