By air
Kerry (KIR), ~20 km
Europe · Ireland
Killarney, Ireland
Lakes, mountains and a national park
Getting there
Best time to visit
May to September — the mildest months
Don't miss
Muckross House
Ross Castle
The Gap of Dunloe
Torc Waterfall
Things to do
Jaunting cars
The Gap of Dunloe
Muckross House
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Kglavin · Public domain
What to pack
Rain gear
A quieter corner
The Old Kenmare Road walk
Questions travellers ask
When is Killarney at its best?
May to September, the mildest months. Bring rain gear — this is a place of lakes, mountains and a national park, and you'll want to be outside.
What should I see around Killarney?
Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall and the Gap of Dunloe — and take a ride in a jaunting car. Refuel with pub food or a full Irish breakfast.
Is there a lesser-known walk near Killarney?
The Old Kenmare Road walk is the one to seek out — a quieter way to take in Killarney's lakes and mountains.
What's the nearest airport to Killarney?
Fly into Kerry (KIR), about 20 km away.
About Killarney
- Lakeside
- Mountains
Where it is
Killarney is a town in County Kerry in south-west Ireland, on the north-eastern shore of Lough Leane, beside Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains.
History
Killarney grew in the 18th century, when Thomas Browne, fourth Viscount Kenmare, began to attract visitors and new residents, and it is often described as the birthplace of Irish tourism. Queen Victoria's visit in 1861 made it known internationally, and in 1932 the Muckross estate was given to the Irish state, becoming the country's first national park.
People
Killarney's people speak English, and tourism has underpinned the town's economy for more than two and a half centuries; its jaunting cars are driven by local families known as jarveys. Gaelic football is followed closely across County Kerry, and traditional music fills the town's pubs.
Known for
- Killarney National Park and its lakes
- Muckross House and Gardens
- Ross Castle
- Jaunting-car rides
- The Gap of Dunloe
Did you know?
Killarney National Park is home to Ireland's only remaining wild herd of native red deer, a line that has lived in Ireland continuously for about 4,000 years.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.