Things to do in
Killarney

Our most recommended things to do in Killarney

From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

1. From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

Explore the mystical Ring of Kerry on a full-day guided tour from Cork. See the picturesque village of Waterville, Killarney National Park, panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and other famous areas of ancient Ireland. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic drive to one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You will see two village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair.  Next, take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. You will admire the picturesque little village of Waterville that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Continue to the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Your next stop will be at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn and admires this site of natural beauty. Finally, take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

2. Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

Discover the lakes of Killarney on this scenic cruise. Enjoy a voyage to Lough Léin with panoramic views of the lakes, islands, and castles of Killarney National Park. Relax as you watch the sights pass by from your modern, heated, glass-covered boat, guided by your local captain and guide. Depart from 15th-century Ross Castle, as you make your way past some of Killarney's most famous landmarks. Drift past the ruins of St. Finian’s 6th-century monastery on Innisfallen Island. Continue to the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks to view Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Pass Ross Island as your captain points out the flora of the area, including the ancient oak and yew forests and learn about the unique ecosystem of the area.

Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney

3. Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney

Spend the day in one of Europe’s finest coastal areas on a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry. Travel in an air-conditioned coach and discover sweeping panoramic views, strolls around enchanting villages, and historic sights.  Depart Killarney in a spacious coach and drive to the Iveragh Peninsula, the official name for the Ring of Kerry. Get insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland from your guide along the way. See stone forts and standing stones in a breathtaking landscape. Drive through the home town of the Puck Fair, an ancient Celtic festival which is held in the charming town of Killorglin. Take in panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Inch Beach. Weather permitting, see the Atlantic waves crashing on the Blasket Islands.  Head to the picturesque village of Waterville which overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay. See the misty Skellig Rocks which are known for their early Christian monastery. Find out why there is a statue of Charlie Chaplin in the village.  Stop in the charming village of Sneem, one of Ireland's most colorful villages. Explore its 2 squares and a beautiful bridge where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. Enter Killarney National Park. Admire magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley from the stops at Molls Gap and Ladies View (Leprechaun Crossing). Marvel at the cascades of the Torc Waterfall in the woods of Friers Glenn.

From Killarney: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Tour

4. From Killarney: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Tour

Enjoy the sights of the world-famous Ring of Kerry. You’ll see breathtaking scenery like Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, experience Killarney National Park, stroll through the Kerry Bog Village, and more. The first thing you’ll see when leaving Killarney is the view over the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, with the famous Gap of Dunloe clearly visible, slicing into the mountain range. From there it’s on to the Kerry Bog Village, which offers fascinating insights into how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 18th century. We then travel through Caherciveen and as we are using a smaller coach we are able to drive on the spectacular 'Skellig Ring' on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean to stop at St Finian's Bay and Skellig Chocolates. This beautiful area offer uninterrupted and unrivalled views of the iconic Skellig islands. The next stop is the village of Waterville, where you can enjoy a walk along the seafront while taking in the charming surroundings. Majestic viewing points offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is where the coach will stop for free time for lunch and shopping. After this we stop at Coomakishta, a mountain-high viewpoint overlooking the ocean, islands and rural landscapes of South Kerry. Our next stop is a short break in the colourful village of Sneem before we return to Killarney through the rugged Moll's Gap and take in the beauty of Killarney National Park. Our final stop will be at Ladies View as it overlooks the National Park and the three Lakes of Killarney before we return to the town at approximately 5pm.

Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

5. Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

Arrive at the riding stables located just outside Killarney town and meet your horse riding guide and gear up for your ride. Your guide will lead the group following the riding trail into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, taking in the essence of Killarney National Park. Your trail will take you past Lough Lein, the largest of the three lakes in Killarney and across areas of stunning natural beauty. Expect amazing views of soaring mountains, and rolling hills with a unique ecosystem including numerous species of fauna and flora. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, and forms part of a Special Area of Conservation.

Killarney on Horse & Carriage: 1-Hour Jaunting Car Tour

6. Killarney on Horse & Carriage: 1-Hour Jaunting Car Tour

Be transported back to 15th-century Ireland with stories of the legendary stronghold of the O’Donoghue Chieftains and the ancient Castle’s tragic fall to the Cromwellian Army on their conquest of Ireland, the legend of the Lake, and much more. Learn more about the nature of the Park as well as its famous wildlife inhabitants including the Irish Red Deer. Take this unique opportunity to capture those special holiday moments as your guide pauses at some of Killarney’s most dramatic scenic locations before reaching the shores of Ross Castle, where you will be invited to explore the grounds of the 15th-century stronghold with breathtaking views across Lough Léin. And because your tour takes you through areas where no motor traffic is permitted, you can enjoy your jaunting ride in absolute paradise. As the tour comes to its end, you will be returned to the town center or your hotel with memories to last a lifetime.

From Killarney: Day Trip to Dingle

7. From Killarney: Day Trip to Dingle

Depart Killarney and make your way to Inch Beach to admire its 3-mile stretch of golden sand along the Atlantic Ocean. Get lovely views of the beach, known as a popular location site for movies including Ryan's Daughter and Playboy of the Western World. Continue to Slea Head, considered by many as one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world. Travel the winding road through Gaelic-speaking Corca Dhuibhne, beginning at Ventry Beach. Pass the 4,000-year-old beehive huts as you drive to Dunquin and get stunning views of Blasket Island and the Sleeping Giant. Drive through the beautiful village of Ballyferriter, and then stop at the pretty fishing village of Dingle at the heart of the Dingle Peninsula. The charming village is celebrated for having the most pubs in Ireland for a town of its size and is also home to Fungi, an adult bottlenose dolphin that has been courting human contact since 1983! 

