18 Best Things to do in Killarney (With Itineraries)

Tucked between towering peaks and glassy lakes, Killarney is a town shaped by the landscape around it – vibrant, wild, and unforgettable.

It’s the starting point for the Ring of Kerry, sure, but many of the best things to do in Killarney are right on its doorstep. From lakeside walks and waterfall trails to centuries-old castles and lively pubs, the mix of nature and atmosphere here is hard to beat.

Venture just minutes from the town centre and you’re into ancient woodland, standing at the foot of crumbling ruins, or watching red deer graze beneath Ireland’s highest peaks.

Below, you’ll discover what to do in Killarney – whether you’re here for a few hours or settling in for a proper adventure.

The best things to do in Killarney

Take 30 seconds to throw your eyes over the map above as it’ll give you a sense of where the various places to visit in Killarney are located.

As you’ll discover below, you don’t need a car to reach these – you can explore by foot, bike, boat, bus or jaunting car!

1. Follow a logical itinerary around Killarney (bike, bus or car)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see in Killarney, so a logical itinerary is key.

I’ve prepared 3 for you and each has an option for those with and those without a car:

• A: 1 day in Killarney
• B: 2 days in Killarney
• C: 3 days in Killarney

2. Take the Lake or Gap of Dunloe Cruise

Two of the most unique things to do around Killarney take you onto the famous Lakes of Killarney and out to the Gap of Dunloe.

These are 2 great tours that’ll give you a completely different perspective on the surrounding landscape:

• Lakes of Killarney Cruise: A 1-hour cruise in a heated, glass-roofed boat from Ross Castle, past Innisfallen Island and offering views of Carrauntoohil, with wildlife sightings and great storytelling
• Gap of Dunloe, Jaunty and Cruise: You’re taken from Killarney Town to the Gap of Dunloe where you’ll ride a Jaunting Car to Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you’ll climb aboard a 2-hour cruise

3. See Torc Waterfall

One of the best things to do in Killarney, especially if you’re fond of the outdoors, is to visit Torc Waterfall, a 20-metre-high cascade where the Owengarriff River crashes down from the Devil’s Punchbowl.

It’s especially dramatic after heavy rain and is one of the first natural stops along the Ring of Kerry.

There’s a short, 3-minute forest trail from the main car park for those tight on time or energy, or a tougher 5km–10km loop hike for those after a challenge.

If you’re cycling through Killarney National Park, the route to Torc is flat and scenic, avoiding the busy main road.

4. Explore the ruins at Muckross Abbey

Another of the more unique places to visit in Killarney is Muckross Abbey, a place that was founded after a king’s vision of haunting music led him to a place called the Rock of Music.

In the cloister stands an ancient yew tree, believed to be as old as the abbey itself — and said to bring demise within a year to anyone who harms it.

Once a burial ground for Kerry’s great Gaelic clans, the abbey still hosts burials to this day. Make sure to pop into onto your Kerry road trip.

5. Step back in time at Ross Castle

You’ll often hear people refer to Ross Castle as ‘Killarney Castle’ and it’s frequently regarded as one of the most impressive castles in Ireland.

You’ll find this 15th-century stronghold perched right on the edge of the lake, built by the mighty O’Donoghue Mór.

Legend says his spirit sleeps beneath the water, rising every seven years on May Day, riding a white horse across the lake’s surface.

It’s one of the handier things to see in Killarney for those with limited mobility, as there’s a car park a short stroll away.

6. Spend a rainy afternoon at the Killarney Brewing Co.

Deciding what to do in Killarney when the rain lands doesn’t have to be a big effort — especially with the Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. just 10 minutes from town.

It’s the largest independent brewery, distillery, and visitor centre in Ireland, and it’s perfectly suited for a cosy afternoon indoors.

Set between the lakes and Ireland’s highest peaks, the views are spectacular even from the car park. If no one fancies being the designated driver, you can grab a taxi from town!

The tours run Wednesday to Sunday. The brewery tour includes a behind-the-scenes look and a beer tasting, while the distillery tour dives into the whiskey-making process with a three-glass tasting session.

7. Or toast a long day with live music in one of Killarney’s pubs

There are some mighty pubs in Killarney where you can toast a day of exploring! Jimmy Brien’s is as traditional as they come — small, welcoming, and home to one of the best pints of Guinness in town.

O’Connor’s, celebrating over a century in business, is a proper old-school spot that’s always buzzing, with live music most nights and a classic interior.

If you fancy a drink somewhere with a real sense of history, Courtney’s Bar on Plunkett Street delivers with its bare wood interior and shelves of memorabilia.

Then there’s John M. Reidy’s, which started life as a sweet shop in the 1870s and still feels packed with charm and character!

Fancy a great feed in the town? See my guide to the best restaurants in Killarney for 2025!

8. Conquer Torc Mountain

For those that like to explore on foot, Killarney is home to many tracks and trails worth conquering.

