27 Best Things To Do In Killarney [Indoor + Outdoor!]

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Killarney, you’ve come to the right place.

Ger and I have returned to Killarney for staycations many times, and we plan on visiting there even more in the future!

Kerry is our favourite county in Ireland and the tourist town of Killarney is simply incredible. There is so much to do in Killarney, boat tours, jaunting cars, amazing hikes, and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

In this list, you will find lots of things to do in Killarney including indoor and outdoor activities so even the rain won’t stop you from enjoying this beautiful town.

Summary Of The Best Things To Do:

1. Explore the National Park

2. Check Out The Gap Of Dunloe

3. Visit Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

4. Step Back In Time At Ross Castle

5. Check Out Torc Waterfall

6. Take A Trip To Falconry

7. Enjoy The Scenery At Ladies View

8. Check Out Muckross Abbey

9. Have A Drink At The Taproom At Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company

10. Visit House & Gardens

11. Check Out The Animals At Kennedy’s Pet Farm

12. Kayak On The Lakes Of Killarney

13. Go For A Luxurious Afternoon Tea

14. Drive Around The Ring Of Kerry

15. Hike Tomies Wood

16. Climb Ireland’s Highest Mountain

17. Check Out St. Mary’s Cathedral

18. Have A Pint In A Traditional Pub

19. Check Out Molls Gap

20. Try The Local Cuisine

21. Climb Cardiac Hill

22. Go Glamping

23. Check Out Killarney’s Secret Beach

24. Head Out To The Dingle Peninsula

25. Go To A Concert At The INEC

26. Go For A Walk On Inch Beach

27. Take A Tour On A Jaunting Car

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Photo Credit: @family_trotter

1. Explore Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty in County Kerry. The park contains a range of mountains, the Lakes of Killarney, a large herd of deer, some historic architecture, and extensive woodlands.

There are lots of different tours and experiences you can do in the park. You can go on boat tours, jaunting car tours, or simply explore yourself.

It’s definitely worth a visit for the views alone.

Photo Credit: @capitan_gian

2. Check Out The Gap Of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is like a journey into Ireland’s past, the lakes, green fields, and mountains offer stunning views.

Tour options are also available here, or you can check it out by yourself. It’s a great place to go for a walk, cycle, or even drive.

Photo Credit: @irish_escapades

3. Visit Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

Muckross House is a beautiful house built in the Tudor style in 1843. The beautiful building and gardens are located right beside Muckross Lake, one of the three Lakes of Killarney.

The Traditional Farms offer a glimpse of how farming was done in Ireland in the past.

Queen Victoria even visited Muckross House in 1861!

4. Step Back In Time At Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a well-preserved 15th-century tower house located on the edge of Lough Leane.

You can explore the castle and surrounding area for free.

Photo Credit: @hylanderontheplains

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5. Check Out Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a beautiful cascade located just 7 kilometers from the town center.

This stunning waterfall is easy to get to and is surrounded by greenery and different hiking trails that you can explore.

Photo Credit: @rickfanspics

6. Take A Trip To Killarney Falconry

Killarney Falconry gives you the opportunity to see birds of prey such as owls and hawks.

You even get the chance to free-fly a hawk!

Photo Credit: @donnabee8

7. Enjoy The Scenery At Ladies View

Ladies View is a viewpoint along the Ring of Kerry about 12 kilometers outside the town.

During Queen Victoria’s visit to Killarney, her Ladies in Waiting were amazed by the view and it gave rise to the name ‘Ladies View’.

Photo Credit: @irishpix

8. Check Out Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is another free tourist attraction within Killarney National Park.

This historic site is an old monastery and graveyard and it’s just 5 minutes walk from Muckross House.

Photo Credit: @killarneybrewingdistilling

9. Have A Drink At The Taproom At Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company

The Taproom at Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company might actually have the best pizza in Killarney, in my opinion.

Their beer is really good too and it’s generally a great place to get a drink and meet friends.

Photo Credit: @capitan_gian

10. Visit Killarney House & Gardens

Killarney House and Gardens is so close to the town center that you really shouldn’t miss out on seeing this beautiful location.

Photo Credit: @kennedys_pet_farm

11. Check Out The Animals At Kennedy’s Pet Farm

Kennedys Pet Farm is such a fun day out. You get to see so many different animals, from goats to chickens to puppies!

There are also indoor and outdoor playground areas so it’s a great place to bring kids for a day out.

12. Kayak On The Lakes Of Killarney

This was one of the most fun things I’ve done in Killarney. We hopped in our Kayaks right beside Ross Castle and Mick gave us an incredible tour of the lake and Inishfallen Island.

13. Go For A Luxurious Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is surprisingly popular in Killarney. There are so many 5-star hotels around the town that offer luxurious afternoon tea.

Photo Credit: @ferdsphotos

14. Drive Around The Ring Of Kerry

This is one of the main reasons people visit Kerry. The famous Ring of Kerry offers some of the most spectacular landscape views in Ireland.

You can go on a tour bus around the ring or drive it yourself.

Photo Credit: @reiner_smets

15. Hike Tomies Wood

Tomies Wood is a great hike in Killarney if you want amazing views but don’t want to take up most of your day. It only takes about 2 hours to complete the loop.

You can also stop off at another stunning waterfall called O’Sullivans Cascade during the loop.

Photo Credit: @hikingireland

16. Climb Ireland’s Highest Mountain

Carrauntoohill is the tallest mountain in Ireland and it’s in Killarney! The mountain is 1039 metres high and it takes about 3 hours to summit.