From Cork: Full-Day Guided Tour to Dingle Peninsula

8. From Cork: Full-Day Guided Tour to Dingle Peninsula

On this 10-hour excursion to the Dingle Peninsula from Cork, you’ll make your way towards County Kerry and the town of Killarney, starting out at 08:30. Stop in charming Killarney, and enjoy a bit of time to explore the town before continuing on to Dingle. Your drive takes you through the Cork and Kerry mountains and then along the most westerly route in Europe, known as the Slea Head drive. Take in views of the Atlantic coast as you travel on a road that hugs the shoreline. Enjoy views of the Blasket Islands on a clear day, and maybe even see the Sleeping Giant. Visit Inch Beach, one of the best-known beaches in Ireland, and a site of outstanding natural beauty. Weather permitting you may choose to dip your feet in the Atlantic! Inch Beach, like many on the west coast, is well known among surfers. It has also featured in many films such as Far and Away, and Ryan's Daughter. You’ll also make a stop in Dingle town, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Ireland. Dingle town is the heart and soul of the peninsula, and attracts visitors from around the world, including artists and musicians. Head back over the mountains to Cork, with an expected arrival time of 18:30.

Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

9. Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass situated between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain in County Kerry. It spans 11 kilometers from north to south and consists of 5 lakes. Take a guided tour through the narrow and winding path, and discover a terrain formed by glaciers. Marvel at the towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple Mountains, and the silence and solitude of the rugged glen. After being transported by coach, arrive at the famous cottage marking the entrance to the Gap. The cottage is named after Kate Kearney who is reported to have died of childbirth here at the ripe old age of 102! An unlikely story! Embark on a 7-mile journey to Lord Brandon’s cottage by either trap, pony, or foot. There will be an opportunity to purchase lunch at Brandon Cottage. Afterwards board a boat to Ross Castle, traveling through the 3 of the 5 lakes of Killarney. Be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. As the tour draws to a close you will be transported back to Killarney by motor coach.

Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Dublin

10. Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Dublin

This full-day tour from Dublin to Kerry takes you to a mystical and unspoiled region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The region boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe. You’ll discover quaint towns and enjoy panoramic views of a landscape that was carved out of rock during the last Ice Age. Detailed Itinerary Adare On the way to Kerry you’ll stop at one of Ireland's most picturesque villages. Adare’s thatched cottages and lovely stone buildings line the village's broad main street. You’ll see medieval monasteries and ruins as well. Killarney National Park This is probably the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world. Admire the stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley at stops in Aghadoe and at Torc Waterfall. Enjoy a stroll by the lakes of Killarney. Town of Killarney Killarney is the best-known town in County Kerry and the gateway to the region. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, it’s easy to see why it has often been voted the best place to visit in Ireland. Take some time to explore the town. Torc Waterfall See this 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through Friars Glen. Take a walk through the wooded area and enjoy the tranquility. Killorglin You’ll pass through Killorglin, home of the Puck Fair, an ancient Celtic festival where a goat is crowned king of the village. Dating back to 1613, this is one of the oldest festivals in the world. You’ll also see part of the famed Ring of Kerry on this part of the tour. Dingle Bay Enjoy a panoramic drive along the famous Dingle Peninsula. Stop to take in amazing views of Dingle Bay, and enjoy a visit to famed Inch beach, where the wild Atlantic hugs the Celtic shores. Wild Atlantic Way Your drive along Dingle Bay and the Atlantic Coast continues with even more breathtaking views. You’ll also drive along the well-known Wild Atlantic Way, and head to the other side of the Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll have spectacular views of Tralee Bay and the remote landscapes of the Dingle area. Inch Beach Inch Beach, stretching along the Atlantic coast for miles, is one of the most famous beaches in Ireland. Stop for a walk on the sand and admire the views of a site that has appeared in many movies.

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Frequently asked questions about Killarney

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Killarney?

The best day trips and excursions from Killarney are:

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What people are saying about Killarney

Overall rating

4.5
(2,159 reviews)

Bhí sé iontach! If you want to take a tour by the lakes of Killarney National Park, Damien is your man (and Molly!) His knowledge of the history & culture of the Park, is second to none, good banter & the weather was great! 100% recommend McCarthy’s Killarney Carriage Ride. P.s. And sorry we called you David, we now know your name is Damien!

This is a day trip of contrast, lush green, rocky hillsides, lakes, thatched roofs, castles, cottages, coastlines and cooking that will continue to wow you through the day. If you only have a few days in Ireland this should be one of them.

John is an exceptional tour guide! He has a great sense of humour and a wide spectrum of knowledge about the history, nature, politics and culture of Ireland! Having John as our tour guide was an amazing experience!

The meal times may be somewhat short and the time in the national park too, a beauty like this park deserves more time to enjoy it. The rest of the stops were fine.

It was delightful. Lots to see enough food and toilet breaks. John was very informative and had quite the sense of humour.