Itineraries for Your Trip to Killarney
2 Days in Killarney for First Timers
All I knew about Killarney before visiting was that it was the gateway to the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland's best-known drives. The Ring of Kerry delivered with its craggy cliffs and quaint towns, but Killarney National Park impressed me the most. I enjoyed biking through the park, exploring Ross Castle, and taking in the magnitude of Torc Waterfall.
When you have two days in Killarney, you should spend an afternoon and evening walking downtown and enjoying a traditional meal in a pub. Then, explore the national park or drive part of the Ring of Kerry. Here's how to make the most of your visit to Killarney.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a hike to Torc Waterfall.
Killarney has moderate temperatures with frequent rainstorms.
Start your Killarney trip with a visit to Killarney National Park, a beautiful spot for outdoor recreation. Plenty of walking and biking trails exist for exploring the wooded or mountainous areas, or you can take a scenic boat ride across the lake. If you're running short on time, a guided tour can maximize your experience.
One of the ways to see Killarney National Park and the surrounding area is on a traditional "jaunting car" (a horse-drawn carriage). Your driver will tell stories of County Kerry as you pass scenic landmarks like Ross Castle. Some tours include a stop for afternoon tea and finger sandwiches, the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
The evening hours are a good time to walk the streets of Killarney and enjoy a meal at a local public house, such as Courtney's Bar. A hearty Irish stew is always welcome when you've been outside all day, and get the soda bread if it is offered. You might even catch some live music and singing when you are there.
If you can drive the Ring of Kerry while in this part of Ireland, you should do it. You'll see traditional Irish towns, the stunning rocky coastline, and more along this 111-mile (179-kilometer) drive. Take your time to stop and visit a local restaurant or farm and meet some of the people who make this area their home.
Driving the Ring of Kerry without stops takes around three hours, but give yourself time to pull over along the way. If you have extra time, the Skellig Ring is worth adding, as it links the picturesque coastal towns of Waterville and Portmagee. Stop to buy some chocolate from the Skellig Chocolate Factory if you need a pick-me-up before continuing to the Kerry Cliffs (which some say rival the Cliffs of Moher for their beauty).
When you're back from your drive around the Ring of Kerry, enjoy an evening performance of traditional and contemporary Irish dance at Celtic Steps. If you don't want the night to end, the place to go is Killarney Grand, where traditional Irish music is performed every night, followed by a DJ in the nightclub to the wee hours of the morning. No matter where you end up, grab a whiskey or pint of Guinness to toast your time in Killarney.
