If you are looking to discover all the best places to visit in Killarney then check out Wild N Happy Travel’s recommended list of the best attractions to visit in Killarney.

Discover through a local guide’s eye the best places to visit, each telling a story of how Killarney has been shaped. From its national park to the ruins of a 15th Century Castle on the Lakes of Killarney, Killarney has so much to offer.

1. Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is Ireland’s first National Park and was initially known as the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park and comprised about 4,300 hectares. It was given to the State in 1932 by Arthur Vincent and his parents-in-law, in memory of Maud who died in 1929.

Today the park is called Killarney National Park and it is more than double the size it was in 1932. It includes the three lakes, Knockreer Estate, Ross Island, Innisfallen and the townlands Glena, Ullauns and Poulagower. The options for outdoor activities in the national park are almost unlimited, as they include hiking, walking, cycling, kayaking and much more. Red deer are very common in the area and it is not unusual that they cross your path without hesitation.

Location and Key Information

Address: The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie

2. Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

Muckross House is a 65 room mansion house designed by William Burns and completed in 1843. Queen Victoria visited Killarney and stayed at the house in 1861. 

This is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ireland with house tours, traditional farms, a garden restaurant and craft shop to enjoy. In 1932, William Bourne and Arthur Vincent gifted Muckross House and the accompanying 11,00 acres to the Irish State and also created Ireland’s first National Park.

Location and Key Information

Address: The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.muckross-house.ie

3. Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is an ecclesiastical site in Killarney National Park. It was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan Friary and is 1,5 km from Muckross House.

The central feature of Muckross Abbey is a central courtyard that contains a huge Yew tree surrounded by a vaulted cloister. It is traditionally said that this tree is as old as Muckross Abbey itself. The abbey was burned down in 1654 by Cromwellian forces under General Ludlow and fell into ruin over the years. But also after the Cromwellian war it was used as a burial place of local chieftains.

Location and Key Information

Address: Carrigafreaghane, The National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie

4. Killarney House & Gardens

In the 1720s Valentine Browne built a French chateau style residence on today’s site, which was called Kenmare House as it was the residence of the Earls of Kenmare. 

Since then, the house and gardens have seen many new owners, changes in styles and ultimately a new direction in its life. In 1959, the then owner, Mrs Grosvenor sold the Kenmare House together with 100 km² land to an American syndicate, which resold it to John McShain, an American building contractor in 1959. McShain and his wife extensively renovated the building and renamed it Killarney House. In 1978, they sold the house and most of their grounds to the Irish state in order to protect its beauty and make it part of the Killarney National Park.

In 2011, restoration works began and in 2016 the house was opened to the public. It is now used as a visitor centre of Killarney National Park, offers tours through the historic rooms and the garden and holds changing exhibitions.

Location and Key Information

Address: Killarney House & Gardens, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie

5. Ladies View

Ladies View is a scenic viewpoint on the Ring of Kerry tourist route. It is located around 19 km south west from Killarney town and is ranked as one of the most photographed places in Ireland. 

The name refers to Queen Victoria’s and her court ladies’ admiration of the view, when they visited Killarney in 1861 and stayed in Muckross House. The view includes the lakes of Killarney and the valley and is breathtaking at every time of the year. 

Location and Key Information

Address: Ladies’ View, Derrycunnihy, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie

6. Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located at the base of Torc Mountain. It is 70-80 feet (20 metres) in height and is located around 8 km south from Killarney. 

The waterfalls are a 200 metre walk from the car park just off the N71 road and the climb to the top of the waterfalls is by way of a stone path of about a hundred steps (and circa 55 metres in elevation gain), and takes around 30 minutes to complete. The name Torc comes from the irish translation for “wild boar”, as the area is associated with many legends involving wild boars. You can hike  to the summit of Torc Mountain or walk the nearby Muckross loop trails in blue, red or green for a great experience. 

Location and Key Information

Address: Cloghereen Upper, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie


7. Ross Castle & Island

Ross island is a beautiful setting on the shores of Lough Leane on the Lakes of Killarney. The island is famous for having one of the oldest copper mines in Europe, dating back to the Bronze Age (5,00 years ago) and it is also home to a 15th Century castle known as Ross Castle. 

This impressive castle which sits proud on the edge of Lough Leane was once ruled by the O’Donoghue clan and famously was amongst the last to surrender to the notorious Roundheads of Oliver Cromwell. There are daily tours available to enjoy all of its fantastic interior and history.

Location and Key Information

Address: Ross Castle, Lower Car Park, Ross Road, Killarney – Find on Google Maps

Website: www.heritageireland.ie

8. The Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a stunning glacial formed mountain pass between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east). Its name comes from Gaelic (Irish) Dún Lóich, means “Lóich’s stronghold”, otherwise known as Bearna an Choimín meaning “gap of the common-land”.

