2 Days in Killarney: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

If you’re spending 2 days in Killarney, regardless of whether you have a car or are relying on bike rental, organised tours or your own two feet, you’re in for a very memorable 48 hours!

Many visitors to Killarney Town make the mistake of arriving without a plan, only to waste precious time figuring out what to do when they arrive.

The result? Time wasted wandering around with no clear direction. The solution? Follow a logical itinerary for a weekend in Killarney that ticks all of the boxes!

This guide contains an itinerary with options for those of you without a car and options for those of you with a car. Cheers!

How to spend 2 days in Killarney

The best way to spend a weekend in Killarney is to dedicate:

• Day 1: Tackle the different things to do in Killarney around the town itself
• Day 2: On a day trip around the Ring of Kerry
• Where to stay: Kingdom Lodge is a good budget option, Killarney Avenue is mid range while The Killarney Park is luxury

Day 1: Killarney National Park

Right – it’s worth taking a minute or so to read through the points below as they’ll dictate how you go about spending day 1 of your 2 days in Killarney.

For those with a car

Walk to stop A and B and then drive to stop D and C as it’s a 45 minute walk there and back otherwise.

Get lunch after the Lakes of Killarney Cruise and then drive to the bike rental spot on the Muckross Road, park and cycle from there to the final stops.

If you don’t fancy cycling, you can easily drive to stops F, G and H.

For those without a car

Walk to stops A and B and then get the hop-on/hop-off bus to the other stops

1. Coffee from Curious Cat Café

Tucked down a quiet alley, the Curious Cat Café dishes up generous breakfasts, fresh pastries, and quality coffee in a quirky, cat-themed space.

The menu covers everything from veggie skillets and gluten-free avocado toast to sandwiches, fries, and sweet crepes.

Vegan and meat options are both available, and drinks range from detox smoothies to chai lattes. A solid shout for starting your day in Killarney.

2. St. Mary’s Cathedral

When you’re fuelled up, take the 10-minute walk to St. Mary’s Cathedral, a striking Gothic Revival landmark designed by renowned architect Augustus Pugin.

Built from limestone and inspired by the ruins of Ardfert Cathedral, construction began in 1842 but was delayed by famine and funding issues, finally completing in 1855.

Its slender lancet windows, tall spire, and peaceful location in an open field give it a uniquely monastic feel. Though altered in the 1970s, much of its original grandeur remains.

3. Killarney House and Gardens

The next stop, Killarney House and Gardens, is a 15-minute stroll from St. Mary’s and it’s here that you’ll discover formal gardens that back onto the vast wilds of Killarney National Park.

The current house was once part of the Kenmare Estate, renovated in the 1950s by American millionaire John McShain, who later sold most of the land to the Irish State.

The gardens are free to enter and offer one of the easiest ways to dip into the park — great views, manicured lawns, and plenty of walking trails.

Inside, you’ll find exhibitions on the estate’s history, including its links to Queen Victoria and the Earls of Kenmare.

4. Ross Castle

For those of you driving, it’s time to grab the car and head for Ross Castle (it’s around a 15-minute drive from the centre of town).

If you’re taking the bus, you’ll find all of the different stops/pick-up points here. You’ll find the castle finely plonked on the edge of Lough Leane, where it has been since the 15th century.

Built by the fierce O’Donoghue clan, local folklore tells the tale that O’Donoghue himself still rises from the lake every 7 years on a white horse.

You have 2 options here:

• Option 1: Admire it from the outside
• Option 2: Take the guided tour for €5 (first-come-first-served)

5. The Lakes of Killarney cruise

One of the best things to do in Killarney can be found near Ross Castle – the brilliant Lakes of Killarney cruise.

This hour-long boat cruise across Lough Léin takes you past tree-covered islands, with the chance to spot red deer, white-tailed eagles, and views of Innisfallen’s 6th-century monastery and Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak.

The boat is glass-covered and heated, so it’s comfortable year-round, and the guide mixes local history with a bit of humour.

It’s a handy, low-effort way to soak up the scenery if you’re short on time or just want to rest the legs for a while.

6. Lunch

Although you’re only 1/2 way through the 1st of your weekend in Killarney, you’ve seen and done plent!

So, it’s time for a feed. Head back into the town after you finish the cruise – it’s time for a bit of lunch.

While there are many excellent places to eat in Killarney, a great lunch option is Bricin. Expect warm service, cosy decor, and a menu rooted in Irish tradition.

Their signature boxty (a savoury potato pancake) comes stuffed with lamb, chicken, seafood or veggie fillings. You’ll also find crab claws, chowder, duck, and rich homemade desserts like sticky toffee pudding.

7. Killarney’s wonders

You’ve plenty to look forward to after lunch. If you’re getting the bus, head to one of the stops in the town.

If you’re driving, follow the route above. If you’re cycling, park here and rent a bike.

The town has excellent cycle lanes and the park is well laid out for novice cyclists. When you’re ready, head for:

• A: Drive to Muckross Abbey and explore its ancient ruins
• B: Take the tour of Muckross House
• C: See Torc Waterfall (the most popular of the many things to do in Killarney)

8. An evening in Killarney

Day 1 of your 2 days in Killarney comes to an end after you drop your bike back/get the bus back from Torc Waterfall.

Head back to your accommodation for a rest (see my guide to the best hotels in Killarney) and then head out for the evening.

Food

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. My favourites are:

• The Mad Monk (top-notch seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle)
• Kitty O’Se’s (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share)
• Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Pubs and live music

There are some mighty pubs in Killarney. JM Reidy’s, the Laurels, and O’Connors all deliver a traditional pub atmosphere with plenty of character.

