Choose from 12 Fun Things to Do in Killarney
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Ross Castle
A vision on the shores of Lough Leane, the 15th-century Ross Castle was built as a medieval fortress for an Irish chieftain named O’Donoghue, and was said to be one of the last strongholds to fall to the brutal English Cromwellian forces in the mid-16th century. The ruin has been restored, and features lovely 16th- and 17th-century furniture.
The Basics
Ross Castle is commonly included on organized jaunting car (pony and trap), hiking, and sightseeing tours around Killarney National Park. Kayak and boat tours, which meander through the Lakes of Killarney—often traveling between Ross Castle and the Gearhameen River near the Gap of Dunloe—regularly stop here too.
You can also tailor private Ring of Kerry day tours, departing from destinations all around the Iveragh Peninsula, to include a photo stop at Ross Castle. While you can view Ross Castle from the outside at any time and explore the surrounding grounds at will, access to the property is by guided tour only. Tours last 40 minutes; purchase tickets at the castle site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With lakes, greenery, and mountain peaks surrounding it in all directions, Ross Castle is one of Killarney National Park’s finest photo opportunities.
- Ross Castle is not well-suited to visitors with mobility impairments. Many parts are difficult if not impossible to access because of steep inclines.
- Tours are limited to a maximum of 15 people; arrive early to ensure a spot.
How to Get There
Ross Castle is just a 6-minute drive from Killarney town. From the N71, take the Ross Road turnoff and follow the road down to the Ross Castle parking lot. From April through October, shuttle buses depart from the Killarney Discover Ireland Centre on Beech Road and stop at Ross Castle.
When to Get There
Ross Castle is open from March through November, with several guided tours taking place daily during this time. The castle is a very popular site within the park, and it can become crowded, especially during July and August. Arrive early in the day if you plan on doing a tour.
What Else to See in Killarney National Park
Ross Castle is just one of Killarney National Park’s many offerings. The park also encompasses the Victorian-era Muckross House and Gardens; Muckross Abbey, a ruined Franciscan friary; and the Gap of Dunloe, a scenic mountain pass bordered by lakes and peaks. In Lough Leane, right next to Ross Castle, is Innisfallen Island, where you can check out the ruins of an abbey and a free-roaming herd of deer.
Address: Ross Castle, Killarney, Ireland
Hours: Daily early March to early November: 9:30am - 5:45pm
Admission: Adult: €5
From $ 12
Dingle
Packed with pubs and brightly painted shops, the compact and colorful Irish-speaking fishing town of Dingle is popular for good reason—it has a busy arts and music calendar, an artisan distillery, and a number of restaurants serving fresh seafood, plus it makes a great base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula. The town serves as a starting point for the long-distance Dingle Way hiking trail and the Slea Head driving route, which leads past the westernmost point in all of Europe.
The Basics
Dingle is an undoubted highlight of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Guided day tours to Dingle town typically depart from Killarney, Tralee, and Kenmare, often stopping elsewhere on the Dingle Peninsula as well, at sites such as Gallarus Oratory, Inch Beach, Slea Head, and the Blasket Island Visitor Centre, which tracks the history of the nearby remote Blasket Islands archipelago. Boat tours from Dingle take visitors in search of Fungie, the famously friendly bottlenose dolphin who has been approaching humans in and around Dingle since 1984. Active travelers can embark on hiking tours along the area’s coastal trails to catch stellar sea and mountain vistas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Though Dingle is part of an Irish-speaking area known as a Gaeltacht, English is widely spoken.
- Like most of County Kerry and Ireland as a whole, Dingle’s weather can be unpredictable, so rain gear is a must.
- Book a boat tour from Dingle during summer and you might spot killer whales, minke whales, or even humpback whales, all in addition to several species of dolphin.
How to Get There
Bus services from Tralee to Dingle (275) are operated by Bus Eireann, which also runs a seasonal summer-only route (276) from Killarney to Dingle. While the town itself is walkable, organized tours are the best way for car-free travelers to see the Dingle Peninsula.
When to Get There
Dingle is busiest during summer and on weekends, when a lively, almost festive atmosphere pervades. For a quieter experience, go in winter when the roads and restaurants are calmer.
