Discovering the Culture and History of Killarney

Killarney National Park

Explore the stunning landscapes, lakes, and mountains of this beautiful park, which is home to many walking and hiking trails, as well as historical landmarks such as Muckross House and Gardens. This was a highlight of my trip! My family and I took a jaunting car tour around the park and I highly recommend doing this as we learned a lot about the history of Killarney from our driver. There were plenty of jaunting cars waiting outside of Ross castle.

Ring of Kerry

This is a must! Take a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer loop that offers breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains, and countryside. I suggest setting aside a full day for your ring of Kerry trip, as there are so many stops along the way, and you don’t want to feel rushed.

Torc Waterfall

If you are up for a hike, visit the Torc waterfall which is a picturesque 20-meter high waterfall located in the Killarney National Park. The hike is about a 4.4 mile round trip.

St. Mary's Cathedral

Visit the iconic St. Mary's Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church that dates back to the 19th century. Traditional Irish Music: Experience the lively traditional Irish music scene in the many pubs and restaurants in Killarney. There were so many great pubs in town with live music and it was a blast!

Jaunting Car Tour

Take a tour of Killarney on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car and learn about the town's rich history and culture. As mentioned above, I took a ride around the National park to get beautiful views from all angles of the park.

Ross Castle

Visit Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house located on the edge of Lough Leane. You can get tickets for a tour of Ross Castle, which I highly recommend doing. We learned alot about the history of not only the castle itself, but also about Killarney. It is about a 45 minute tour and costs around 5 euros per person. You can also take a boat trip to Innisfallen Island, a nearby nature reserve that departs near Ross Castle.

Killarney House and Gardens

Explore the stunning gardens and architecture of Killarney House, a 19th-century mansion located in the Killarney National Park.

Gap of Dunloe

Take a hike or bike ride through the Gap of Dunloe, a stunning mountain pass that offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Rozzers - Located in the Killeen House Hotel, Rozzers was my personal favorite spot in Killarney. Voted the number one fine dining restaurant in Ireland in 2021 and 2022, the location is dreamy and the food is absolutely delicious. Reservations are recommended in advance as it is a small restaurant.

Bricín Restaurant - This cozy restaurant specializes in traditional Irish cuisine, with great service and ambiance. Don't miss their specialty, the Bricin Boxty, a traditional Irish dish made from grated and mashed potatoes, flour, and can be served as a main or side dish with various toppings.

Manna Cafe & Bistro - A family-owned cafe and bistro that serves delicious food and coffee.

The Mad Monk by Quinlans - If you are craving seafood, head to The Mad Monk in the heart of Killarney.

Treyvaud's - This family-run restaurant serves modern Irish cuisine. Be sure to book reservations ahead of time.