Photo: Dumphasizer · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Killarney
Lakes, oak woods and mountain passes to walk or cycle, free, from the edge of town.
A busy little town in County Kerry at the edge of Ireland's first national park: three lakes, oak woods, mountains, a Victorian mansion and old castle and abbey ruins, most of it free to walk or cycle. The Ring of Kerry is a full day by bus or tour (check). Wet, mild weather any month; winter days are short.
Places to see
- Ross CastleSight · A square stone tower house on the shore of Lough Leane, the largest of the lakes, with…≈ A$11
Killarney National ParkPark · Lakes, old oak and yew woods and mountains running straight from town, with flat paths…Free
Muckross HouseMuseum · A grand Victorian mansion of grey stone by the lake, seen on a guided tour of furnished…≈ A$21
When to go
- Jan9° / 3°Often wetQuiet
- Feb9° / 3°Often wetQuiet
- Mar11° / 4°Often wetQuiet
- Apr13° / 5°Some rainBusy
- May16° / 7°Some rainBusy
- Jun18° / 10°Some rainBusy
- Jul19° / 12°Some rainVery busy
- Aug19° / 12°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Killarney town. A compact town of pubs, shops and B&Bs around the station, with hostels and bike hire, right at the park gates.
Flying in
Kerry (KIR): Bus, or train from Farranfore station nearby, about 30 min, ≈ A$9. Buses and trains are not frequent; check times against your flight (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Killarney; check times and fares before you fly.
By ferry
Killarney is reached by ferry from Holyhead. From Britain: train to Holyhead, ferry to Dublin (about 3–3.5 h at sea), then a train from Heuston, about 3.5 h, often changing at Mallow. Most visitors fly into Dublin, Cork or Kerry (check)
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$5. The town is small and the park starts at its edge. Muckross is about 4 km by the lakeside path; a hired bike covers the park best. The Gap of Dunloe and Ladies View need a bike, a car or a tour bus (check).
Tourist tax
No tourist tax on beds in Killarney (check).