One of my favourites is the Torc Mountain walk. This is a relatively easy trail to follow, as you’ll see from the map above, but good fitness levels are needed. There are 3 trails:

• The Short trail: 7.2km trail (2–2.5 hours)
• The Medium trail: 14km trail (4–5 hours) via Cardiac Hill
• The Long trail: 18km route from Killarney Town (6+ hours)

9. Or one of the easier Killarney National Park walks

There are several brilliant Killarney National Park walks, of varying lengths, that you can spend a morning or afternoon tackling. 

The park is home to 26,000 acres of Irish lush landscape and boasts a spectacular mountain range which sweeps down to reveal crystal clear lakes.

Woods and waterfalls speckle the landscape to create an oasis of scenic beauty waiting to be explored.

10. Visit Muckross House and Gardens

The now-iconic Muckross House is arguably the centre-piece of Killarney National Park.

Dating back to the 19th century, this historic building was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary Balfour Herbert, who was a watercolour artist.

There’s no mystery around where she nabbed her inspiration! The house, which is now a museum, can be accessed via a guided tour.

There are also several other attractions here, like the walled garden and the traditional farm. If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney when it’s raining, get yourself here.

11. Saunter around Killarney House and Gardens

Next up is Killarney House and Gardens, about a 15-minute walk from St. Mary’s Cathedral, where pristine gardens meet the wild expanse of Killarney National Park.

Part of the old Kenmare Estate, the house was refurbished in the 1950s by American millionaire John McShain, who later sold much of the land to the state.

Entry to the gardens is free and it’s one of the easiest gateways into the park — with scenic views, well-kept lawns, and meandering trails.

Inside the house, you’ll find displays on its rich history, including ties to Queen Victoria and the Earls of Kenmare.

12. Admire St. Mary’s Cathedral

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney Town and you’re a fan of history, head straight for St. Mary’s Cathedral (you can’t miss it!).

Built in the 19th century, it was designed in a Gothic Revival style by Augustus Pugin, an English architect.

Construction kicked off in 1842 and finished in 1855. Interestingly enough, St. Mary’s is one of the tallest churches in Ireland, standing at an impressive 280 feet in height.

13. Try your hand at falconry

I’ve never been overly keen on Falconry, but the Falconry in the National Park is said to be one of the best things to do in Killarney for families.

Imagine standing in the middle of the National Park with a hawk swooping down from a tree towards you. By all accounts, you need to stand your ground and provide a steady landing place for the bird. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Killarney with hard to amuse kids, this is a great option.

14. Take a traditional jaunting car

One of the more unique things to do in Killarney Town Centre is to take a tour on one of the traditional jaunting cars.

You’ll see them as you walk around the town and you can book onto this 1-hour guided jaunty tour.

Over the course of the trip, you’ll see Ireland’s highest mountain range, Ross Castle and plenty more whole hearing stories about the area from the Jarvey guide.

15. Conquer Cardiac Hill or explore Tomies Wood

Cardiac Hill is one of the tougher walks in Killarney. Why? Well, you have to conquer hundreds of steps at the start.

However, once you’ve reached the top of the steps, you’ve some nice level ground to ramble along, with numerous viewpoints that’ll make the trek at the start well worth it.

The walk takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on pace, and you can find a full guide to it right here.

16. Tackle the Ring of Kerry Drive

Arguably one of the top things to do in Killarney is to start the Ring of Kerry Drive from the town (Killarney is the official start point).

The ‘Ring’ follows the N71 out of town and then follows the N70 road. It takes in many of the best places to visit in Kerry in one long swoop.

You’ll want to allow 7 – 10 hours at a minimum for the Ring and you can look forward to stops at the likes of Ladies View and Moll’s Gap.

It’s also well worth adding on the Skellig Ring, as it’ll take you to the likes of the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island. Here are 3 itineraries to choose from:

• A: 1 day Ring of Kerry itinerary
• B: 2 day Ring of Kerry itinerary
• C: 3 day Ring of Kerry itinerary

17. Visit Innisfallen Island

Innisfallen is one of the most off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Killarney

This is a 21-acre island on Lough Leane, home to the ruins of a 7th-century abbey where monks wrote the Annals of Innisfallen.

There are 2 ways to visit:

• Option 1: Take the boat tour from Ross Castle
• Option 2: The popular kayak tour

18. Take one of many day trips from Killarney

There are endless things to do near Killarney for those of you that have explored the town.

If you want to tackle some scenic drives, Ballaghbeama Gap, the Dingle Peninsula and the brilliant Slea Head Drive are all worth doing.

Or, you could head towards Kenmare Town and then tip onto the Beara Peninsula, which straddles both Cork and Kerry.

Hop into my guide to day trips from Killarney for more!

Now you know what to do in Killarney

Now that you’ve a good sense of the best things to do in Killarney, it’s time to find a place to stay.

Area wise, the two on the map above are my go-tos. I’ve outlined the different areas, along with accommodation by budget, in my guide on where to stay in Killarney.