Visiting Dingle’s Pubs
Dingle’s pubs are legendary and noted not just for their high concentration—there are more than 35 drinking establishments serving a population of fewer than 2,000 people—but also for their welcoming social atmosphere. Dick Mack’s, which dates back to 1899, is one of the oldest and most popular; Foxy John's famously doubles as a hardware store; and O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub is known for hosting traditional music sessions.
Address: Dingle, Killarney, Ireland
From $ 31
Aghadoe Church and Round Tower
Here on Aghadoe Hill stand the ruins of the 12th century Aghadoe Church and Round Tower. There was a monastery on the site since the 7th century, however, founded by St Finian Lobhar, and no wonder as the views are sublime and perfect for a life of contemplation. There are lakes and at night the town lights of Killarney twinkle, alongside the flood lights of Ross Castle in the distance, although that is a bit more recent dating from the 15th century! To appreciate the landscape, you'll find a few benches nearby so bring a picnic.
Although ruined, there is still plenty to see of interest at Aghadoe Church. The Romanesque door is well-preserved, there is a carved crucifixion scene on another sandstone block, two ca rved faces on the eastern window, and an Ogham Stone - carved writings in the ancient Celtic language. Not much is left of the Round Tower. It is really just a small stump of the sandstone building standing in an old cemetery.
Not far north-west of Killarney (2 miles / 3.2 km), the ruined church and tower are close to the Aghadoe Heights Hotel. You can park in a carpark just before the hotel and walk across to the church.
Address: Aghadoe Hill, Killarney, Ireland
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 60
Muckross Abbey
Founded in 1440 as a Franciscan Friary, Muckross Abbey has an exciting and violent history typical of Ireland. In 1589 the monks were expelled by Elizabeth I, and in 1653 Oliver Cromwell's troops burnt it down when he reclaimed Ireland for the English bringing to an end the Irish Confederate Wars. Despite this setback, the friars continued to live here until 1698 when the new Penal Laws against Roman Catholics introduced by the English occupiers forced most in exile in France or Spain. These days it is a ruin but one of the most complete examples of Irish medieval church building you'll see.
Today, the Abbey still has its bell tower and church, and massive gothic arcades and arches. Four of Ireland's leading poets of the period were buried there, three in the church, one in the nearby cemetery. In the centre of the inner court is an old Yew tree. This grew from a sapling taken from the abbey on Innisfallen Island and planted in the new abbey at Muckross. In turn, a slip from this tree was planted at the abbey in Killarney Town.
Within the Killarney National Park, the abbey is a five minute walk from the carpark of Muckross House. It is 3 miles (4.8km) from Killarney Town.
Address: Muckross Estate, Killarney, Ireland
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Gap of Dunloe
The lake-studded glacial valley known as the Gap of Dunloe is wedged between County Kerry’s Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The rugged natural scenery along the 7-mile (11-kilometer) paved mountain pass made it a magnet for sublime-seeking, 19th-century, Romantic writers such as William Thackeray and Alfred Lord Tennyson, who waxed lyrical about its beauty. Despite its popularity, the landscape remains as unspoiled as ever.
The Basics
The pass can be traversed on foot, by bike, or by traditional jaunting cart (pony trap), and can be seen as part of guided and self-guided half- and full-day Gap of Dunloe tours from Killarney. The Gap of Dunloe is bookended by two pubs: at the south end is Lord Brandon’s Cottage, while Kate Kearney’s Cottage—supposedly named after a previous resident who poured out poitín (a traditional moonshine popular in Ireland) to parched travelers—is at the north end. Due to the narrowness of the road and the presence of walkers, sheep, and horses, driving is not advised. Private tours from other destinations along the Ring of Kerry, including Kenmare, Cahersiveen, and Sneem, can incorporate the Gap of Dunloe as well as Ross Castle in Killarney National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A one-way walk along the length of the pass, from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, typically takes about 2.5 hours.
- Wear comfortable footwear and bring rain gear in case of showers.
- Choose to end your tour on a high note by adding an optional boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney.
How to Get There
To get to the Gap of Dunloe, follow the Ring of Kerry (N72) west from Killarney for about 4 miles (7 kilometers) before turning left onto the Gap Road. Free parking is available at Kate Kearney's. Organized tours allow visitors to walk, cycle, or travel by horse and cart along the whole length of the pass without having to double back to their car.
