11 Of The Best Things To Do In Killarney With Kids 

There are countless things to do in Killarney with kids.

The bustling town of Killarney is a great destination for families year round with heaps of activities for both warm weather and those dreaded rainy days!

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from farms and kid-friendly tours to some very unique things to do in Killarney for families.

The most popular things to do in Killarney with kids

The first section of our guide is packed with the more popular things to do in Killarney for families.

Below, you’ll find everything from horse riding and outdoor attractions to some of the more unique family activities in Killarney.

1. Spend a morning at Kennedys Pet Farm

Kennedys Pet Farm is located just outside of Killarney on the Cork Road (N22) about a 10 minute drive from the town centre.

The farm is home to a plethora of farm animals and even some exotic pets including a peacock named ‘Prince’. With new animals being born every day, you never know who you might meet on your visit.

Visiting the farm is both a fun and educational experience where you and your kids can learn about animals and farm life.

The pet farm also has multiple indoor and outdoor playgrounds making it a great destination no matter the weather.

2. Zip around on the waterbus

Lough Leane is the largest lake in Killarney and features islands and waterfalls along its banks making it the perfect place to explore by boat.

This tour leaves from Ross Castle (affiliate link) which is just a 5 minute drive from the town centre or a half hour walk through the national park.

The one hour tour offers stunning views of the national park and surrounding mountains. Boaters will be able to see the picturesque O’Sullivan Cascade as well as the ruins of a 13th century abbey on Innisfallen.

If you’re looking for things to do in Killarney with kids when it’s raining, this is a handy option as the Waterbus has a cover!

3. Cinema Killarney for those rainy days

If you’re in need of more things to do in Killarney for families when it’s pouring down, the cinema is a handy option.

This independent cinema located on East Avenue Road was recently refurbished, making it the perfect place to watch new releases on the big screen.

The cinema also hosts a kids club every Saturday and Sunday with discounted tickets for the latest family friendly films.

4. Take them horse riding in the park

There are many ways to explore Killarney National Park but one of our favourite ways is by horseback. This guided tour (affiliate link) of the park is perfect for all horse lovers no matter their riding ability.

The stables are located off the Ring of Kerry (N72) towards Killorglin just a 5 minute drive from the town centre.

The stables provide everything you need to safely enjoy your ride including helmet and boots, meaning all you need to do is show up ready to ride.

The one hour tour takes you through the national park past Lough Leane and over park trails with stunning views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.

5. Cycle around Killarney National Park (or do one of the kid-friendly trails)

Killarney National Park is filled with large paved car-free roads, perfect for a family cycling trip (you can book a bike rental online here).

From there you can head into the National Park where you can visit the ruins of Muckross Abbey, explore Muckross House and Gardens or take a leisurely cycle along the banks of Muckross Lake. 

One of the beauties of having a bike is the freedom – if you’re visiting during summer, it’s almost impossible to get parking beside Torc Waterfall (there’s plenty of space to lock up your bike, though!).

6. Take a boat tour of the Gap of Dunloe 

Explore the picturesque Gap of Dunloe and boat through Killarney National Park all in one day.

This tour starts at Ardross on the Ross Road in Killarney town centre where a mini bus will drive you 15 minutes away to Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the mouth of the Gap of Dunloe.

From there you can either walk along the winding 11km road through the valley or you can hire a jaunting car for a more leisurely journey.

7. Spend a wet afternoon at Escape Killarney

Escape Killarney is a another good option for those of you in search of things to do in Killarney with kids when it’s raining.

Escape Killarney offers two escape rooms experiences that each take an hour and are suitable for up to 6 players at a time.

We love how their ‘The Black Valley’ escape room combines local history with mystery and intrigue to create a one of a kind escape room experience.

Families should be aware that Escape Killarney recommends their escape rooms for children aged 13 and older. 

8. And a dry one at Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club

Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club is located in the middle of Killarney right across from Fitzgerald Stadium.

A great way to introduce some of the younger family members to golf, Deerpark offers a special discounted rate for families. The club provides clubs, balls and tees so all you need to do is arrive ready to play.

The 18 hole course takes around 90 minutes to complete and is a fantastic way to spend a sunny day outside. The club is appointment only so make sure to call ahead to make a booking. 

9. Visit Falconry Kerry

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Killarney with kids, look no further! Falconry Kerry gives you the unique opportunity to interact with birds of prey.

Located on a working farm on the outskirts of Killarney about an 8 minute drive from the town centre, the farm is home to an array of birds including falcons, hawks and owls.

They offers family friendly hawk walks where you will have the chance to learn about falconry, hold a bird of prey and feed friendly owls.

10. Take a ramble over to Knockreer Playground

Knockreer Playground is situated just at the edge of the national park across from St. Mary’s Cathedral on the Port Road (R877).

This extensive playground was updated in 2020 and now includes inclusive and accessible playground equipment.

This is a great place to stop by if you are exploring the town by foot or cycling through the National Park. 

11. Muckross Traditional Farm

Muckross Traditional Farm offers a unique glimpse into Ireland’s past, showing what farm life was like in the 1930s and 1940s.

The farm is located in the National Park just a 15 minute drive from the town centre. Visitors will take the N71 from Killarney towards Kenmare and turn off at the same turn for Muckross House.

Guides throughout the farm perform demonstrations from blacksmithing to baking brown bread. There is also a small petting farm and a woodland playground suitable for younger children.

12. Take them on a Jaunting Car ride

Jaunting Cars are a quintessential part of experiencing this corner of Kerry and they’ve been one of the most popular things to do in Killarney for families for many years now.

Now, you can either walk up to one of the Jaunting Cars when you arrive or you can book a tour in advance (some recommended tours here).

Many of the tours take you out to Ross Castle on the banks of Lough Leane before exploring the park. These tours are a great way for little legs to see more of Killarney after a long day of walking or cycling. 

What family activities in Killarney have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to do in Killarney for families from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about fun things to do in Killarney for families

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where’s good when it rains?’ to ‘What will suit toddlers?’.

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.