What to do in Killarney

Activities, attractions and tours

Muckross House featuring flowers, a park and a castle
Muckross House featuring flowers, a park and a castle
Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Torc Waterfall featuring forest scenes and a river or creek
Ross Castle which includes a river or creek

Places to Visit in Killarney

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Killarney, County Kerry while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Killarney attractions from NZ$22, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Killarney tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 71 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Killarney. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is a wonderful expanse of mountains and lakes in Ireland’s southwestern corner. It has a mix of flora and fauna spread out across its dense woodland and mountain peaks. Enter the Victorian mansion of the Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms for updated information from its visitor center.
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Muckross Abbey showing a castle, heritage elements and heritage architecture

2. Ross Castle

Whether arriving by boat after your trip through the Gap of Dunloe or by land along the Kerry Way, find historic Ross Castle standing serenely over beautiful Lough Leane. See a very well-preserved example of a medieval castle from outside and in.
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Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

3. Muckross House

At Muckross House visit a beautiful aristocratic home, wander through extensive gardens and learn about traditional farming culture. Explore a grand estate with many different perspectives of Ireland’s history.
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Muckross House featuring château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture

4. Muckross Abbey

Once a monastery where monks whispered their daily prayers, now a fascinating site of mossy ruins, find Muckross Abbey deep in Killarney National Park. Wander through rooms with a turbulent history of violence and destruction. You can now sit peacefully among the trees and flowers that grow around them.
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Muckross Abbey showing heritage architecture, interior views and heritage elements

5. Torc Waterfall

Follow the sounds of the rushing stream and reach a forest clearing to find Torc Waterfall. Here the fresh, clear water of the Owengarriff River crashes over ancient rocks, sending spray up into the cool air. The waterfall is over 65 feet (20 meters) high. After rainfall, which is frequent in this area, it is even more impressive. Stand, watch and be mesmerized by the rushing water passing through a narrow rocky gap between leafy green.
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Torc Waterfall which includes forest scenes and a cascade

6. St. Mary's Cathedral

Step inside Killarney Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Ireland, to find a peaceful, beautiful church with gorgeous stained glass, carrying living history on its walls. Also known as St. Mary’s Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, this is an important landmark in Killarney and one that brings pride to its citizens.
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Killarney Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

7. Ladies View

Arrive from a drive through the green countryside to Ladies View, a breathtaking panorama over the finest jewels of Killarney. Look out at Black Valley, the Upper and Middle Lakes, the Gap of Dunloe and the mountains of Macgillycuddy Reeks, as well as Derrycunihy Wood, the Eagles Nest and Torc Mountain and Purple Mountain rising around the lakes.
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Ladies View showing a lake or waterhole, landscape views and tranquil scenes

Recommended things to do in Killarney

Number of things to do
71
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: O' My Killarney: Roving Through!: NZ$22
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Killarney

Discover the most popular places to visit in Killarney

Muckross Abbey showing château or palace, heritage elements and flowers

Killarney National Park

See the rare fauna and visit the quaint cottages adorning the picturesque lakes and forests of this mountainous national park.

Killarney National Park
Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

Ross Castle

Standing guard over the lake, this silent ruin provides a glimpse of life in an Ireland that was often a land of warring clans.

Ross Castle
Muckross House featuring château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Muckross House

Enjoy varied delights on this splendid estate, which offers a look into daily life in the past, both inside a luxurious home and on a busy farm.

Muckross House
Muckross Abbey featuring interior views, heritage architecture and a castle

Muckross Abbey

Mysterious ruins tell stories from a shadowy past and invite you to find peace in what is left of their mossy walls.

Muckross Abbey
Torc Waterfall featuring forest scenes and a river or creek

Torc Waterfall

Hidden in the mossy forest is a sight that can refresh any weary hiker, where fresh waters hurtle over stones, sheltered by a leafy canopy.

Torc Waterfall
Killarney Cathedral showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

St. Mary's Cathedral

In a green field stands an impressive cathedral especially beloved by its townsfolk. Inside, find a welcoming community church decorated with beautiful stained glass.

St. Mary's Cathedral
Ladies View showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Ladies View

The ladies-in-waiting of an English queen were speechless at this sight. Looking out over such a lovely landscape, you might be awestruck as well.

Ladies View
Such a peaceful park with amazing views from and also above lakeside. #nationalpark #blue #waterlust #BestOf5

Lough Leane

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lough Leane during your travels in Killarney. Discover the area's great live music or seek out its local tours.

Lough Leane
Mucross Lake was quiet, tranquil, desolate... aaand upside down! #nationalpark #waterlust #Green

Muckross Lake

Explore the great outdoors at Muckross Lake, a lovely green space in Killarney. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the local tours.

Muckross Lake

Explore areas of Killarney

Killarney National Park. To the south and west of Killarney is a vast mountainous area, the McGillycuddy's Series, the highest mountain range in Ireland, with peaks up to 1000 meters high. The National Park covers the area around the lakes to the southwest of Killarney. #Nature

Killarney City Centre

If you're spending some time in Killarney City Centre, Killarney National Park and St. Mary's Church are top sights worth seeing.

Killarney City Centre
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Dromhale

While there might not be top attractions in Dromhale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Kerry Way and Killarney Race Course.

Dromhale
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Ballycasheen

While Ballycasheen isn't home to many top sights, St. Mary's Church and Cinema Killarney are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ballycasheen
Killarney National Park. To the south and west of Killarney is a vast mountainous area, the McGillycuddy's Series, the highest mountain range in Ireland, with peaks up to 1000 meters high. The National Park covers the area around the lakes to the southwest of Killarney. #Nature

Avenue

While visiting Avenue, you might make a stop by sights like Killarney National Park and Cinema Killarney.

Avenue
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Scrahane

While Scrahane isn't home to many top sights, Killarney Race Course and The Kerry Way are some notable places to visit nearby.

Scrahane
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Cahernane

While visiting Cahernane, you might make a stop by sights like Lough Leane and Killarney National Park.

Cahernane

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Killarney

Tralee Town Park which includes a garden, a statue or sculpture and flowers

Tralee

Frequently asked questions

Is Killarney worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Killarney is explore Ladies View. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's walking trails and nature.
How do I spend a day in Killarney?
Start your day with a visit to Ladies View and Killarney House Gardens. Then, check out different areas of Killarney for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Killarney?
Ladies View is one of the top tourist attractions in Killarney and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Killarney?
Three days in Killarney is more than enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Killarney House Gardens, Tomies Wood and O'Sullivan's Cascade are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Dingle Peninsula.
Is Killarney a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in Killarney. Several top sights, including Killarney House Gardens and Muckross House, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Killarney's neighbourhoods, Avenue is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Ardshanavooly is 0.48 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Killarney with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Killarney with kids.

What to do in Killarney for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Killarney for adults including Presentation Convent and St. John's Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Killarney?
In Killarney, Killarney House Gardens is a top spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to discover the best free things to do in Killarney.

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