KILLARNEY WELCOMES YOU

A message from Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce...

Killarney is recognised as a world class tourism destination, celebrated as a place to live, to do business and to visit all year round. Locals refer to Killarney as the town in the park and the park in the town. It is a very apt description – the bustling town centre is only a stone’s throw from the entrance to the National Park.

Killarney is Ireland’s premier tourism destination. Its natural beauty has been welcoming tourists for over 250 years. The National

Park is the jewel in the crown, its thousands of acres of natural woodland are surrounded by the world-famous lakes and Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks. We know how to welcome visitors and everywhere you go you will be assured of warmth and friendliness. This natural playground offers something for everyone; adrenaline junkies might climb Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohil, kayak across the lakes, or cycle along the many mountain trails. Those looking for a more tranquil time will enjoy walks in the park with awe-inspiring views and visits to historic buildings such as the majestic St Mary’s Cathedral and Killarney House within both the park and the town itself. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings or perhaps take a leisurely boat ride or traditional jaunting car.

Shopping is a must along the quaint streets and laneways. Enjoy lunch or dinner from

The first settlers in

Muckross Abbey was built as a Franciscan Friary to cater for the Franciscans who are still a familiar part of the town.

A BRIEF TIMELINE OF KILLARNEY’S HISTORY

Ross Castle was built by the ruling O’Donoghue Mór. Legend has it that O’Donoghue still slumbers under the waters of the lake and rises on his magnificent white horse.

Muckross Abbey was burned down by Cromwellian forces in 1654, and today remains a ruin while Ross Castle was the last place in Munster to hold out against Cromwell.

award-winning haute cuisine restaurants to lively traditional pubs.

Killarney also lays claim, justifiably, to the events capital of Ireland. A proactive Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, backed up by a host of sports and community clubs, means there is something on in Killarney every weekend.

Killarney really comes alive in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day on March 17th, and that vibrancy holds sway until the much-loved Christmas in Killarney festival each December. In between, Killarney hosts many major events like the Wander Wild great outdoors festival. It is the only town in Ireland to celebrate the 4th of July, and BikeFest, an internationally-recognised motorcycle jamboree.

The town is an ideal base for exploring the outer reaches of County Kerry and day trips along the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way are easily achievable. But above all else, if it is one thing that Killarney and its people do best, then it is hospitality, and you will be certain of a warm welcome everywhere you go.

Awards

PURPLE FLAG – 2014- PRESENT

This internationally recognised symbol means that towns that fly the Purple Flag are considered safe at night time. It is the gold standard for town centre nightlife and exceptionally high requirements are expected before a town is awarded Purple Flag designation.

Tidy Towns

A group of volunteers led by the Killarney Tidy Towns and the Killarney Looking Good committee and supported by the Town Council’s street staff ensure that Killarney is looking its best 12 months of the year. Killarney always features near the top of the charts when the annual Tidy Towns awards are announced and in 2022, Killarney was deemed the tidiest town in Kerry.

National And International Media

Don’t take our word for it - the media and tourism specialists rate Killarney as a must-visit destination. Killarney recently won The Irish Independent ‘Reader Travel Awards’ 2023 while CIE Tours named three Killarney hotels in its 2023 annual awards list. The Ring of Kerry was named as one of only eight places in Ireland in Lonely Planet’s ‘Ultimate Travel List’.

Killarney becomes a tourist destination in 1750 when Lord Kenmare saw the value of the locality’s beauty and started to offer extended leases on inns and hotels.

The railway’s arrival further expanded the town’s tourism offerings. Prior to the railway there were only three hotels in the town but by 1854 that expanded to seven hotels.

Queen Victoria’s royal tour in 1861 cemented Lord Kenmare’s vision of over one hundred years previous. The British monarch’s visit in 1861 put Killarney on the world map.

The Vincent family gifted Muckross House and Gardens to the Irish nation and this created Ireland’s first National Park.

The McShain family donated Killarney House, Ross Castle and 8,000 acres of parkland to the State, further expanding the National Park.

Killarney is jam packed with big personalities, bold characters and interesting people.

Small business owners, community figures, or well-known national sports stars. These are the people who help our town to grow and thrive. The theme of our magazine this year is ‘We Are Killarney’, a homage to the people, places and things in our town that make it so special. We want you to have the most authentic experience while staying in Killarney and to explore it like we do! With that in mind we went out and asked some locals what they love about Killarney and what they would recommend to someone visiting our beautiful town for a few days…

Peter O’TOOLE Former Park Ranger & Photographer

I have lived all my life in Killarney and was lucky to have worked in Killarney National Park as a Conservation Ranger for forty years. I have many favourite places in the 10,000 hectares of the Park. There is a variety of habitats to explore, but for me it is hard to beat a day on Killarney’s beautiful lakes. From Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane one can take a boat to the historic Innisfallen Island, from there sail to the beautiful O’Sullivans Cascade in Tomie’s Oak Woodland and that is only the beginning of a day long trip exploring the many scenic and historic sites around the lakes.

Cllr Niall KELLEHER Mayor of Killarney

On October 2nd 2016 I asked Linda Gordon to marry me as we stood on the Old Weir Bridge and, thankfully, she said ‘yes’ so the famous Gap of Dunloe boat trip will always be very special. As an attraction it has everything, including fantastic views of the lakes and mountains and learning all about the history of the lakes from the great characters on the boats – even if some of the stories told are taller than Ross Castle itself!

Seeing the Meeting of the Waters in person is something everybody should do at least once in their life and the pony and trap journey through the Gap before enjoying a little tipple at the end of it all is an experience I would really recommend.

Jordan LEE Irish Paralympic High Jumper

I love so many things about Killarney. It’s really hard to single out certain places or locations. I personally love going to Iguana’s Cafe after a hard session to get a lovely iced caramel latte while going for a recovery walk down to Ross Castle. The Plaza Hotel is also one of my favourite places to grab a bite to eat on a rest day. Located right next to the National Park, it couldn’t be in any better of a location to go for a nice walk afterwards.

Bridget O’KEEFFE

Senior Chamber Executive

As a world class tourism destination and thriving business community, Killarney has so much to offer.

The diverse natural landscape offers a world of adventure so whether you want to paddle board the lakes, run wild in the forests with the kids, challenge your friends to climb Ireland’s highest mountain range or simply sit quietly by the lakeside, we have the experience for you.

Family activities, cycling in the National Park, pony trekking, jaunting car rides, deer spotting, trails, tours, shopping, wellness, entertainment and more. Embrace the vibrancy and fun of Killarney’s social scene in the best of Ireland’s bars, restaurants and music venues. Your biggest problem will be choosing which ones to visit.

Self-Guided

Killarney National Park is best seen on bike (especially if you are short on time).

Tours

Be sure to do at least one local tour to get a good feel for the history and culture. Book when you arrive (we recommend a boat tour).

Food

and Drink

Friday and Saturday are the locals’ favourite nights to eat out and visit the pub. If you don’t like it too busy head out a bit earlier in the evening!

Shopping

Remember to ask the shop assistant if their outlet provides VAT-free shopping. Many retailers offer this to visitors from outside of an EU country.

Killarney people are friendly and approachable – don’t be afraid to chat to the locals if you are looking for tips and advice!