20 Best Things to Do in Killarney Ireland: The Ultimate Guide

Killarney is a truly captivating destination in itself and the perfect home base for exploring South Western Ireland. After spending five days in Killarney during a travel blogging conferences, I’ve come up with the ultimate list of the best things to do in Killarney, Ireland.

There’s a reason why Killarney is so popular. First, Killarney is easily one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. It’s an idyllic small town with amazing landscapes all around. While staying there, don’t miss the Ring of Kerry or Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula, two amazing road trips from Killarney.

I loved spending an ample amount of time in Killarney itself, too. Downtown Killarney has many restaurants, cafes, and places to go shopping. There are also bustling pubs with live music, and a great craft brewery right in town.

Between exploring downtown Killarney, visiting Killarney National Park, taking a road trip around the Ring of Kerry, and bonding with new friends at the local pubs, there are so many fun things to do in Killarney that will keep you entertained.

Best Things to Do in Killarney: Explore the Town

How could you not instantly fall in love with Killarney? Surrounded by picture perfect landscapes, pristine lakes, and rolling hills, it’s no wonder that Killarney is such a popular place in County Kerry, Ireland.

Even if you’re only spending 1 day in Killarney, you’ll want to wander around town to absorb its lively atmosphere. Stroll past bright and vibrant buildings, painted in all the colors of the rainbow. Take the time to walk down each narrow alleyway because you never know what you might find around the corner.

There are cute coffee shops all over town, as well as unique and local gifts in the shops. If you need to do any souvenir shopping for your loved ones back home, Killarney is a great place to find touristy gifts and handmade goodies.

There are also many amazing restaurants for all tastes in Killarney (more on that in a bit!). Don’t miss out on the pub scene in Killarney.

After a day of sightseeing, venture to downtown Killarney in the evening to have a pint or two with the local crowd. There’s always live music happening all over town. The locals in Killarney are so warm and friendly, so you’re bound to make some new friends!

Aim to spend at least half a day in the town of Killarney itself. Soaking up the atmosphere of the town itself is one of the top things to do in Killarney. I recommend walking around town in the late afternoon, stopping for a coffee, going out for dinner, and then going on a pub crawl later that night.

Visit Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is Ireland’s first national park, established in 1932 when the 4300 hectare Bourn Vincent Memorial Park was donated to the Irish State. In 1981, Killarney National Park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its ecological importance and cultural history.

It features a wide variety of species across diverse habitats, including native forest and the only herds of red deer in all of Ireland. You can easily spend half a day or a full day exploring Killarney National Park depending on what you do.

I recommend driving to the various sites, although it’s also possible to spend the day cycling in Killarney National Park. Here’s what to do in Killarney National Park for a memorable day exploring nature and history.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a 15th century castle, built by the local ruling clan, O’Donoghues Mor (Ross). It’s a popular attraction in Killarney.

It’s free to visit the outside of the castle and the surrounding property. If you’d like to visit the inside of the castle, you must take a scheduled guided tour.

The entrance fee is €5.00. While I am sure that the tour is fascinating (and I’m certain the view from the top of the tower is quite spectacular!), we were a little short on time and opted out of the hour long guided tour.

Even if you don’t decide to take the tour, a trip to Ross Castle is one of the top things to do in Killarney. The castle looks quite spectacular on the dramatic backdrop of the lake and the rolling hills. There’s a little bridge with swans all around too, adding to the picturesque scene.

Muckross House

Muckross House is a Victorian Mansion on Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. The interior of the house portrays the extravagant and elegant lifestyle of the upper classes in the 19th century.

Beneath the main levels, you’ll have a window into the lives of the servant class and their daily tasks. The gardens at Muckross estate are also quite beautiful. There’s an expansive rock garden, a fine collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, and a large water garden.

It is free to visit the Muckross gardens, though there is a fee to check out Muckross House and its farms. If you love history and pretty places, Muckross House is an unmissable thing to do in Killarney.

Muckross Abbey

Another stop at Killarney National Park are the well preserved ruins of Muckross Abbey. Originally known as the Franciscan friary of Irrelagh, Muckross Abbey was founded in 1448 by Daniel McCarthy Mor.

You can visit the ruins of the church, a vaulted cloister, the square tower, the courtyard, and an ancient yew tree said to be as old as the church itself.