Photo Credit: @jerome_bailleul

17. Check Out St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral is a beautiful piece of architecture on the edge of town and right beside the National Park.

You can check out this beautiful building then cross the road for a nice walk around the park!

Photo Credit: @pdy_graphy

18. Have A Pint In A Traditional Pub

O’Connors Traditional Pub, known locally as ‘Teddy Connors’ is a popular traditional pub in the heart of Killarney.

It’s a great spot for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

Photo Credit: @tourismireland

19. Check Out Molls Gap

Molls Gap is another scenic location along the Ring of Kerry. It’s located a 30-minute drive outside the town and offers stunning views of the McGillicuddy’s Reeks mountain range.

This area gets its name from a woman named Moll who ran a ‘shebeen’, or an unlicensed pub, in the 1820s!

Photo Credit: @the_porterhouse_killarney

20. Try The Local Cuisine

Ireland is known for its exceptional meat, fish, and dairy, and the restaurants of Killarney produce some incredible dishes with those ingredients.

One of the best is The Porterhouse, in the heart of Killarney.

Photo Credit: @martawit_

21. Climb Cardiac Hill

Cardiac Hill is located close to Torc Waterfall. It’s 20 to 30 minutes of torture, or you could call them stone steps.

It offers a really quick, high-intensity workout, and stunning views of the lakes, so its worth the effort!

22. Go Glamping In Killarney

Glamping offers the luxury of a hotel but with nature all around you. Killarney Glamping at the Grove offers some really nice accommodation options.

And it’s within walking distance from the town!

23. Check Out Killarney’s Secret Beach

Not many people know about Killarney’s beaches. Fair enough, the town is about 40 minutes drive from the coast, but there are plenty of lakes and some beaches too.

Dundag is the most popular beach as it’s right beside Muckross House. Rosie’s Beach is also located within Killarney National Park, it’s lesser known and harder to find but it’s worth the adventure!

It’s not advised to swim in the Lakes of Killarney due to strong currents and algal bloom in certain areas. However, you can still enjoy the sun and the scenery on these lakeside beaches.

24. Head Out To The Dingle Peninsula

Another great place to explore from Killarney is the Dingle Peninsula. You can check out the fishing town of Dingle and the spectacular views around the Slea Head Drive.

Photo Credit: @orwpromotions

25. Go To A Concert At The INEC

The INEC offers some incredible events from comedians to concerts. It’s located about 20 minutes walk from the town center.

26. Go For A Walk On Inch Beach

Inch Beach is one of the closest coastal beaches to Killarney and is a very popular stop for tourists.

It’s a great place for a walk along the beach as it stretches for about 5 kilometers.

Photo Credit: @killarneyjauntingcars

27. Take A Tour On A Jaunting Car

One of the most unique experiences in Killarney is a jaunting car ride. You can get tours around the National Park with the jarvey (jaunting car driver) acting as your tour guide!

Where Is Killarney?

Killarney is a town in Kerry, a county in the southwest of Ireland. The town is situated on the shore of Lough Leane, which makes up part of Killarney National Park.

How To Get To Killarney?

You can get to Killarney by flying into Kerry Airport, in Farranfore, and then getting a taxi to the town. You could also get a bus or train to Killarney from any of the cities in Ireland. Finally, if you rent a car you can drive to Killarney.

How To Get Around Killarney?

The best way to get around Killarney town and many parts of the national park is by walking. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, driving is the best option but in some cases, you can get a taxi or bus to your destination.

Where To Stay In Killarney?

The Europe Hotel & Resort is considered the best hotel in Killarney. It is a luxury 5-star hotel with stunning views of Lough Leane and the surrounding landscape. It also has some incredible dining experiences, the brasserie is a great restaurant in the hotel with 5-star service but very reasonable prices.

FAQs On Best Things To Do In Killarney:

Is There Much To Do In Killarney?

There is so much to do in Killarney, you can hike, bike, take photographs, or picnic in the national park. There are plenty of free attractions around the town including Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey. You can also drive around the Ring of Kerry or go on a tour around the Lakes of Killarney.

Is Killarney A Walkable Town?

Yes, Killarney is a walkable town, it is quite compact and easy to navigate on foot. Killarney National Park has lots of walks, hikes, and runs to explore and it’s located just on the edge of the town. You can walk directly from the town center to the park in about 10 minutes.

Is Killarney Safe At Night?

Killarney is generally safe at night. It is a popular tourist town with friendly locals and a reputation for safety. However, like most towns with a vibrant nightlife, excessive drinking can lead to disorderly conduct and anti-social behavior late at night. In any case, it is important to be vigilant, especially if you’re alone.

Do You Have To Pay To Get In To Killarney National Park?

No, you do not need tickets or reservations to get into Killarney National Park. The park is free to enter and walk, run, or cycle around. You can also visit attractions such as Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey for free. There are paid guided tours of the park available also.

There you have it! The 27 best things to do in Killarney, now you’re ready to go on your next trip to the Kingdom.

Ger and I love visiting Killarney and hopefully, you can see why from this list. There’s so much to do in the town and around the national park.

Killarney is the perfect place for a holiday. You can go climb a mountain or cycle around the national park during the day and head back into town for delicious food and drinks in the evening.

Killarney has been a popular tourist town for years so there are plenty of great accommodations to choose from as well.

If you want to know more about Ireland and Killarney, check out these articles.