A Guide To Ladies View In Killarney (Parking, The Best View + What To See Nearby)

The brilliant Ladies View in Killarney is one of the most popular stops on the Ring of Kerry route.

Ladies View is an awe-inspiring scenic panorama, thought to be the most photographed view of Killarney’s stunning Lakes.

Situated on the Ring of Kerry and a short spin from Killarney Town, Ladies View is well worth dropping by.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything from where to grab the best view to the history behind the link with Queen Victoria and her Ladies in Waiting.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Ladies View in Killarney

A visit to Ladies View in Killarney is one of the most popular of the many places to visit in Kerry, but there’s a few ‘need-to-knows’ that’ll make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Pay close attention to the warnings below – there are some potential safety issues, as the viewing point is located on a bend in the road.

1. Parking

There is parking space right in front of the Ladies View and you can park on either side of the N71 road. But exercise caution when moving out of the parking area, as there tends to be a blind spot if cars park next to you.

The best time to arrive is in the morning before tourist buses and coaches can come and take up the parking spaces (which they are not supposed to do).

2. The view (for those with limited mobility)

Fortunately Ladies View can be enjoyed by anyone and you can enjoy the awe-inspiring scenic view from where you park, so anyone who is unable to get out of the car won’t have to.

3. Getting an uninterrupted view

There is a hidden little gem that offers an uninterrupted view. Head up the road (less than a 60 second walk) towards Moll’s Gap and on the right-hand side is a small path surrounded by bushes. Walk down here carefully and you’ll get a view that’ll knock you sideways.

Ladies View and Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting

Back in 1861, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert came to visit the region by horse and carriage, accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting.

While on their way to Muckross House, where they were staying as guests, the Queen and her companions decided to stop for a picnic.

It’s said that the group were so stricken by the view, that it was named after them. When you arrive, it won’t take you long to see why they were so taken by this corner of Kerry.

The Ladies View Cafe

One other great way to enjoy the view is with a freshly brewed coffee or a pint. The Ladies View Cafe is conveniently located right next to the viewpoint and there is a wonderful open roof terrace, ideal for enjoying Ladies View.

The menu has something for everyone, they specialise in fish cakes, quiche, homemade soups and beef and Guinness stew.

All ingredients are locally sourced too and they even make all dressings, pestos and relishes from scratch.

Things to do near Ladies View in Killarney

One of the beauties of Ladies View is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Ladies View (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. The Ring of Kerry

Ladies View is on the Ring of Kerry so it would be silly not to explore the 111 mile (179 km) circular route. The “Ring” is a popular day trip and you can cover many attractions over the course of 7 – 12 hours.

2. Moll’s Gap

Moll’s Gap is a beautiful mountain pass located on the N71 road from Kenmare to Killarney and it offers beautiful views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

The Gap got its name from Moll Kissane, who ran an unlicensed public house (a shebeen) back in the 1820s while the road was being constructed.

What’s really interesting is that the rocks here are stained green due to Chlorite while every other rock in Killarney is red due to iron oxide.

3. Torc Waterfall

Torc translates to “Wild Boar” as the area was known as a habitat for them many years ago. Torc Waterfall itself is 20 metres high, surrounded in rich foliage and flora. 

There’s some gorgeous walks to do near the waterfall: the Torc Mountain Walk and the tougher (there are hundreds of steps) Cardiac Hill. 

4. The Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is nestled between two popular attractions, the Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy Reeks. You can opt to walk through the Gap which takes around 2.5 hours each way or cycle.

The pass is a visual feast of beautiful backdrops, rivers and lakes (you will see 5 of them). Also keep an eye out for the wishing bridge where apparently any wish you make on it will come true!

5. Killarney for food

If you’re feeling peckish, there’s heaps of restaurants in Killarney where you can kick back with a feed. There’s also lots of great pubs in Killarney, too.

If you fancy making Killarney your base, here’s some guide that’ll help you find a great place to stay:

• The Killarney Accommodation Guide: 11 Gorgeous Places To Stay In Killarney This Summer
• 15 Best Hotels In Killarney (From Luxury To Pocket-Friendly)
• 8 Unique (And Gorgeous!) Airbnbs In Killarney
• Killarney Bed And Breakfast Guide: 11 Brilliant B&Bs In Killarney You’ll Love In 2022
• 5 Of The Fanciest 5 Star Hotels In Killarney Where A Night Costs A Pretty Penny

6. Kenmare

No trip to Kerry is complete without a wee trip to a local town, and few towns in the area pack a punch as fine as Kenmare.

There’s heaps of things to do in Kenmare and there’s also plenty of great restaurants in Kenmare to nip into.

FAQs about visiting Ladies View in Killarney

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Ladies View to where to grab the best views.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is it easy to get parking at Ladies View?

Parking can be hit and miss here. During peak season, it can be tricky. During off season, you won’t have any hassle. You can park right in front of Ladies View or across the road, beside the cafe.

Where can you get the best view?

The best view of Ladies View in Killarney is either 1, just down the road from the maing parking area (info above) or 2, from the Ladies View Cafe.

Is there much to see nearby?

Yep! You have Moll’s Gap and Torc Waterfall a very short distance away. There’s also Killarney National Park, Ross Castle and much more nearby.