Killarney Vacations

1. Killarney National Park

The spectacular Killarney National Park should be the first stop on your Killarney vacation. Ireland's first national park remains the country's pride to this day. Lakes, castles, and hills blend together to create this extraordinary area of natural beauty. Whether hiking, relaxing on the water, or exploring the ancient buildings, the area has something for every traveler. Ladies View is one of the most popular vantage points in the heart of the park, and offers the perfect opportunity to marvel at the vast paradise. Speak to your Tourlane Travel Expert about the numerous hiking and biking trails that suit a range of abilities.

2. Muckross House

Located between picturesque Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, the Victorian mansion is idyllically situated in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, which in turn is part of the Killarney National Park. Thick ivy surrounds its impressive stone walls and inside, and its antique furniture creates a royal atmosphere. Your Tourlane Travel Expert will organize a guided tour of the property if you’re interested in learning more. Outside, the extensive, magnificent gardens surrounding the manor house are perfectly designed and are visitable free of charge. Not far from the manor house is Muckross Abbey - the ruins of a Franciscan monastery from the 15th century.

3. Ring of Kerry

There is no better way to explore the Iveragh Peninsula than a road trip along the Ring of Kerry. The panoramic road that begins and ends in Killarney has numerous highlights and sights - from historic buildings to beautiful valleys and breathtaking viewpoints of the coastline. Prepare to be amazed by a number of well-preserved ogham stones near the Gap of Dunloe. These ancient plates are covered with ornate carvings from the 4th and 5th centuries.

4. Caisleán an Rois

This medieval fortress and popular attraction dates back to the 15th century and is located close to Killarney on a peninsula on the east bank of Lough Leane, in the middle of the well-tended gardens of the Killarney National Park. The estate was the headquarters of the O'Donoghue clan and the last fortress to defend itself against Oliver Cromwell during the Irish Confederation Wars. After the troops were withdrawn, the fortress initially fell into disrepair. Only since it became the property of the Republic of Ireland in 1979 has it been extensively restored.

5. Innisfallen Island

If you’re an outdoorsy type that enjoys exercise, consider hiring a boat and rowing to the quiet little island of Innisfallen, where there is a 7th century monastery. Rumor has it that the first and only Irish high king Brian Boru studied here. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Annals of Innisfallen, an important source of early Irish history, was written here. The transcript is now in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England. On the northeast side of the island is a small church made of red sandstone from the 12th century. The Innisfallen forest reflects the original vegetation of Ireland and consists of mountain ash, ash, yew and holly.

Useful Travel Info for Your Killarney Vacation

The best time to visit Killarney is during the summer. Spring and autumn are also pleasant times to visit. The official currency of Ireland is the Euro (€). U.S. travelers are able to travel to Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days. The Irish timezone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The nearest international airport to Killarney is Cork (ORK), which is approximately 90 minutes drive and has one-stop flights to the USA via London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Alternatively, Shannon Airport is two hours driving, while Dublin Airport is three and a half hours driving. Your Tourlane Travel Expert will book your flights on your behalf at no extra cost. Less