The graveyard at the site still has present day burials, and it’s also the final resting place of three Gaelic poets (Aodhagan O’Rathaille, Geoffrey O’Donoghue and Eoghan Rua O’Suilleabhain).

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Killarney National Park and belongs at the top of your list of things to do in Killarney Ireland. It’s a gorgeous waterfall in the middle of the park, tucked away in the forest.

Torc Waterfall is about 20 meters high, and the waterfall looks best after a rainfall (which isn’t too much of an issue as this is Ireland we’re talking about!). There are two car parks for Torc Waterfall.

One is less than a five minute walk away from the waterfall, and the other is a more vigorous hike (about 20 minutes away). Little did we know, but we parked at the car park that was a farther distance from Torc Waterfall.

You’ll walk down a hill to reach the waterfall, but it’s a bit of a trek to get back up to the car park. If you aren’t looking for a hike, make sure you reach the closer parking lot of the two.

However, if you don’t mind a little bit of a hike, it’s quite wonderful to walk through the forest before you reach it. If you’re looking for what to see in Killarney, make sure that Torc Waterfall is on your itinerary.

The Lakes of Killarney

The Lakes of Killarney are three lakes in Killarney National Park: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake (also known as Middle Lake or Torc Lake), and Upper Lake. You’ll be able to view the Killarney lakes from above at The Ladies View lookout.

If you’re interested in getting out on the lakes themselves, there are a few tours that you can take. This two hour kayaking tour involves paddling on the Lakes of Killarney, admiring the scenery, spotting wildlife, and viewing Ross Castle from the water.

For a more leisurely tour, why not take an hour long boat cruise of the Lakes of Killarney? Whether you take a tour or simply view the lakes from multiple vantage points, it’s one of the top things to do in Killarney.

The Ladies View

Saving the best for last, the Ladies View is one of the most amazing things to do in Killarney Ireland. It’s a scenic viewpoint on the Ring of Kerry in Killarney National Park.

There are epic views of the Lakes of Killarney, as well as the surrounding mountains. It’s called the Ladies View because Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting adored the view during the Queen’s visit to Ireland in 1861.

There’s a car park near the Ladies View, as well as a small cafe, bar, and gift shop. You can also stop to use the restroom here, too. The open roof terrace is the highest bar in Killarney and offers brilliant views.

The Ring of Kerry From Killarney

One of the main attractions from Killarney is the stunning Ring of Kerry. Technically, Killarney and Killarney National Park is a portion of the Ring of Kerry.

I suggest taking two days to explore the Ring of Kerry. Spend one day in Killarney and Killarney National Park, and the other day driving the rest of the Ring of Kerry (and Skellig Ring). 2 days in Killarney is the perfect amount of time if you’re trying to visit a bunch of places on an Ireland road trip.

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular road trips in Ireland. It’s a 120 mile drive around the Inveragh Peninsula. This route can get quite busy with tour buses, so I suggest leaving earlier in the day to beat the crowds (especially if you like stopping to take photos as much as I do!).

However, the tour buses don’t venture off to Skellig Ring, which I loved just as much as the Ring of Kerry. Some stops on the Ring of Kerry include: Moll’s Gap, Kenmare, Killorglin, Portmagee, and numerous scenic views along the way.

The Gap of Dunloe

If you have an extra day in Killarney, consider booking a full day tour of the Gap of Dunloe. You’ll spend the full day on an epic adventure from Killarney, taking a seven mile (11km) trek through some of the most beautiful scenery on the Emerald Isle.

Start at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150 year old family owned and operated pub and restaurant. At the end of the Gap, Lord Brandon’s Cottage is an old hunting lodge transformed into a cafe where you can enjoy a coffee or snack.

This tour also offers a boat cruise on the Gearhameen River. There’s also an opportunity to explore Ross Castle, too. All in all, this is a really special day exploring some of the most gorgeous scenery near Killarney.

Go Hiking at Carrauntoohil

This one is for the experienced hikers in the crowd. Located near Killarney, embark on a guided hike of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Learn about the natural history of your surroundings on the way from your knowledgeable and encouraging guides.

Hike over 11km with 1000 metres ascent, which will take around six hours in total. This is a spectacular route and many participants felt like this was the highlight of their trip to Ireland. If you love walking and hiking, check this one out when you visit Killarney.