When to Get There
The gap sees most footfall in July and August, when the parking lot at Kate Kearney’s often fills up by late morning. If you want a quieter experience, go in early morning or outside peak tourist season, either in spring or autumn.
Tips for Crossing the Pass
Crossing the pass on foot requires a moderate level of physical fitness. If you don’t feel up to the full hike, simply turn back at the head of the gap. It’s also possible to take a jaunting car from Kate Kearney’s to Lord Brandon’s and walk back from there, or join an organized tour that includes pickup, either by bus or by boat, at the end of the route.
Address: Killarney, Ireland
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Ring of Kerry
Explore southern Ireland on a road trip along the Ring of Kerry, a 110-mile (180-km) scenic route of narrow roads winding around the Iveragh Peninsula. As you cruise along the Atlantic Coast on this mountain road through Kells, Derrynane, and Glenbeigh, you’ll find a number of impressive sights.
The Basics
Most travelers start and end the loop in Killarney and make stops all around County Kerry to see historic seaside villages, Killarney National Park, the rugged Atlantic coast, and a few Irish castles. Many tours depart from other Ring of Kerry towns such as Sneem, Parknasilla, Cahersiveen, and Killorglin, the home of the famous Puck Fair festivities, but if you need transportation to southern Ireland from elsewhere in the country, Ring of Kerry day tours are offered with starting points in Dublin, Kenmare, Cork, Limerick, and Kinsale.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As with many ring roads, there is little room to pass at some points. It’s good to note that all tour buses travel counterclockwise from Killarney and that self-driving travelers can head clockwise for less traffic.
What to See Along the Ring of Kerry
From Ross Castle and Muckross House to Torc Waterfall, Bog Village, and the glacial valley of the Gap of Dunloe, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled and your camera out. The ring also passes the golden beaches of Inch Beach, the Lakes of Killarney, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountains, Ladies View, and Dingle Bay looking out to the Dingle Peninsula. The coastal side of the loop offers a taste of the Wild Atlantic Way, and in County Kerry’s Waterville, visitors tend to stop for photos with the waterfront Charlie Chaplin statue.
How to Tour the Ring of Kerry from Dublin
The Ring of Kerry loop is one of the most popular day trips available from Dublin, as WiFi-equipped coach tours make it easy to see dozens of sights in one day. Bus tours depart from a main street in Dublin city center and head out on a four-hour drive 185 miles (300 km) southwest to then embark on the 110-mile (180-km) loop. Day trips tend to be quite long (upwards of 14 hours) due to all the driving. If a single day isn’t enough, multi-day tours include accommodation and allow you to see more at a slower pace. The ring can also be reached from Dublin on a rail tour, during which travelers take a train to Killarney and then hop on a coach bus to ride the ring.
Address: Killarney, South West Ireland, Ireland
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Ladies' View
In the heart of Killarney National Park, Ladies’ View has a way of showing that natural beauty is timeless. Back in 1861, when Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting visited this Kerry overlook, they were so enamored with the view of the lakes that the picturesque promontory still carries their regal name today. From this panoramic overlook off of N71, gaze down on the three lakes that sit at the middle of the park, and since the light here is constantly changing, if you simply sit and reflect for an hour you may see rainbows, shadows and beams of light that dance on the surrounding hills. Just up the road from the main overlook, there is another parking area with a small trail that offers views of the upper lake, and when standing here on this windswept ridge gazing out on the view below, it’s like looking through a portal to Ireland’s past—where the raw beauty of the Irish countryside exists in its natural state.
Practical Info
The Ladies’ View Lookout is located 12 miles from Killarney when headed in the direction of Kendare. It’s often considered the most popular viewpoint in Killarney National Park, and is also a popular destination when touring the park by bike.
Address: Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ireland
From $ 12
Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farms
One of Ireland’s finest stately mansions, the 65-room Muckross House was built for the Herbert family in 1843. It sits on the shores of Muckross Lake amid beautiful gardens, and is replete with period furnishings and decorative objectives. Three re-created farms on the estate showcase the life of rural dwellers in the 1930s and ’40s.
