The Heart of Kerry
Killarney is a purpose-built tourist town in the fullest sense, which is either a recommendation or a warning depending on your preferences. What it offers is access. Killarney National Park begins at the edge of the town centre. The Ring of Kerry loop starts and ends here. The Gap of Dunloe mountain pass is 8km away. The lakes, the mountains, and the ancient oak woods are all within walking or cycling distance.
The town itself is cheerful and well set up for visitors: excellent restaurants, a good range of accommodation at all price points, reliable tour operators, and a pub scene that leans into traditional Irish music with enthusiasm. It is not a place for solitude. But as a base for exploring the best of County Kerry, it is hard to beat.
Top Things to Do in Killarney
1. Killarney National Park
Ireland's oldest and largest national park covers 26,000 acres of mountains, oak woodland, and three interconnected lakes. The native oak woods are among the last surviving examples in Ireland and support a remarkable range of wildlife including red deer, red squirrels, and white-tailed eagles. The park is free to enter and accessible on foot or by bike from the town centre. The main path from the town gates to Muckross House takes about 45 minutes on foot.
2. The Gap of Dunloe
A 10km glaciated mountain pass between the Purple Mountain range and the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, the Gap of Dunloe is one of the finest walks in Ireland. The route takes you through five lakes and a series of waterfalls, past Kate Kearney's Cottage at the start and out to Lord Brandon's Cottage at the far end, where a boat across the Upper Lake returns you to Killarney. The full circuit can be done on foot, by pony (hire at the cottage), or by combination walk-and-boat. Allow a full day.
3. Ross Castle
A 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle is accessible by foot from Killarney town (3km) or by jaunting car. The castle was the last in Munster to surrender to Cromwellian forces in 1652, reportedly because of an old prophecy that it could only be taken from the water, leading the Cromwellian general to bring his guns in by boat. Guided tours of the interior run throughout the day.
4. Ring of Kerry
The 179km loop around the Iveragh Peninsula is Killarney's biggest draw and one of Ireland's most famous scenic drives. Key stops include Kenmare, Sneem, Cahersiveen, Waterville, and the Skellig Ring, with views to the Skellig Islands from several points. Drive it anti-clockwise to avoid coach tour traffic. Budget a full day and stop often. Guided tours depart from Killarney daily throughout summer.
5. Torc Waterfall
A 20-metre waterfall dropping through the native oak woodland of the national park, just 8km from Killarney town on the N71 Kenmare road. A short walk from the car park. Best visited after rain when the flow is strongest. The walk can be extended up the hill behind the falls for views over the lakes.
6. Skellig Michael Day Trip
The 6th-century monastery on this extraordinary Atlantic rock, 12km off the Kerry coast, is one of the most remarkable places in Ireland. Boat trips run from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs between May and October, weather permitting. The crossing takes about 50 minutes and can be rough. The climb to the monastery involves 600 original stone steps. Book months in advance. Even if the landing is cancelled by weather, the boat trip around the rock is worth doing.
Best Tours from Killarney
Viator
Ring of Kerry Full Day Tour
The definitive Kerry experience. 179km of coastal mountain scenery with a knowledgeable guide handling the navigation.
Book on Viator
GetYourGuide
Jaunting Car Tour of the National Park
A horse-drawn jaunting car through the national park and to Ross Castle. Traditional, leisurely, and a genuine Killarney experience.
Book on GetYourGuideGetting to Killarney
Killarney is served by Irish Rail with direct trains from Dublin (about 3 hours) and Cork (about 1.5 hours). The nearest airport is Kerry Airport (KIR) at Farranfore, 15km from Killarney town, with flights from Dublin and some UK cities. Cork Airport (ORK) is 1.5 hours by road and has more international connections. Within Kerry, a car is essential for anything beyond the town centre.