Reidy’s has a great little courtyard that’s ideal on a warm evening, while O’Connors is the spot if you’re in the mood for cocktails. You’ll often catch live music in both, too.

Day 2: The Ring of Kerry

The 2nd of your 2 days in Killarney will be dedicated to the Ring of Kerry Drive.

Now, if you have a look at the map above, you’ll see that it includes stops in the town – you’ll have visited these on day 1, so you can head straight to stop F.

Stop 1: Ladies View

The first stop on this Ring of Kerry itinerary is the famous Ladies View Point, a 25-minute drive from town.

It was named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit in 1861.

Legend has it that the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting were so enchanted by the view, it ended up being named in their honour.

Park next to the viewing area, step out and soak up a view of the National Park and the Lakes of Killarney.

Stop 2: Moll’s Gap

Stop 2, Moll’s Gap, is only 10 minutes from Ladies View. This is a winding mountain pass with unbeatable views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and you can park right beside it at the Avoca car park.

The name comes from Moll Kissane, who ran a Sibín (an unlicensed pub) here during the construction of the Killarney–Kenmare road in the 1820s.

She was a local favourite—likely thanks to the homemade poitín she served the road workers.

Stop 3: Kenmare

Drive 10 minutes from Moll’s and you’ll arrive in the colourful town of Kenmare.

Although, there are plenty of things to do in Kenmare (like the stone circle), as this is a 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary, I’m going to recommend you grab a coffee and head for a wander.

Aim for Henry Street (left in the photo above) to see the colourful shops and pubs that have graced many-a-postcard.

Stop 4: Staigue Stone Fort

Follow the coast for 50 minutes, passing through Sneem, and you’ll arrive at the ancient Staigue Stone Fort.

Staigue is believed to have been built in the late Iron Age (around 300–400 AD) as a defensive stronghold, likely for a local king.

It’s been partly restored, and you can walk through its massive stone walls. The views of the surrounding countryside from here are nothing short of spectacular.

Stop 5: Lunch

When you leave Staigue, head for Caherdaniel, a 15-minute spin away.

You’ll likely need a feed at this point and, luckily enough, the Blind Piper (a traditional pub) is on our route to the next stop.

Chill for a bit and fuel up with some hearty fare. There’s plenty more exploring to be done!

Stop 6: Derrynane Beach

One of several beaches that you’ll stroll along during your weekend in Killarney is the brilliant Derrynane Beach, a 5-minute drive from Caherdaniel.

Derrynane is tucked into a sheltered bay and backed by a natural harbour, making it one of the most scenic spots along the Kerry coast.

As you wander across the soft sands, look out for the ruins of Derrynane Abbey, which are thought to date back to the 6th century. Set on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the beach, the abbey adds a touch of ancient mystery to the landscape.

Stop 7: Coomakista viewpoint

Few viewpoints in Kerry are as photographed as the Wild Atlantic Way discovery point at Coomakista.

There’s loads of parking here and, on a clear day, the views stretch right out to Deenish and Scariff islands — two rugged, uninhabited specks off the coast that add drama to the seascape.

Stop 8: The Skellig Ring

When you leave Coomakista, you’ll being your ascent towards the marvellous Skellig Ring.

There are a number of stops along this section of the route that you can either admire from afar or stop off at.

When you leave Coomakista, you’ll reach ‘Scenic Point’ (here on Maps), followed by Waterville (a favourite of Charlie Chaplin) and then Ballinskelligs (home to a beach and a castle)

From there, you have the Skelligs Telescope Viewpoint, St. Finian’s Bay and then, finally, the magnificent Coomanaspig viewpoint that leads to the next stop.

Stop 9: The Kerry Cliffs

The 1,000 ft high Kerry Cliffs are believed to be over 400 million years old, are reached via private land (I think it was €5/6 when I was here last).

It’s a steep 10-minute walk up to the view point but it’s well worth the effort.

Although Clare’s Cliffs of Moher and Donegal’s Slieve League get much of the attention from tourists, the Kerry Cliffs are strong contenders for Ireland’s most impressive cliffs.

Stop 10: Geokaun Mountain

The next stop is Valentia Island (connected to Portmagee village by the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge) – it’s a 10-minute drive from the cliffs.

When you arrive on the island, head up to the car park near Bray Head. You’ll get an eyeful of the Skellig Islands from here. When you’re done here, make your way up to the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs.

There’s a €5/6 entry fee and then you take the very steep ‘road’ to the viewing area. It’s from here that you’ll get one of the finest views on the Ring of Kerry drive.

You’ll see everything from Knightstown below to the Dingle Peninsula off in the distance.

Stop 11: Dinner in Portmagee

When you finish up on Valentia, it’s time for a feed. Head back to Portmagee, park up and head for a ramble.

One of the best options food-wise in this little village is the Moorings right in the centre of the village.

Stop 12: Rossbeigh Beach

The last stop of the day is the beautiful Rossbeigh Beach – one of the more popular beaches near Killarney and there’s plenty of parking.

This is a lovely stretch of sand for a ramble, especially after the 45-minute drive from Portmagee.

Stop 13: Back to Killarney

Your 2 days in Killarney finishes up back in Killarney Town.

You’ve had a long aul day so chill for a while and then hit the town to round off your weekend in Killarney in style.

Explore Kerry beyond your 48 hours in Killarney

There’s an endless number of things to do in Kerry, for those of you with more time to explore.

The most logical next stop from Killarney would be the Dingle Peninsula, home to the brilliant Slea Head Drive.

Or, if you fancy heading into West Cork, the Ring of Beara is a mighty way to spend a day or two.