Where to Eat and Drink in Killarney

There was a wonderful vegan restaurant in Killarney called True Natural Goddess that has sadly closed since my visit. However, there are lots of fantastic restaurants in Killarney to enjoy a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Plus, there are tons of pubs in Killarney with live music that you’ll surely love. Here are my top recommendations for where to eat in Killarney (and have a few pints!).

The Shire Bar & Cafe

The Shire was my local hangout spot throughout my five days in Killarney Ireland. It’s a Lord of the Rings themed pub where you’ll find hobbit hole doorways, locally brewed beer, and delicious food.

There’s live Irish music – we heard an impromptu performance by two musicians playing the guitar and the fiddle. It was a total blast! Definitely head directly to The Shire any night of the week for yummy food and drink, plus fabulous entertainment in a memorable environment.

Since my trip to Killarney, The Shire has added its own cafe to the mix. Now, there’s an additional space to stop for a coffee, lunch, or brunch. The Shire is dog-friendly with designated areas for dogs. They even serve pizza seven days a week until 11pm.

The Porterhouse Gastropub

The Porterhouse Gastropub is a restaurant that has something for every taste. I was delighted to discover that there were a few vegan dishes on the menu.

Since I visited Killarney, the Porterhouse has expanded their vegan offerings even more! They now have a special “vegan starters” section of the menu (stuffed pesto portobello mushrooms, homemade potato skins, and BBQ & Cajun cauliflower).

Next, there are three vegan main courses: roasted balsamic beetroot and shallot tart, the red pesto tagliatelle with vegan cheese, and a homemade nut roast. There are also two vegan desserts on the menu: a sticky toffee pudding and a chocolate cake.

I ordered the red pesto tagliatelle and the sticky toffee pudding, and both were so yummy. I highly recommend gathering the crew and going for dinner because the food tastes great, and it’ll please both the omnivores and herbivores of the crowd.

Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company

Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company is a microbrewery and distillery in Killarney that you’ll need to visit if you love craft breweries. It’s one of the best things to do in Killarney for beer lovers and foodies: they serve up delicious meals at their tap room, too.

They have several varieties of beer, including seasonal ones that are offered for a limited time only. Sample the Devil’s Helles Lager, Rutting Red (Irish Red Ale), or the Full Circle IPA. If you’re looking for what to do in Killarney, why not book a brewery tour or a gin tour?

The brew tour is where you’ll learn how their beer is made and of course, you’ll get a taste as well! Killarney Gin School is a 2.5 hour exclusive tour where you’ll learn about botanical blending, enjoy savory bites, and come away with a 700ml bottle of gin.

Getting There

I visited Killarney on a massive road trip of Ireland and Northern Ireland, roundtrip from Dublin. I suggest flying into Dublin and beginning your adventures there, making your way to Killarney by car. You can check flight prices to Dublin here where you’re sure to find the best rates.

As for rental cars, we use Discover Cars when booking our vehicle. At their website, you can compare the rates between various car hire companies, as well as reviews of the companies themselves, to find the best choice. They also have great customer service. Book your car rental here.

Where to Stay in Killarney Ireland

If you’re seeking the ultimate in luxury, stay at the spectacular Belmont holiday home by Luxquisite Property Lettings in Killarney. The Belmont house is one of the best places to stay in Killarney.

It’s a three-story, 3100 square foot house with an open plan kitchen, dining space, and living space. There are five bedrooms in this luxury rental home, sleeping up to 11 people.

When to Visit Killarney

This beautiful little town is open to tourism all year long. However, it gets very crowded and busy in the summer, the height of tourist season. I recommend visiting in the spring or fall (March to May, or September to November).

There will be fewer crowds and the weather won’t be too cold. I traveled to Killarney at the beginning of October, and it was the perfect time of year. It wasn’t too busy and the temperatures were great. There are lots of great things to do in Killarney all year long, no matter when you visit.

We hope that you’re inspired to travel to Killarney, Ireland. It’s such a wonderful little town with so many fun things to see and do.

While you probably only need one day in Killarney itself, I recommend using the town as a base to take a road trip around the Ring of Kerry. Spend at least 2 days in Killarney for this reason. It’s possible to spend three days in Killarney or up to a week if you love to travel slowly.