A Visitor's Guide to the Best of Killarney

Killarney residents are aware that their town was often felt by visitors to be at tacky end of tourism and efforts in train to improve this perception are at least beginning to show some result.

Just outside town, Muckross House and gardens, part of Killarney National Park, are a wonderful place where you could easily spend a whole day, although most people give it far less time than this.

The Jarveys, who throng the town centre offering horse-trap rides to visitors heading for Muckross, are fun but expensive. They sometimes allow visitors to believe that without using their services they face a long walk from the car park at Muckross - don't believe this, it's blarney!

Far better to drive out and instead hire a Jarvey in the grounds to take you on a tour of the gardens, by the lakes and over to the waterfall.

Killarney Nightlife

You are not going to find high culture here, and Killarney at night is basically a choice between a pub or a show specially staged for tourists. There are a few nightclubs, McSorley's is probably the best of them, but all are firmly aimed at a young and heavy-drinking clientele.

Of the pubs, the best for traditional music are probably O'Connors, Tatler Jack and the Laurals while Mustang Sally, as you can guess from the name, has live music of a more pop and rock variety.

The Gleneagles Hotel has a large events centre attached where there are regular concerts and show.

 

Recommended Things to See & Do

There are no attractions currently listed for Killarney. For things to see and do close by see Touring in the Cork and Kerry area.

What's on in Killarney

There are no upcoming events currently listed for Killarney. For events that are within easy reach, see Touring in the Cork and Kerry area.

Getting There & Getting Around

By Road

For detailed road directions from anywhere else in Ireland to Killarney please use the AA Ireland Route Planner.

By Air & Sea

Kerry Airport has regular flights from Dublin, London, Manchester and Frankfurt. Shannon Airport, about 2 hours away, has regular flights from Europe and the USA.

By Train & Bus

There are regular Irish Rail trains from Dublin, Cork and Limerick.  Regular Bus Eireann buses link Killarney with all major towns and cities.

Getting Around

The town centre is small and walking is the best way to go. There is no town bus service, so for areas outside walking distance a taxi is required.  Jarveys, horse drawn carriages, serve the local tourist attractions but are expensive.