Attractions Nearby Killarney, Day Trips and Excursions

(Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland)



Picture of the Wishing Bridge at the Gap of DunloeKillarney has just as much interest in its immediate surroundings as it does in town, with many nearby attractions being popular day trip destinations. All around is scenic beauty, from Killarney National Park right through to the end of the Iveragh Peninsula, which can be driven along the Ring of Kerry route.

Other nearby attractions and excursions include the impressive Gap of Dunloe - which has good walking and climbing, the Aghadoe Woods - ideal for cycling, and the Crag Cave, farther north. Also within reach of Killarney are the fun towns of Dingle, Kenmare and Tralee, along with the vibrant cities of Cork and Limerick.


Gap of Dunloe view

Gap of Dunloe

Address: Beaufort, Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 31251
This lengthy gorge, around 10 km / 6 miles west of the town, is flanked by mountains and is worth a drive or bike ride. The scenery from inside the Gap of Dunloe, as well as overlooking from on high, is sublime and you can walk it or drive through it with a 4WD. The highest peak in Ireland, Carrantuohill Mountain measures in at over 1,000 metres / 3,280 feet high and is also located here. If you are not keen on walking, consider a pony-trekking tour.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 10:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Kenmare, on the Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Address: Muckross Road, Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 31251
Drivers will love this trip. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, taking in coastlines and rolling hills. This journey of 180 km / 112 miles can be driven in around four hours, although it is best to stop off at a few of the many attractions along the way and take your time to properly enjoy the magnificent scenery. The de-facto route is to go clockwise, first heading south to Kenmare, then onto St. Finan's Bay, Bolus Head and Killorglin. Caherdaniel in particular has fantastic views and boasts a popular beach pub. Cyclists can also ride this loop, spending a night or two in B&B's on the way around.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kenmare market town photo

Kenmare

Address: County Kerry
The small market town of Kenmare is ideal for a day trip, being found just 33 km / 20 miles away, to the south of Killarney. Kenmare enjoys a scenic location alongside Kenmare Bay, and resides between the Beara Peninsula and the Iveragh Peninsula. Many people visit Kenmare as part of their trip along the Ring of Beara or the Ring of Kerry, while others come here for its traditional pub food and fine dining. One attraction worth noting is the annual fair in the middle of August, which always draws large crowds.

Photo of Parkavonear Castle ruins at Aghadoe Woods

Aghadoe Woods

Address: Aghadoe Hill, Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 31633
Located a few kilometers to the north-west of town are the Aghadoe Woods. The picture-postcard views around this lesser-visited area are the highlight, and it's a good jaunt for cyclists of average fitness. There is also an ancient Norman ruin here - Parkavonear Castle - as well as strange stones and Aghadoe Church. You can do this trip on a loop.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Crag Cave image, showing stalactites

Crag Cave

Address: Castleisland, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 066 714 1244
This stunning cave is situated just off the main Limerick Road (N21) from Killarney, beyond Castleisland. The ancient limestone Crag Cave was only recently discovered and can be seen as part of a guided tour. Although quite touristy, its easy locale and combination of large caverns and impressive stalactites makes it worthwhile. In addition, there is a craft shop onsite and also a children's play area.
Open hours: March to December, daily -10:00 to 17:30; January and February, Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts for students, seniors, children, and families

Photo of Cork and the River Lee

Cork

Address: County Cork
A must-see city when in Southern Ireland, Cork is some 86 km / 53 miles away from Killarney, just over an hours' drive. This vibrant city is one of the top places to visit in the entire country, surrounded as it is by fine countryside and having all the charm you can handle. Attractions in Cork include the historic City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, St. Finbarr's Cathedral, the Vision Centre, and the modern Lewis Gluckman Gallery, which stands within the campus of the University College Cork (UCC). There are also lots of pubs and handicraft outlets here, while nearby Blarney Castle is nothing short of world famous.

Scenic picture of Carrauntoohil

Carrauntoohil

Address: County Kerry
Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil measures in at just under 1,050 metres / 3,445 feet and dominates the area. Those looking for some awesome views may like to consider climbing to the top, with the main route commencing on the western side, in the valley. Alternatively, the Devil's Ladder on the eastern face is also a popular route to the top and is generally considered the easiest trail, although it does become rather narrow and steep in places.

Dingle harbourfront photo

Dingle

Address: County Kerry
The popular town of Dingle is to be found approximately 65 km / 40 miles to the west of Killarney and resides on the Atlantic coastline, being the only town to be located on the scenic Dingle Peninsula. Many attractions are based around the town, including a charming natural harbour, where sailing is extremely popular and a resident bottlenose dolphin named Fungi is often seen swimming. Families will enjoy spending time at the Oceanworld Aquarium, while other sightseeing possibilities include trips to the Blasket Islands and the nearby Eask Tower.

Picture of King John's Castle in Limerick

Limerick

Address: County Limerick
As the third-biggest city in the whole of the Republic of Ireland, Limerick has grown to become something of a tourist magnet, although if you are planning to visit as a day trip, an early start is recommended, since it lies around 110 km / 68 miles to the north-east. Limerick is home to a wealth of sights to see and its principal attractions include King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral, the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, cruises along the River Shannon and an abundance of Georgian architecture.

Photo of the Blennerville Windmill at Tralee

Tralee

Address: County Kerry
The county town of County Kerry, Tralee is just a 30-minute drive from Killarney and lies to the north-west. Tralee has grown to become a major local tourist destination and is therefore a worthwhile excursion, boasting a multitude of tempting attractions. The best of these include the Blennerville Windmill, the Kerry County Museum and the Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. For fans of archaeology, be sure to check out the Caherconree mountain peak and its elevated Iron Age fortress, where scenic bay views can be expected.