Killarney Tourist Information and Tourism

(Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland)

Killarney is a fun tourism town in County Kerry, south-west Ireland. The town is known for its laid-back and compact centre, and for being the gateway to the dazzling scenery in the nearby Killarney National Park. Some great drives also originate from Killarney, including the famed Ring of Kerry route. The town centre comes with the obligatory charming pubs, cute boutiques and cosy galleries.

During the summer you can expect the place to pack out with American tourists tracking down their Irish heritage, and it does get crowded, but that all just adds to the atmosphere when sitting in the pubs listening to some of the best 'diddly-aye' music in Ireland. Do be aware that this particular corner of Ireland gets more rain than practically anywhere else in Europe. Of note, those looking for Killarney tourist information will find the tourism office situated just west of the town centre, on Beech Road.

Killarney Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Tourists will be able to enjoy a good selection of attractions spread around Killarney, although many of the best do tend to reside within the National Park itself, such as the Muckross House and Gardens. Families should pencil in a trip to Kennedy's Animal, Bird and Pet Farm, which is located on the eastern outskirts of town and will appeal to young children. On Fridays in the town centre is the buzzing Killarney Market, which is certainly not to be missed if you are here at that time. Sightseers should consider a visit to St. Mary's Cathedral, while others may simply be in town to take in a pop concert or football match at the recently upgraded Fitzgerald Stadium. More information about Killarney Tourist Attractions.

The natural landmarks surrounding Killarney provide a huge amount of interest to tourists. Particularly impressive is the Torc Waterfall, as well as the Ladies' View observation area, both of which reside within Killarney National Park. Standing in Lough Leane is the Innisfallen Island and its ancient ruined monastery, which can be reached by regular cruises. Located on Cathedral Place is the Knockreer Estate, where the charming the Deenagh Lodge Gate cottage appears to have just jumped off a postcard. However, it is the 15th-century Ross Castle that sees the highest visitor numbers and is just a short walk to the south of the town centre. More information about Killarney Landmarks and Monuments.

Killarney is only a small town, and so don't plan on finding much in the way of museums. However, railway enthusiasts will likely be thrilled to discover one of the biggest scale miniature railroads in existence, at the town's very own Model Railway Museum. Tourists arriving by train will be greeted by the Museum of Irish Transport, which is close to the station and contains an extensive collection of vintage vehicles and related information. If Irish art is more your thing, then the Killarney Art Gallery should be investigated, being home to a mixture of landscape and contemporary paintings, often created by local County Kerry artists. Close to Muckross House, the Muckross Traditional Farms features an authentic recreation of a period Irish farmhouse, as well as some friendly farmyard animals. More information about Killarney Museums and Killarney Art Galleries.

Although there is much to be seen in Killarney, outside of the town are innumerable day trip possibilities. Many tourists choose to take an excursion to the neighbouring towns of Dingle, Kenmare and Tralee, all of which are within easy driving distance and come with enough attractions to fill any spare days. Those looking to escape to the countryside may like to head to the Aghadoe Woods, visit the lengthy gorge named the Gap of Dunloe, or enjoy some great views from the Carrauntoohil mountain, part of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range. For something more lively, the bustling cities of Cork and Limerick can both be reached in around one and a half hours, being located to the south-east and north-east respectively. More information about Killarney Attractions Nearby.

More Killarney Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Republic of Ireland (south-west)
• Location: County Kerry / Munster
• Status: town
• Population: approximately 15,000
• Language: English and Irish (Gaelic)
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT / UTC
• Country dialling code: +353
• Telephone area code: 064
• Average daily Killarney January temperature: 9°C / 48°F
• Average daily Killarney July temperature: 19°C / 66°F