Top Ten Things To Do In Killarney

There is no end to the list of things to do in Killarney for families, couples and friends…

1. Guided Tours

With dozens of scenic views and historic sites, what better way to get a good insight into all Killarney has to offer than by spending a morning with an experienced, local guide, with a passion for the vibrant town’s heritage and folklore! You can book a 2 hour or full day guided tour of the Killarney National Park, which is rich with culture, scenery and history. Or perhaps you’d prefer a relaxing walk with the lakeside views, giving you a close look at some of the centuries old ruins around the region. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous a trek up Carrauntoohil is just the ticket with views that will explain why the region is known as “The Walker’s Paradise”!

2. Jaunting Car Trips

Those looking for a more traditional experience can book a trip on an authentic Jaunting Car. This is a unique horse-drawn cart, designed for couples, families and larger groups, and the local driver is sure to be full of tales of the town’s history and heritage. Every corner will bring a new story or quip and these tours can also take you around The Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and pretty much anywhere else you’d like to go in this vibrant town. You can enjoy the experience and views of the region all from the comfort of this unique way of sight-seeing.

3. Shopping in Killarney

What trip would be complete without a bit of shopping? Deerpark Shopping Park is located just a 5 minute drive from the town centre and is one of the most successful shopping districts in the South-West region. With high-street brands such as Marks & Spencer, Homebase, Argos, Burtons, Dorothy Perkins and New Look, this is the ultimate retail experience in Killarney. The kids will also be well impressed with the 8,500 sq.ft. World of Wonder. On-site parking and an on site Costa Coffee shop make the Park the ideal location for a day of retail therapy.

4. Coolwood Wildlife Park

Located just off the Park Road (2 minutes from Killarney town centre), Coolwood Wildlife Park is ideal for family fun days, corporate trips and group excursions. This Park and sanctuary is home to a variety of creatures great and small, from monkeys, raccoons and lemurs to the pet corner with lovable rabbits and guinea pigs. The charming walks through the wooded sanctuary and activities at the children’s playground make this an ideal spot for family trips and picnics.

5. Boat Trips on the Killarney Lakes

Why not get a closer look at the enchanting Killarney Lakes view in open-top lake cruisers or self-propelled rowers. No trip to Killarney is complete without a boat ride to the islands of Innisfallen or Skellig Michael. Innisfallen is steeped in culture, with Augustinian and Romanesque ruins to be beheld. Pack a picnic, grab a boat from Ross Castle and spend the day enjoying the majesty of this piece of history.

The nearby Lesser Skellig bird sanctuary is also the perfect location for budding bird watchers, hikers, sight-seers and for tourists who just want to take in some true history.

6. Muckross House and Gardens

Muckross House is located within Killarney National Park, but with the number of things to see and do, it deserves its own spot on this list. It’s one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions and is host to a magnificent 19th Century Victorian mansion. The “Upstairs Downstairs” / ”Downton Abbey” like divide between the luxuriously furnished bedrooms and humble servant quarters makes this house a fascinating piece of history with the surrounding garden which is full of vibrant, colourful flora.

The nearby Muckross Traditional Farm is a living, breathing slice of history which acts as a working demonstration of the daily activities of the farms, and the characters, of 1930’s rural Ireland. Visitors are invited to interact with the farmers and observe how they go about their daily activities. It’s a unique trip into the past, and one that’s not to be missed.

These two beautiful locations, and the Craft Workshops in Muckross House, make this a truly unique experience.

7. INEC

Killarney, albeit a small town in the far South of Ireland, boasts the largest indoor entertainment venue outside of Dublin. Having opened the curtains in early 2000, the INEC has hosted a variety of the world’s most popular artists including Dara O Briain, Meatloaf, Westlife, Jedward, David Gray, Morrissey, Snow Patrol, The Script, and Imelda MAY as well as numerous extravagant theatrical and musical productions including Riverdance, Blood Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Field and Annie.

8. Golf at Killarney

If you are planning a golfing trip to Ireland, your itinerary will have to include the courses of the South West. Having been home to the Irish Open Championship for four years, Killarney has won the reputation as offering numerous 5 star courses as well as outstanding golfing facilities. The many parkland and links courses have been carved out of the mountain side through valleys alongside rivers, lakes and in tree lined old country estates have earned Killarney an international reputation for golf.

9. Night Scene

Killarney’s nightlife is world renowned. From cosy country pubs to lively city nightclubs and cafes, there is something for everyone. The pub is still the centre of nightlife in Kerry and is a great place for talking, meeting people, catching up on some local gossip, eating, drinking and generally having a good time.

Traditional pubs are still the most common type in Co. Kerry with the basic pleasures of good beer, good conversation and few frills. Local musicians often play at such places so if that’s what you’re after it’s usually worth asking round.

The town can also boast numerous modern, cosmopolitan type places including some disco-bars and of course nightclubs.

10. Ring of Kerry

Visitors to Kerry cannot leave without taking a journey on The Ring of Kerry. This tourist trail, which sits within the unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years, is an ideal day trip for those looking to wallow in all Kerry has to offer. Accessible by car or via a bus tour, The Ring of Kerry’s spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, watersports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. The Ring of Kerry also takes pride in offering visitors the chance to visit some of the Europe’s finest beaches, not to mention numerous Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.