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Located in southwestern Ireland, Killarney is known as one of the gateways to the scenic, world famous Ring of Kerry.
But make no mistake. Killarney, County Kerry, is worthy of a visit in its own right. It is probably one of the prettiest and most interesting Irish towns. A place of friendly people, fascinating culture, dazzling nature, and where time seems to have its own rhythm. A town easy to reach but hard to leave behind.
Already planning your trip? Here’s my list of the top 10 things to do in Killarney to help you make the best of your visit.
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Things to do in Killarney:
#1 Stroll through Killarney’s colorful streets
Killarney is a delightful and picturesque traditional Irish town. You’ll immediately fall in love with its colorful streets and lovely facades.
The town center is pretty small and easy to explore in a couple of hours. Unless you’re anything like me and won’t resist having a peek at all its cute cafes, exquisite shops, and charming pubs.
If you’d like to learn more about Killarney’s history, you can book a walking tour with a local guide here.
#2 Visit Muckross Abbey in Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is Ireland’s oldest national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its high ecological value, and one of the top things to see in Killarney.
Located at the foot of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, Killarney National Park comprises the largest native forest in the country, mountain peaks, woodlands, and the Lakes of Killarney. It is home for many ecosystems and rare species, including the only wild herd of red deer in Ireland. Its stunning scenery attracts thousands of visitors every year.
One of the attractions in the park is Muckross Abbey, a former Franciscan friary dating back to 1448. The abbey is now in ruins, but its beauty remains intact.
You can get to Muckross Abbey with the hop-on hop-off Killarney shuttle bus.
#3 Tour the impressive Muckross House and Gardens
I truly can’t say what I liked the most about Muckross House: if its impressive architecture, decoration, and works of art, its fascinating history, or its spectacular views of Killarney National Park and Muckross Lake.
Muckross House took four years to build, from 1839 to 1843. It has received a queen and was bought by a Californian magnate and passed to his daughter as a wedding present. More recently, the Victorian mansion and its land were donated to the Irish nation, becoming the first national park in Ireland, today’s Killarney National Park.
To visit Muckross House you must join a guided tour. Photography and video are not allowed inside the house.
After the tour, explore the peaceful gardens, and take a moment to admire the dramatic views over the park.
Or join a cycling tour through the Muckross Estate.
#4 Learn about the rural Ireland of the 1930s
Travel back in time and learn all about the rural Ireland of the 1930s, a time before electricity, at Muckross Traditional Farms. This is one of the most fun and educational things to do in Killarney, for kids and grown-ups alike.
During my visit, I learned how to make butter, an important source of wealth back in the day, and even milked a cow with my own hands (without much success, I should add).
#5 Explore Ross Castle
On the shore of Lough Leane, the largest of the three Lakes of Killarney, Ross Castle reigns over one of the most striking landscapes in Killarney.
Legend says O’Donoghue Mór, who built the fortress in the 15th century, disappeared into the waters of Lough Leane, where he now lives in a palace. Every year, on the first morning of May, he rises from the lake on his white horse and circles the waters. If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him, you’ll have good fortune for the rest of your life.
Ross Castle is open to the public only during the summer, but it’s worthy of a visit and a look from the outside all year long.
#6 Take a boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney
From Ross Castle, take a boat tour through the Lakes of Killarney with Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours.
The O’Donoghue brothers, who run the tours for several generations, claim to offer the most famous visitor excursion in Ireland over the last 250 years. Well, they surely have something special going on here.
Our guides were Donal and his dog Charlie. Donal is a passionate young Irish man, who’s traveled the world but can’t hide his immense and contagious love for his homeland. His faithful companion Charlie likes to feel the wind on his face and to pose for photos.
That and the spectacular scenery of towering mountains, green forests, and mirrorlike lakes makes this experience one of a kind.
If you only have time for one of the activities on this list of things to do in Killarney, make it this one.
#7 Visit Innisfallen island
Boat tours on Killarney Lakes usually include a short stop at Innisfallen island, a small and inhabited island in Lough Leane.
For the more adventurous, taking a guided kayaking tour is another great way to explore the Lakes of Killarney and Innisfallen Island.
The ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, built on the island in the 7th century, are one of the most impressive archeological sites in Killarney National Park. A monastery was established here for almost 950 years. The Annals of Innisfallen, an important chronicle of early Irish history, were written on the island by the monks.