It is about 11 km (6.8 miles) from north to south and within the valley are five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough (north to south). These lakes are connected by the River Loe. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the ‘Wishing Bridge’ so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true.

Location and Key Information

Address: The Gap of Dunloe, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Map

Website: The Gap of Dunloe

9. Aghadoe Viewing Point

Aghadoe is a spectacular viewing point that overlooks Killarney town, the lakes and mountains of Killarney.  

It takes its name from Acha Dá Eo, which is Gaelic (Irish) for “The place of the two yew trees” which was a tradition to have in churchyards to protect the building and cemetery from evil. The area is famous for its views of the lakes and islands, including Innisfallen Island. There is also the ruins of a 13th century Parkavonear Castle and of “Aghadoe Cathedral,” an old Romanesque church which makes it a stunning location for views, historians and archaeologists. 

Location and Key Information

Address: Aghadoe, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: Aghadoe

10. Visit Innisfallen Island  

This is a must do for everyone. The island is located on Lough Leane and is home to a herd of wild deer and the ruins of Innisfallen abbey and monastery which was founded in 640 by St. Finian the Leper. 

It was occupied for approximately 850 years and during this period, the monks wrote the Annals of Innisfallen, which chronicle the early history of Ireland as it was known to the monks. According to tradition the Irish High King Brian Boru received his education on the island. You can explore this amazing island by hiring a rowing boat or taking the relaxing Innisfallen Kayak Tour from Ross Castle. 

Location and Key Information

Address: Innisfallen Island, Killarney, Co. Kerry – Find on Google Maps

Website: https://wildnhappytravel.com/tours-of-killarney/

To be honest, there isn’t one! Each season offers a different experience of this popular tourist destination. It’s all down to personal preference, but if you are looking for a holiday with a warm, friendly welcome from the locals, and a holiday full of unique culture, beautiful scenery, history and “craic”, then all I can say, without a doubt, whatever time you come, you will have an enjoyable time.

The majority of people visit in the peak season, which is June, July and August, in hopes of good weather. However, I’m sure you have heard that in Ireland, there is no guarantee of “good” weather. 

If you want a better idea of the average temperatures and daylight hours from month to month here is a table of all the averages for you. This might help you decide which specific month you’d like to come for your trip. 

Average Temperatures in Ireland

Average Hours of Daylight in Ireland

So now hopefully you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about when is the best time for you to come visit.

We have a saying in Ireland ‘If you don’t like the weather just wait a minute’. Which means expect to have four seasons in one day. 

As Killarney’s weather is dominated by the Atlantic Ocean, as such we have far smaller temperature variations across the seasons than other countries this far north of the equator. Temperatures vary from an average of 8°C / 46°F in the winter to 19°C / 66°F in the summer. 

For more general weather information we suggest you visit www.worldweather.org. 

In Killarney they use the Euro as our currency. However, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland’s official currency is the British Pound.

Tips are not included in our tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. A guided price to tipping in Killarney is generally between 10-15% of cost value.

Internet access is quite good in Killarney with most B&Bs, hotels, cafés, pubs and tourist attractions providing Wi-Fi access to their customers or visitors.

Mobile phone coverage is good in most parts of Killarney. However, ensure your global roaming is fully activated before travelling to Killarney, so you can enjoy the benefits of your phone plan away from home. 

Toilets/Restrooms in Killarney are modern and flushable. In addition to the public restrooms you can also find them in most attractions, restaurants and pubs.

In 2004, Ireland became the first smoke-free country in Europe. While smoking is prohibited in work and public places, it is however permitted in the street, in some hotel rooms and in private accommodation.

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Killarney, however, it is recommended to ask your accommodation venue if it is possible to drink their water.

While most Killarney stores and hotels accept major credit cards, smaller cafes, pubs and shops might require a minimum purchase amount. As a few of them do not accept credit cards at all, it is always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash.

ATMs are common in Killarney, they can generally be found outside banks, in grocery stores and in transit centres.

• Rain jacket and pants 
• Walking boots, shoes or appropriate footwear for watersports
• Rucksack or appropriate bag for carrying food and clothing 
• Suitable hiking clothing (fleece, hat, gloves, etc.)
• No cotton t-shirts or jeans as these items will hold water and may accelerate chances of hypothermia
• Spare clothes and shoes for after activities
• Food, warm drink and water (500 litres approximately)

If you are within the Killarney area you can omit the prefix 064 for any of the numbers below that have that prefix.

The emergency services can be contacted by telephoning 112/999. This number is accessible free of charge from any telephone and is the initial contact when requiring the Police (Garda), Ambulance, Fire Brigade or Lifeguard emergency services.