Killarney

Killarney is a traditional Irish city home to a diverse population of people: native Irish as well as inhabitants from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, and various other European countries allowing the city to explore new culture while maintaining its Irish roots. Killarney is also home to three Gaelic football teams, is the starting point of one of the most visited tourist highlights, The Ring of Kerry, and is one of Ireland's leading tourist hot-spots, second only to Dublin.

Killarney

• Is nestled amidst some of the finest scenery not only in southwest County Kerry, but in all of Ireland.

• The "well-oiled tourist machine" has been hosting tourists for over 250 years, which means competition between vendors leads visitors on a budget to find superb restaurants, traditional Irish pubs, and accommodations that won't break the bank.

• Second only to Dublin, has more hotels beds than any other city in all of Ireland.

• Attracts partygoers year-round, but during summer months, local Irish pubs and clubs stay busy seven nights a week.  Be sure to stop in for your favorite pint at some preferred spots including, Mustang Sally's, McSorley's, Charlie Foley's, and The Granary.

• Provides travelers on their Ireland tours the ideal location for numerous side trips:
  • The Ring of Kerry - One of Ireland's most visited attractions, circling some of Ireland's most famous lookout points and tourist spots.  For the adventurous travelers try taking Kerry Way, a bike route that passes along all major scenic views.
  • Dingle Peninsula - Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the westernmost points of Ireland, famous for outdoor activities such as fishing and horseback riding.  Also home to Fungi the Dolphin, the bottlenose who has lived in Dingle Harbour for nearly 20 years!
  • Blarney Castle & Stone - Located northwest of Cork, this original world landmark dates back to AD 1200; however, the building that stands today has been recreated after the original was destroyed.  The new building is home to the "Stone of Eloquence" or Blarney Stone - said to be from the magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned.
  • Lakes of Killarney - A notorious scenic attraction consisting of three lakes all of which can be seen from Ladies View: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake.
  • The Muckross Estate - This popular Irish tourist attraction is located within Killarney National Park and houses a 65-room mansion, traditional farm house, and abbey for visitors to discover.

Your visit to Killarney will leave you with a better understanding of Irish tradition and pictures of some of the most spectacular views on the island, a sure stop during your Ireland tour.

Attractions

Countrywide Pub Crawl (Countrywide)

We've planned an event that will surely challenge even the most loyal pub patrons!  Visit our hand-picked selection of 20+ of the best pubs across Ireland!  Don't worry...you have seven full days to do this, so pace yourself and remember it's a marathon, not a race.  Visit all 20 and you'll be rewarded!

*AVAILABLE IN 2009!

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a famous area in the Southwestern corner of Ireland which offers a thoroughly magnificent drive through mountains and by lakes, historical buildings, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula has some of the most stunning scenery Ireland has to offer, as showcased in films such as Ryan's Daughter and Far and Away.

Blarney Castle & Stone

The Blarney Castle, located northwest of Cork in Blarney Village, was built by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, almost 600 years ago and still stands as a partial ruin today. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is also home to the Stone of Eloquence, also called the Blarney Stone.  Kiss it and gain the gift the eloquence!

Lakes of Killarney

A must-see, notorious scenic attraction consisting of not just three lakes all of which can be seen from Ladies View: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake, but some ot Ireland's most impressive hidden beauty.

Muckross Estate

This popular Irish tourist attraction is located within Killarney National Park and houses a 65-room mansion, traditional farm house, and abbey for visitors to discover.

Hotels

The Killarney International

The Killarney International Hotel offers the most up to date facilities within a truly luxurious setting. Facilities are of the highest quality and international standards. This property is located in Killarney's town centre and has been established for almost a century.  This old-world hotel provides a range of modern facilities with professional and friendly service while retaining all the charm and elegance of a bygone age.

Randles Court Hotel

Formerly a private home dating back to 1906, this luxury 77-room hotel in Killarney has been tastefully restored giving our guests the comfort and elegance of an era long since past. Relax and enjoy the comfort of an open log fire in the Drawing Room or pass the evening away with your favorite pint in Wiggs Bar.

Riverside Hotel

For most hotels, quality accommodation in plush surroundings is an added extra, but at the Riverside Hotel it comes standard. The Riverside Hotel, newly opened in 2000, has a modern contemporary interior with tasteful furnishings, giving it a warm relaxed atmosphere.  Located just outside Killarney town, overlooking the Flesk River against the backdrop of MacGillycuddy Reeks, the Riverside Hotel offers spacious comfortable bedrooms in plush surroundings.