🇮🇪 Ireland · Places to discover
What to see in Killarney ?
15 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Landmarks & heritage (6)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARoss Castle
Landmark
A 15th-century fortress of the O'Donoghue Ross overlooking Lough Leane. Easily reached on foot from the town centre, the evening light on the medieval towers is quite striking. Climb to the summit for sweeping views across the islands.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAMuckross House
Landmark
A Victorian manor dating from 1843 with spectacular formal gardens overlooking the lake. The period-furnished interior recounts Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. The terraced gardens drop directly to the dark waters of Lough Leane.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAAghadoe Heights & Round Tower
Landmark
A 7th-century monastic site with a fragmentary round tower and the ruins of a Romanesque cathedral. Perched on a hill north of Killarney, it's the local favourite for views across the three lakes and MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAInnisfallen Island & Monastery
Landmark
An island accessible by boat from Ross Castle, home to the ruins of a 7th-century monastery where the Annals of Innisfallen were compiled. Only a handful of visitors venture here each day—monastic silence guaranteed.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAMuckross Abbey
Landmark
A remarkably well-preserved 15th-century Franciscan abbey at the heart of the national park. The thousand-year-old yew growing in the centre of the cloister is one of Ireland's most arresting images. Visit early in the morning to avoid tour coaches.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAKillarney Cathedral
Landmark
A neogothic masterpiece by architect Augustus Pugin, built during the Great Famine. The interior, rendered in Irish limestone, has a profoundly austere beauty, and the nave is among Ireland's longest. Free admission and rarely crowded.Nature & parks (4)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAOld Weir Bridge & Meeting of the Waters
Nature
Medieval stone bridge marking the confluence of Killarney's three lakes within ancient oak forest. Accessible only on foot or by boat, this is one of the national park's most secret and beautiful spots.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALough Leane - Western Shore from Ross Island
Nature
Ross Island peninsula allows you to walk alongside Killarney's largest of three lakes, away from the roads. Bronze Age copper mines dot the path, and the national park's red deer readily appear at dawn.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SATorc Waterfall
Nature
A 20-metre cascade fed by the Owengarriff river, a 10-minute walk from the Muckross car park. Climb the 200 steps above the falls to escape the crowds and discover a lake view that 90% of visitors miss.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAKillarney National Park - Reenadinna Yew Wood
Nature
One of western Europe's rare native yew forests, located on the Muckross peninsula. Trees centuries old create an almost mystical atmosphere beneath their dense canopy. Remarkably overlooked by passing visitors.Activities (3)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAKillarney Jaunting Cars - Kenmare Place Departure
Activity
Horse-drawn jaunting cars have been a local institution since the nineteenth century, not a tourist gimmick. The jarveys are born storytellers who know every corner of the park. Negotiate the ride as far as Muckross.Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - Mahony's Point
Activity
One of Ireland's finest golf courses, with fairways running directly alongside Lough Leane. Non-golfers can book a round on this course, open since 1893. The view from the eighteenth green is unmatched.Killarney Waterbus - Lake Cruise
Activity
Seventy-seat boat departing Ross Castle for an hour's cruise on Lough Leane. The local captain recounts tales of the O'Donoghues and the islands. The finest way to grasp the national park's geography from the water.More to discover (2)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAKillarney Brewing Company
Place
Artisan microbrewery producing beers rooted in Kerry's terroir: a Red Ale with peaty notes and a Lough Leane Lager. Brewery tours available by reservation with tastings in a characterful converted industrial space.Killarney Outlet Centre - Saturday Market
Place
Saturday morning farmers' market bringing together Kerry's local producers: Ardrahan cheeses, smoked salmon from Kenmare, vegetables from peninsula smallholdings. Where Killarney residents do their weekly shopping.