Best Things To Do in Killarney, Ireland

Are you looking for what to do in Killarney?

PLACES TO SEE

Killarney is swamped with monuments, pubs and natural wonders. If you are wondering what to see in Killarney when you visit Ireland, read on…

  • Killarney National Park: The first national wildlife park in Ireland, the Killarney National Park is a rare treat! Rent a car to drive around the narrow roadways through lush green woods and seeing animals like the Red Deer walking around the forest.
  • Muckross House: Take a tour of the beautiful house and walk around the magnificent gardens taking in all the history around you.  A beautiful place to spend an afternoon with the gift shop and the pottery house.
  • Ross Castle: Built in the 15th century, Ross Castle is located on the edge of Lough Leanne. Considered one of the strongholds of Irish Chieftains, the Ross Castle is today a proud tourist attraction.

THINGS TO DO

Killarney is known for a number of activities which are popular among tourists and locals alike. Read on to know the most popular things to do while in Killarney.

  • Boat Trip to the Lakes of Killarney: Located in the Killarney National Park, a boat trip across the three lakes is sure to make you appreciate the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains.
  • Shop at Glenaran Irish Market: Located at College Street, the market is the perfect stop to buy authentic Irish crafts and knitwear.
  • Cycling at the Killarney National Park: Rent a bicycle at the National Park to explore its awe-inspiring length and breadth.

NIGHTLIFE

  • Killarney Grand: The Killarney Grand Pub is an experience in itself. If your idea of nightlife is live music, the place is sure to keep you entertained for hours over a good pint of beer and some great food.
  • Murphys Bar: Rustic Ireland at its best, Murphy’s is known for being the entertainment hotspot in Killarney. Established in 1955, the place has maintained its eccentric and charming look and is a great place to drop by at night.
  • The Kube: The Kube is known for its delectable cocktail menu and great bar food while you sway to some good groovy music. A must if you are travelling with friends.

Below we have a list of things to do in Killarney and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Killarney getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Killarney with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Killarney

Here is the list of things to do in Killarney and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Lakes Of Killarney

    Water Body, Waterfront, View Point, Lake

    The lakes of Killarney consist of three lakes- Leane, Muckross (middle) and Upper Lake which have prominent attractions at their shores like Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and Muckross House. Highlights include: Visiting the Ladies View- a place in the national park from where you can see the pristine view of all the lakes together. Boat trip through the lakes.
  2. Killarney National Park

    4.8 (605 Votes)
    Killarney National Park

    National Park, Scenic Drive, Picnic Spot, Nature

    A priceless gem in Ireland, the Killarney National Park is worthy of a day trip. Do try to cycle around the park through its beautiful tall-trees while you come across wildlife like the Red Deer- a special sight. Highlights include: Cycling through the National Park Visiting the Torc mountain and waterfall The national park is the perfect picnic spot if you are travelling with family and frie...Read more
  3. Muckross House

    4.6 (963 Votes)
    Muckross House

    Garden, Educational Site, Historical Site, Nature

    A part of the Muckross Estate, the Muckross House was built in the 1800s and is known for its ethereal stone house and adjoining gardens and farms. Highlights include: Guided tour of the house Gardens Farm visit Tourists love to visit the place for its rich history and the guided tours are sure to give your brain some food for thought.
  4. Torc Waterfall

    Water Body, Waterfront, View Point, Entertainment

    A part of the National Park, the Torc Waterfall lies to the base of the Torc mountain. During rainy seasons the waterfall is known to be at its prime and the perfect spot for the adventurist in you. Tourists love to cycle around the waterfall and take a break here – to take in its splendid beauty. A part of the Ring of Kerry tours, the waterfall is sure to make you relive your moment here...Read more
  5. Ladies View

    4.5 (376 Votes)
    Ladies View

    National Park, Food And Drinks, Cafe, Entertainment

    Located at Killarney National Park, the Ladies View offers a pristine view of three lakes set amidst beautiful mountains. The Ladies View Industries located close to the view is known for its gift shop, café and bar- offering the perfect place for a day out to unwind after some heavy trekking through the mountains.
  6. Muckross Abbey