The Basics
Private and group vehicle tours of the Ring of Kerry—departing from Cahersiveen, Sneem, Killorglin, Kenmare, and Killarney—often combine a stop at Muckross House with a visit to nearby attractions such as Coomakista Pass, the Torc Waterfall, and other picturesque viewpoints and villages along the Iveragh Peninsula. Muckross House also features on guided tours of Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney, which typically include Ross Castle, Ladies View, and the Gap of Dunloe on the itinerary too.
Choose between a ticket that grants access to Muckross House and Gardens or one for Muckross Traditional Farms. Or opt for a combo ticket, which provides access to both venues.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Muckross House is a must-see for history and Victorian architecture buffs.
- A Killarney National Park information center is located at Muckross House.
- The estate has an on-site restaurant overlooking pretty flower beds.
- The house is accessible to wheelchair users as are the gardens, with the exception of the rookery. An accessible shuttle bus transports visitors to the farms, though the farm sites themselves are only partially accessible.
How to Get There
Muckross House is just over 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Killarney. Take the N71 and follow signposts for the estate. If you are car-free, join an organized tour or catch a shuttle from the Discover Ireland tourist office on Beech Road; shuttle buses usually run from April through October.
When to Get There
Muckross House, Gardens, and Traditional Farms are open from late March through October. The landscaped gardens are at their most colorful in summer, though this is also when the estate is busiest. Try visiting first thing in the morning or late afternoon to experience the site at its quietest.
What Else to See in Killarney National Park
Muckross makes a great base from which to explore the rest of Killarney National Park. From the house, it’s a 20-minute walk or even shorter jaunting car (pony and trap) ride to the ruins of 15th-century Muckross Abbey, and a 45-minute hike to the scenic Torc Waterfall. Other park highlights, such as the Gap of Dunloe and Ross Castle, are fewer than 30 minutes from Muckross House by car.
Address: Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ireland
From $ 12
Blarney Stone
Visitors flock to the ruined 15th-century Blarney Castle to bend over backwards from the battlements and lay their lips on the famous Blarney Stone. According to local legend, the stone, which is embedded high in the castle walls, imparts those who kiss it with the “gift of the gab,” making them more eloquent, articulate, and convincing.
The Basics
The Blarney Stone is lodged high in the castle walls. While the act of kissing it may appear perilous—visitors must lay down and lean their head backwards over the edge of an elevated walkway—it is safe. There’s a guard rail to hold on to and an attendant on hand.
Blarney Castle is a common stop on bus tours from Cork city. A day tour from Dublin or Killarney will typically include stops at Cork city attractions, such as the English Market, and at other sights en route, such as the ruins of the Celtic cathedral at the Rock of Cashel (aka St. Patrick’s Rock) in Tipperary or the seaside town of Cobh. The Blarney Stone can also be visited as part of organized multi-day tours that cover large parts of the west and south of Ireland, including Galway and County Cork.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you are afraid of heights, kissing the Blarney Stone may not be for you, as there is a long drop below it.
- The stone is located on the castle’s roofless battlements, where visitors are exposed to the elements. Bring rain gear and sunscreen so you aren’t caught off guard by the weather.
- The Blarney Stone is only accessible via a steep, spiral staircase.
How to Get There
Blarney Castle is just 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Cork city center. The 215 bus departs from Cork bus station and stops in the village of Blarney, which is less than five minutes’ walk from the castle.
When to Get There
During peak season (May–September), lines form for the Blarney Stone and you can expect to wait, though the attractive views of the Irish countryside from the upper parts of the castle help pass the time. Come first thing in the morning when the wait is shortest.
Exploring Blarney Castle and Gardens
Though the stone is the star attraction at Blarney Castle, there’s a lot more to see at the estate. Explore the evocative ruins, including the underground dungeons, and the surrounding grounds, where you’ll find a lake, a poison garden, woods, caves, and several eye-catching rock formations and ceremonial stone structures in an area known as Rock Close.
Address: Blarney Castle, Blarney, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 520
Torc Waterfall
Found at the base of Torc Mountain among the lakeland splendors of Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall is a short walk off the winding Killarney-Kenmare road through the dense woodland of Friar’s Glen. Fed by the River Owengarriff, it plunges 66 ft (20 m) down a series of polished rock steps and eventually flows into Muckross Lake. The waterfall is at its most exuberant after rainy weather and is best seen by climbing the steps on its left for panoramic views of the cascade and the surrounding valleys.
