Yes, there’s a Lord of the Rings themed pub, cafe and guesthouse in Killarney called ‘the Shire’.
I get emails about the Shire pub in Killarney every week – mainly from American tourists. Emails like this one:
OK, most people don’t mix up ‘Killarney’ with ‘Kilkenny’, but you get the picture.
Here’s everything you need to know about what is hands down the most unique of the many brilliant pubs in Killarney.
Welcome to the Shire in Killarney
There’s been a Lord of the Ring’s themed pub in Killarney since way back in 2014.
Now, if you’re not familiar with the Lord Of The Rings series, the Shire is the homeland of the Hobbits in the Northwest of Middle Earth.
In the town of Killarney, there’s a slightly different Shire, located up on Michael Collins Place.
The Shire Pub: Ireland’s first Lord of the Rings themed pub
You enter the pub via a Hobbit hole that leads to a little bar called ‘the Inn of the Prancing Pony’.
Here, you can order a selection of Lord of the Rings themed beers, shots, and cocktails from staff donning Hobbit gear.
I was here a few years back and there was a lad dressed as Gollum legging about the place, so keep an eye out or he’ll shneak up on you.
There are also heaps of LOTR bits and bobs hanging up around the bar that you can have a nosey at while you nurse your pint.
The Shire Cafe
You’ll see the Shire sitting proudly on many guides to the best restaurants in Killarney. Now, it isn’t really a restaurant – it’s more of a cafe – but the stuff they pop-out is seriously tasty.
It’s also pretty good value, too. The Irish Breakfast (2 bacon, 2 sausages, 1 egg (fried or poached), black & white pudding, served with toast 1,3) is a very reasonable €8.
Which, when you consider how much some places in Killarney charge, is pretty damn good.
Related read: Visiting Killarney? Check out our guide to the most unique Airbnbs in Killarney (pods, cabins and homes in the hills).
The Shire Accommodation
I only realised that these lads had opened up a guesthouse when we were writing our Killarney accommodation guide.
When I went in to check how much a night here would cost, I was expecting to see mental prices, as the accommodation couldn’t be more central in Killarney Town.
I whacked in a Friday night in October for 2 people. Here’s what came up (prices may change!):
- A private room (sleeps 2): €30.00
- 4 person dorm: €48.00
That’s ridiculously good value for Killarney (check out our guide to the best hotels in Killarney to see what I mean).
Have you visited the Shire in Killarney? Let me know what you thought in the comment section below!