    Historical Site, Monument, Architecture , Heritage Building

    The Muckross Abbey is a Franciscan Abbey built in 1448. Occupied by Friars till the Cromwellian times, today the abbey is a well preserved monument with a gothic appeal. Highlights include: The sacred Yew Tree which is as old as the abbey Hidden rooms and staircases Tourists and locals love to visit the abbey for its sheer ambience and interesting stone-architecture and layout.
  7. Torc Mountain

    4.8 (453 Votes)
    Torc Mountain

    View Point, Hiking Trail, Nature

    The mountain is named ‘Torc’ meaning ‘Boar’ after the legendary Fion Mac Cumhaill killed an enchanted boar here. The mountain offers some of the best view of the city is known for its peak of 535 m height. Tourists love to take a walk through the mountain and visit the fountain at the base of the mountain as well.
  8. The Kerry Way

    View Point, Hiking Trail, Scenic Drive, Broadway

    The Kerry way is known for its trekking trails although tourists prefer renting a car and driving down the Kerry Way to take in the splendid view which covers its entire stretch. The way covers all the highlights of County Kerry and is the fastest way to sight-see if you are visiting Killarney for a short time. The inspiring pathway is a popular trekking path and is sure to give you many breath...Read more
  9. Killarney Falconry

    Park, Educational Site, Entertainment, Bird Watching

    Killarney Falconry is the perfect place if you love birds in general. Take a guided walk around the area and take lessons in falconry with a falcon perched on your hand. A must if you want to get an adrenaline rush!
  10. Killarney Grand Pub

    Food And Drinks, Pubs, Restaurant, Entertainment

    Set right at the heart of the city, the Killarney Grand Pub is grand in every way- live music, gigs, traditional bands, good food and a crazy busy bar. Tourists love to come here on weekends and sway to some good music over good bar food and a pint or two of beer, a favorite among locals too.
  11. Inisfallen Island

    5 (123 Votes)
    Inisfallen Island

    Island, Waterfront, Historical Site, Entertainment

    The Inishfallen Island is known for its rich history. Located off the west coast of Killarney, the island is a part of the Killarney National Park. Highlights Include: Inisfallen Abbey founded in 640 AD Western Abbey Church which dates back to 10th century Tourists love to visit the island more as a day trip- taking in all that the small and intimate island has to offer.
  12. Old Kenmare Road

    Scenic Drive, Broadway, Nature

    A stretch of road while driving from Killarney to Cork, the Old Kenmare Road is a treat for the road lover. Hire a bike or rent a car to drive through a peaceful stretch through mountains, lakes and valleys. The view is something no visitor should miss.
  13. Killarney Racecourse

    4.5 (114 Votes)
    Killarney Racecourse

    Scenic Drive, Restaurant, Race Track

    Killarney Racecourse is the most scenic racecourse in Ireland. You can sit at the beautifully placed restaurant and gorge on some delicacies while you enjoy a race or two. Betting is taken at the table while the race is genuinely an elite affair. If you love horse-racing, this place is sure to give you the adrenaline rush you are looking for.
  14. Coolwood Killarney Park

    3.6 (91 Votes)
    Coolwood Killarney Park

    Park, Zoo, Entertainment, Nature

    If you are traveling with children, the Coolwood Killarney Park is a must! A variety of animals are maintained here and are mindfully catered to, to give visitors a first-hand experience of interacting with the wild. Birds and animals are well taken care of and the guided tours are sure to make you feel one step closer to them.
  15. Aghadoe Cathedral

    Religious Site, Cathedral , Heritage Building

    Located on a hill top overlooking the beautiful cityscape of Killarney, the church ruins of Aghadoe are a taste of Irish History. The blackened stones with the nearby cemetery add an eerie charm to the place that is hard to explain. Originally built as a religious, pagan place, today the church holds a significant position in Killarney’s tourist attractions. Tourists love to trek to the h...Read more