A visit to Torc can be combined with a tour of the 110-mile (180 km) Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula; as one of Europe’s most spectacular circular drives, it takes in the lush valleys and mountains of Killarney National Park, ancient stone forts and medieval monasteries. The waterfall is one of the highlights of the 124-mile (200-km) Kerry Way walking route and also forms part of a short circular hike from stately Muckross House.
Practical Info
Torc Waterfall is 4.3 miles (seven km) from Killarney; it is accessible for no charge. Getting there early in the morning or towards evening can help dodge the tourist crowds.
Address: Killarney, Ireland
From $ 12
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park, with idyllic lakes and ancient woodlands backed by the serrated MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains, is an area of stunning natural beauty. The park is also historically significant, with two heritage buildings on-site: Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress-turned-hotel, and Muckross House, a stately Victorian estate.
The Basics
Covering around 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares), Killarney National Park is truly vast. Organized day tours can help ensure you get to see all the best parts of Ireland’s first national park. Choose between short 1- or 2-hour tours by jaunting car (a two-wheeled horse and carriage), guided walks, or boat cruises and kayak tours on the lakes of Killarney. Day tours depart from Killarney and Limerick, and include stops at key park attractions such as the Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the Ladies View scenic lookout. Some full-day tours combine Killarney National Park with the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Mizen Head. Multi-day tours depart from Dublin and incorporate sights in Cork, Kerry, and—during longer tours—the west coast of Ireland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Killarney National Park is a must-visit for walkers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rainproof gear, as the weather here can be unpredictable.
- Day tours typically last between six and 11 hours.
- Most areas of Muckross House are accessible to wheelchair users. Ross Castle has only limited accessibility.
How to Get There
From Killarney town center, it is just a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive to the entrance at the north of the park. Sights such as Torc Waterfall and Muckross House are farther from town (about 4.5 miles/7 kilometers), so it’s best to drive or go as part of an organized tour that offers transportation.
When to Get There
Summer is the busiest season at the park, yet it is also the mildest and, therefore, best for outdoor activities. Early morning and late afternoon offer quieter visits, while fall and spring bring more opportunities for solitude. Winter can be cold—but starkly beautiful.
Muckross House
Among the park’s biggest attractions is Muckross House, a 19th-century estate sitting upon the shore of the lake with which it shares its name. Queen Victoria stayed here during a visit to the national park in 1861. Today visitors can explore the impressive mansion’s interior, which is packed with period furnishings, as well as the manicured gardens and on-site farm dwellings that paint a picture of farming life in 1930s and 1940s Ireland.
Address: Killarney, Ireland
Hours: 24 hour pedestrian access
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Ring of Beara
The Ring of Beara is a circular road around the Beara Peninsula in southwest Ireland. It follows the coast and is about 85 miles around. The road begins in Kenmare in Kerry County, and you can go in either direction around the loop. The road passes through several small villages along the way, including Castletownbere, Bonane, Lauragh, Ardgroom, Eyeries, and Allihies. You can also see mountainous landscapes, jagged cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and herds of sheep.
The Uragh Stone Circle, a neolithic stone circle with some stones reaching almost 10 feet tall, is also located along this journey. A few islands are located just off the coast of the peninsula. One in particular is Dursey Island which is reachable by cable car. Healy Pass offers the best viewing point on the Beara Peninsula. A rock tunnel called Caha Pass connects Kenmare to Glengarriff in Cork County. There is also a 122 mile walking trail for those who would rather take it slowly and see the area on foot.
The Uragh Stone Circle, a neolithic stone circle with some stones reaching almost 10 feet tall, is also located along this journey. A few islands are located just off the coast of the peninsula. One in particular is Dursey Island which is reachable by cable car. Healy Pass offers the best viewing point on the Beara Peninsula. A rock tunnel called Caha Pass connects Kenmare to Glengarriff in Cork County. There is also a 122 mile walking trail for those who would rather take it slowly and see the area on foot.
Practical Info
The Ring of Beara is best started from Kenmare, Ireland. It is officially route N70.
Address: Killarney, Ireland
From $ 60