Top 20 Reasons to Visit Killarney With so much to offer, here are our top 20 picks for Killarney

 

9-out-of-10 clients always ask, "I've heard Killarney is toursity... should I skip it?"

While Killarney is popular and busier than most towns it has quite a bit to offer right in town but it's a great central place to base yourself for a few days to visit from Dingle down to Bantry and everywhere in between. Here is just a small list, our personal picks, of things that keep us coming back to Killarney.

Killarney National Park

With more than 10,000 acres, Killarney National Park can keep you active exploring for days. Walk and hike the woodlands, around the lakes and rivers or take a jaunting cart ride and save the exercise for another day. You can do everything from pony trekking, boating, fishing, talking tours and cycling here which makes it perfect for the active traveler.

Muckross Abbey

O'Donoghue, O'Rathaille and O'Suilleabhain, three of Ireland's four great poets, are buried inside the grounds of Muckross Abbey. This Franciscan Friary is rich in literary culture. While the structure itself was rebuilt many times since founded in 1448, it is currently roofless ... but still an amazing sight.

INEC

This is enchanting Ireland's largest multi-purpose events and conference center, bringing big acts to Kerry and the South West. Book your tickets as soon as you have your Ireland trip booked -- the 3,000 seats go fast!

Killarney's Spas

Visit the luxury 5-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa Resort, surrounded by breath-taking landscapes that will take away your stress immediately. But while you're there, why not treat yourself to one of the treatments in their spa? Check out the Brehon Resort and Spa for authentic Thai massage and treatments.

Ross Castle

Everyone who visits Ireland wants to visit an ancient castle and Ross Castle delivers! Built in the 15th century it was controlled by the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains in the middle ages. Only viewed by a guided tour these days, you will learn something about not only the castle but Irish history at the same time. This restored castle has quite a history and therefore it ranks high on our list.

Killarney Riding Stables

Just a short distance outside of the town center you'll finding Killarney Riding Stables, allowing you to explore the Kerry countryside by horseback. Established in the 1960s, these stables have proven experience and offer a range of trails from the adventurous five-day ride to the casual one-hour. Want something in-between... they can customizebased on your requirements and skills.

Torc Waterfall

Whew knew Ireland had waterfalls? If you want fantastic photo opportunities not only of the falls but the spectacular views, head to Torc Waterfall on a nice, clear day and you'll understand why Ireland is called The Emerald Isle.

Carrantouhil

Follow the 24-foot tall cross to the summit of Carrantouhil, the highest peak in Ireland. For those who are active, this 3,405-foot climb will give you a nice workout even though climbing equipment is not necessary.

Muckross House & Gardens

While your exploring Killarney National Park, why not take a look at Muckross House and Gardens? It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country! Built in 1843, it was graced by the presence of Britain's Queen Victoria in 1861. These days the house is open to the public for tours and the landscaped gardens offer peaceful walks in the afternoon... oh, and a stop at the cafe for some tea and scones.

Gap of Dunloe

Gorgeous landscape that many visitors overlook because it's slightly off the normal route. This glacial valley stands in the MacGillacuddy Reeks mountain range and offers magnificent views that will literally take your breath away no matter what time of year you visit. You can walk and hike the Gap yourself, cycle through the windy passage or hire a jaunting car a Kate Kearney's Cottage and take a memorable horse-drawn buggy ride from one end to the other.

Golf

While the rain is plentiful in Ireland, it helps the quality of the greens for the golf enthusiast. Killarney offers some of the best golf courses on the island and if you venture a bit further out, Killarney makes a great central location for golfing further out.

Kennedy's Pet Farm

A great visit for the kids -- entertaining and educational at the same time. Feed deer, pigs, piglets, horses, sheep and lambs, goats and kids, calves, donkeys, ducks, rabbits, gease and peacocks! The only problem... is that the kids will talk about it for years to come!

Killarney Art Gallery

Nothing is better than taking home that special treasure to remind you of your trip to Ireland for years to come. Featuring the works of many local and national treasures, this gallery is accessible to the public and welcomes visitors from all over.

Night Life

Too many pubs to choose from, that's your only problem in Killarney! From tradtional music sessions to Irish karaoke and dance music, try something different every night. In fact, take a stroll early on (say 8pm or so) and find the right pub for you...

Dinis Cottage

Located between The Meeting of the Waters and The Old Weir Bridge, Dinis Cottage was built in the 1700s and exhudes character. Stop in for a cup of tea and mouth-watering cakes.

Killarney SummerFest 2009

Running from June 26th - July 12th, the streets come alive with music, dance and theater performances. Make sure you book accommodations early or you'll have to stay well outside of town and drive in for the day.

Killarney Races

Take in the Killarney Races with the locals, place your bets and hope your horse takes home the ribbon.

Rally of the Lakes

During the May bank holiday weekend, the winding roads of the Killarney Lakes are filled with the screeching tires of the Rally of the Lakes. Celebrating the 30th anniversary, there will be plenty of celebrations throughout.

Crag Caves of Castleisland

While most people know of Ailwee Cave, Crag Cave in the town of Castleisland is a little gem that was only discovered in 1983. The stalagtites in this cave are thought to be over one million years old.

Fishing

There are plenty of day trips around to allow you to fish on some of the most populated lakes in the country. From fly fishing to bait fishing, local hotels and B&Bs can advise you on locals to organise your trip and take all hassles out of it.