Ireland · County Kerry
Killarney
Mirror-still lakes, a castle on the water and mountain passes made for a horse-drawn ride. Killarney is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry, and our Ireland specialists will help you see it at its best.
- 1932 Ireland’s first national park
- 179 km Ring of Kerry loop
- 3 Lakes of Killarney
Hassle-Free Dream Travel!
Meet Killarney
The Killarney Highlights
Lakes, castles and mountains, all within minutes of town. Tap through to explore.
Ireland’s first national park
Created in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was given to the nation, Killarney National Park covers lakes, ancient oak woods and mountains, and is home to Ireland’s only native herd of red deer.
Explore on foot, by bike, on a boat or in a traditional jaunting car.
- Established
- 1932
- Area
- about 100 km²
- UNESCO
- Biosphere Reserve
A castle on the lake shore
Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house on the edge of Lough Leane, built by the O’Donoghue chieftains.
Take a guided tour, then a boat across the lakes toward the Gap of Dunloe.
- Guided castle tour
- Boat trips on Lough Leane
- Cycle there from town
Three lakes, endless views
Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake are linked by channels and framed by mountains. Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, is the classic viewpoint.
Visit at dawn or sunset for mist on the water and golden light.
- Ladies View
- Sunrise and sunset viewpoints
- Lake cruises
A mountain pass by pony and trap
This narrow glacial pass winds between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain, past lakes and stone bridges.
Walk, cycle or ride through in a jaunting car, then return across the lakes by boat. It makes one of Ireland’s great days out.
- Jaunting car or walking
- Boat back to Ross Castle
- Lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage
Ireland’s most famous drive
The Ring of Kerry loops about 179 km around the Iveragh Peninsula, past mountains, beaches and colorful villages such as Sneem and Kenmare.
With a private driver you can stop when you like, from the Kerry Cliffs to the Skellig Ring, without worrying about narrow roads.
- Private driver and guide
- The Kerry Cliffs and Skellig Ring
- Lunch in Kenmare or Waterville
In Kerry and beyond
Things to Do in and Around Killarney
Filter by what you love, then tap “Read more” for our insider tips.
Muckross House & Gardens
A grand Victorian mansion in the national park, visited by Queen Victoria in 1861, with lakeside gardens and traditional farms.
Torc Waterfall
A short woodland walk leads to this 20-meter waterfall, one of the park’s prettiest spots.
A jaunting car ride
Killarney’s horse-drawn jaunting cars, driven by local “jarveys,” are the classic way to see the park.
Golf in Kerry
Play Killarney’s lakeside courses, or the famous links at Waterville and Ballybunion.
The Dingle Peninsula
Colorful Dingle town, the Slea Head Drive and views to the Blasket Islands.
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Stay a night in Dingle for its seafood and traditional music pubs.
Skellig Michael
A UNESCO-listed island monastery rising from the Atlantic, famous for its puffins and a Star Wars cameo.
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Landing trips run in summer, are very limited and depend on the weather. We book them early and plan a backup.
Kenmare & the Beara Peninsula
A pretty heritage town with great restaurants, and a quieter, wilder peninsula beyond.
Know before you go
How to Do Kerry Well
Kerry’s roads are beautiful but narrow. Here’s how we make it easy.
Let someone else drive
Kerry’s roads are narrow and winding. A private driver lets you enjoy the views.
Go counterclockwise
Tour buses travel counterclockwise. With a private driver, we plan the timing to avoid them.
Lakeside or in town
Stay by the lakes for peace and views, or in town for pubs and music within walking distance.
Four seasons in a day
Showers come and go quickly. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Book early
Skellig Michael landings are limited each day and only run in the summer season.
Music in town
Killarney’s pubs have live traditional music most nights, especially in summer.
Work with One of Our Travel Experts
The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.
After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!
You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!
Good to know
Killarney FAQs
How many days do I need in Killarney?
Three nights lets you enjoy the national park, the Gap of Dunloe and a full day on the Ring of Kerry. Add more for Dingle.
How far is Killarney from Dublin?
About three and a half to four hours by car, or around three to three and a half hours by train. Shannon and Kerry airports are closer.
Should I drive the Ring of Kerry myself?
You can, but the roads are narrow and busy in summer. A private driver lets everyone enjoy the views.
Can I visit Skellig Michael?
Yes, in summer, on licensed boats with limited daily landings. Trips depend on the weather, so we plan a backup.
When is the best time to visit Killarney?
May to September for long days and the best chance of good weather. See our best time to visit Ireland guide.
Your Ireland journey
Keep exploring Ireland
Your Dream Ireland Getaway
Killarney and Kerry are best explored with someone who knows them. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Ireland specialists will start designing it with you.
- A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
- Private drivers, guides and tickets handled
- Hand-picked castles and hotels with exclusive perks
Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Ireland Specialists