Today the only inhabitants of this mystic Irish island are the red deer running freely in the park.
#8 Watch Celtic Steps The Show
This was one of the absolute highlights of my visit to Killarney. I had watched Celtic Steps The Show on video before, but seeing it live was something else.
Rated as the top traditional music, song and dance show in Ireland, Celtic Steps features 17 world-champion Irish dancers and several All-Ireland-champion singers and musicians among its cast.
And they sure put together a superb show, filled with energy, rhythm, and emotion.
A mandatory thing to do in Killarney. Make sure to pre-book your tickets in advance though, because they sell fast.
#9 Taste the best beer in Killarney
For a taste of the best traditional craft beer in town, head to Killarney Brewing Company and enjoy their range of artisan beers, proudly brewed with the purest water from Mangerton Mountain.
Funny fact: all their beers are named after local myths and legends, like Scarlet Pimpernel, Casey Brothers, or Rutting Red. I’m not ashamed to say I tried them all, and this was some of the best beer I’ve ever had.
They also serve nice pizza baked in a wood-fired oven.
If you’d like to learn more about the beer brewing process and Killarney history, take a guided tour of the brewery, which includes a complimentary beer tasting and storytelling.
#10 Hit the pubs
No visit to Ireland, or checklist of things to do in Killarney, is complete without a pub crawl. And as with any Irish town worthy of its name, Killarney has its share of them.
My favorites were The Laurels, a traditional pub and restaurant on Main Street, J.M. Reidys, located in a historic and protected building in the center of Killarney, and The Shire, a Lord Of The Rings Themed Bar. All of them offer live music, a lot of fun, and, of course, a proper pint.
More things to do in Killarney:
Where to stay in Killarney
Castle Lodge Guest House
During my visit to Killarney, I spent four nights at the lovely Castle Lodge Guest House, located just a short two-minute walk from the town center.
Castle Lodge is a small family-run guest house with all the amenities of a hotel. All the common areas are beautifully decorated, and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
My room was spacious, comfortable, with en-suite bathroom and a great view over the mountains. Breakfast is included in the room rate and consists of a cold buffet and a cook to order traditional Irish breakfast.
I truly recommend Castle Lodge if you’re looking for good value for money for your stay in Killarney.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
So there you have it, the best things to do in Killarney for an amazing time in one of the most picturesque Irish towns.
Have you been to Killarney, Ireland? Are you planning to visit the Emerald Isle? Share in the comments section below.
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Alison says
Just gorgeous! I grew up in Australia near a town called Killarney, but I’ve never visited the real Killarney. It looks spectacular! I’d love to visit Ireland. Muckross Farm looks like a lot of fun!
Linnea says
I loved this post! I had no idea Killarney had so many cute colorful houses. The beer and all the castles sounded amazing too! The Celtic dancing was my favorite in Dublin too! Would you say that Killarney was a lot less touristy than Dublin?
Marysia says
I had no idea Killarney is so beautiful and interesting! Superb post!
Chloe says
Beautiful place! I’ve never heard of Killarney, but now on my radar. Thanks for sharing.
Anne says
I’m thinking about a road trip around Ireland next summer so this is super-useful. I’ve been to Killarney before, but it was that long ago I don’t remember much about it apart from the colourful houses and that I liked it!
Karen says
Such a beautiful part of the world which we have only visited once although didn’t get to see half of what you included in this post. Time to revisit me thinks. Kx
Madhu says
I think I am already in love with killarney after reading this post.love those beautiful streets and cute cafes.so wanna visit
Kathi says
Spent some time in Killarney last year! I didn’t do many of these things, because it was a work trip, but I managed to squeeze in a hike up the nearby Carrauntoohil, which is the highest mountain in Ireland. I had such a fab trip to Ireland – thanks for taking me back to it!
Brianna says
Fantastic list. I will have to check out Killarney Brewing Company while I am there. It was great to read your review of Castle Lodge as well because I will be staying there when I go. Thanks for sharing!
Lindsey says
Loved everything about this! And that cute little pupper! Killarney definitely seems like a place I would enjoy visiting – definitely less overwhelming than a huge city.
Michelle says
I would love to visit Ireland and see all of the castles! I just can’t decide on a time when the weather is the best. LOL! It looks like you had a great time, thank you for sharing!