Killarney vs Kenmare: The Pros and Cons of Each Town

I’ve stayed in both Kenmare and Killarney more times than I can count over the last 35 years, and every visit has been memorable for all the right reasons.

One of the most common questions I get from those planning to drive the Ring of Kerry is which town makes the better base.

In a nutshell, it all boils down to one key factor – whether you want small town or big town vibes.

Killarney vs Kenmare: The quick answer

For those of you in search of a quick answer to the Kenmare vs Killarney debacle:

Pick Killarney if:

You want plenty to see and do, great public transport, loads of places to eat and stay, and don’t mind the buzz of tourist season.

Pick Kenmare if:

You prefer a quieter, more charming base with fewer crowds but still want access to great scenery, food, and pubs.

Killarney: The Pros and Cons

The handiest way to decide between Killarney or Kenmare is to weigh up the pros and cons of both towns:

Pros

• There are endless things to do in Killarney: Killarney is home to Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, and more
• The best place to start the Ring of Kerry: The Ring of Kerry officially begins and ends in Killarney, making it a logical base for exploring the route
• Great transport links: Unlike Kenmare, Killarney has a train station and a nearby airport (Kerry Airport is just 13km away), making it easier to reach
• A wide range of accommodation: From budget B&Bs to five-star hotels, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Killarney
• A buzzing atmosphere: Killarney attracts over a million tourists each year, so there’s always something going on. There’s live music in many pubs in Killarney and the town has a solid selection of restaurants.

Cons

• Can feel overly touristy: Killarney is one of Ireland’s busiest tourist towns. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you might find it a bit full-on, especially in summer
• Traffic and parking: Thanks to its popularity, Killarney can be a nightmare for traffic, particularly in peak season. Finding parking can be a challenge
• Less of a ‘local’ feel: While Killarney is a beautiful town, it doesn’t have the same small-town charm as Kenmare

Kenmare: The Pros and Cons

Now that you’ve a sense of what the larger town has going for/against it in the Killarney vs Kenmare debate, here’s how the smaller of the two fares:

Pros

• A quieter, more relaxed alternative: Kenmare is much smaller and less hectic than Killarney, making it ideal if you want a slower pace
• A great base for both the Ring of Kerry and Beara Peninsula: Kenmare sits between the two, giving you easy access to both scenic routes
• A colourful, charming town: With its postcard-worthy streets, Kenmare has an inviting, small-town feel that’s often missing in Killarney
• Excellent food and pubs: Kenmare punches well above its weight when it comes to places to eat and drink. You’ll find everything from casual pubs to high-end restaurants
• Plenty of outdoor activities nearby: There are a handful of things to do in Kenmare and there’s endless attractions a short spin away

Cons

• Fewer accommodation options: Although there are some excellent hotels in Kenmare, the choice isn’t as wide as Killarney
• No train station: Unlike Killarney, Kenmare doesn’t have a train station, so you’ll need your own car, to be renting a car in Ireland or taking the bus to reach it

Explore the Ring of Kerry from Killarney or Kenmare

Now that you’ve a sense of the pros and cons of Kenmare vs Killarney, it’s time to explore the Ring of Kerry.

The map above will give you a good start, however, it’s worth following my Ring of Kerry itinerary, too!