Killarney, Ireland

Where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Emerald Isle.

Killarney blends timeless Irish tradition, modern Irish charm and a stunning natural landscape. It’s often used as a starting point for the Ring of Kerry, a scenic driving route along the Iveragh Peninsula. The town is also a great homebase for exploring the remarkable Killarney National Park, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, which boasts magical forests and rivers, rugged mountains, lakes, woodlands, historic estates and Ireland’s last-surviving indigenous herd of red deer.

Need to Know

Currency: €, Euro (EUR)

Languages: Gaeilge (Irish) and English

Airports: Kerry Airport (KIR), Shannon Airport (SNN), Cork Airport (ORK)

Transportation: If you’re planning on visiting several spots within Ireland, renting a car is a fun option (it also helps that the country’s scenery is breathtaking and very conducive to road trips). Note that cars drive on the left side of the road and, especially in the cities, the roads can be narrow, so smaller cars are recommended. Ireland’s rail and bus systems are also very efficient and affordable, great for traveling between cities.

Best time to visit: Ireland benefits from a relatively mild climate; it’s beautiful any time of year, but expect lots of rain. Fall and winter tend to be less crowded, so these seasons are great for exploring the country’s cities. Fall and winter also welcome a slate of festivals and celebrations. (Visiting around Halloween is highly recommended.) In the spring, the countryside’s already vibrant colors seem to pop even more. In the summer, the weather is at its prime, but it's also peak season, so expect more crowds. 

Signature dishes: boxty (Irish potato pancake), colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage), soda bread, stew, barmbrack (sweet yeasted raisin bread)

Key phrases: dia dhuit (hello, dee-ah gwit), le do thoil (please, luh duh hull), go raibh maith agat (thank you, guh rev mah ah-gut), sláinte (cheers, slan cha)

Dress code: Colorful raincoats, rubber wellies, cozy sweaters and an umbrella

Where to stay in Killarney

The Killarney Park: A welcoming, intimate, family-owned stay in the heart of Killarney Town. Book with me to get a complimentary three-course meal for two, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa: A luxe retreat overlooking the Lakes of Killarney and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains. Fora Perks include $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

The Europe Hotel & Resort: Elegant and modern, with panoramic views and a mere five-minute’s drive from town. Book with me to receive $100 food / beverage credit, discounted golf fees, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

What to do in Killarney

Here is where to go to indulge your desire for outdoor adventure. The natural splendor of Killarney National Park more than merits ample exploring, whether that be in the form of walking, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, golfing or horseback riding. If you’re a history buff, Killarney delivers on that front, too: the park is also home to historic abbeys, castles and estates (a few highlights include Muckross House, Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle). But the town, too, is absolutely charming, brimming with boutiques, restaurants, pubs, cafés and pastel-hued storefronts.

Where to eat in Killarney

At The Peregrine, named after a protected bird species in Killarney National Park, you’ll enjoy gourmet cuisine in a handsome, sophisticated space within the Killarney Park hotel. For fresh fish n’ chips made from locally caught fish, head to Quinlan’s Seafood Bar, a casual hub for the comforting classic. Another fun spot, also from the Quinlan’s family, is Mad Monk, where seafood reigns supreme, but there are options suitable for all diets as well. Be sure to check out J.M. Reidy’s, O’Connors, and Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder for a proper pint!