Things to do in Killarney

Activities, attractions and tours

Muckross House which includes heritage architecture, flowers and a garden
Killarney
Torc Waterfall featuring a river or creek and forest scenes
Killarney
Killarney
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Top places to visit

1. Killarney National Park

Stretching over 25,000 acres, Ireland’s first national park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982, an award given to areas that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature.
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Muckross Abbey featuring heritage elements, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

2. Ross Castle

Whether arriving by boat after your trip through the Gap of Dunloe or by land along the Kerry Way, find historic Ross Castle standing serenely over beautiful Lough Leane. See a very well-preserved example of a medieval castle from outside and in.
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Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

3. Muckross House

At Muckross House visit a beautiful aristocratic home, wander through extensive gardens and learn about traditional farming culture. Explore a grand estate with many different perspectives of Ireland’s history.
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Muckross House which includes chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements

4. Muckross Abbey

Once a monastery where monks whispered their daily prayers, now a fascinating site of mossy ruins, find Muckross Abbey deep in Killarney National Park. Wander through rooms with a turbulent history of violence and destruction. You can now sit peacefully among the trees and flowers that grow around them.
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Muckross Abbey showing heritage architecture, a castle and interior views

5. St. Mary's Cathedral

Step inside Killarney Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Ireland, to find a peaceful, beautiful church with gorgeous stained glass, carrying living history on its walls. Also known as St. Mary’s Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, this is an important landmark in Killarney and one that brings pride to its citizens.
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Killarney Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage architecture

6. Torc Waterfall

Follow the sounds of the rushing stream and reach a forest clearing to find Torc Waterfall. Here the fresh, clear water of the Owengarriff River crashes over ancient rocks, sending spray up into the cool air. The waterfall is over 65 feet (20 meters) high. After rainfall, which is frequent in this area, it is even more impressive. Stand, watch and be mesmerized by the rushing water passing through a narrow rocky gap between leafy green.
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Torc Waterfall which includes forest scenes and a cascade

7. Ladies View

Arrive from a drive through the green countryside to Ladies View, a breathtaking panorama over the finest jewels of Killarney. Look out at Black Valley, the Upper and Middle Lakes, the Gap of Dunloe and the mountains of Macgillycuddy Reeks, as well as Derrycunihy Wood, the Eagles Nest and Torc Mountain and Purple Mountain rising around the lakes.
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Ladies View which includes tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

What to do in Killarney

Popular places to visit

Muckross Abbey featuring heritage elements, flowers and a cemetery

Killarney National Park

Establishedin 1932 to protect one of Ireland’s most precious natural habitats, KillarneyNational Park is home to the country’s highest peaks, ancient woodlands,shimmering lakes and a rich variety of wildlife.

Killarney National Park
Ross Castle

Ross Castle

Standing guard over the lake, this silent ruin provides a glimpse of life in an Ireland that was often a land of warring clans.

Ross Castle
Muckross House which includes chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Muckross House

Enjoy varied delights on this splendid estate, which offers a look into daily life in the past, both inside a luxurious home and on a busy farm.

Muckross House
Muckross Abbey showing heritage architecture, a castle and interior views

Muckross Abbey

Mysterious ruins tell stories from a shadowy past and invite you to find peace in what is left of their mossy walls.

Muckross Abbey
Killarney Cathedral showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

St. Mary's Cathedral

In a green field stands an impressive cathedral especially beloved by its townsfolk. Inside, find a welcoming community church decorated with beautiful stained glass.

St. Mary's Cathedral
Torc Waterfall featuring a river or creek and forest scenes

Torc Waterfall

Hidden in the mossy forest is a sight that can refresh any weary hiker, where fresh waters hurtle over stones, sheltered by a leafy canopy.

Torc Waterfall
Ladies View which includes tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Ladies View

The ladies-in-waiting of an English queen were speechless at this sight. Looking out over such a lovely landscape, you might be awestruck as well.

Ladies View
Lough Leane

Lough Leane

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lough Leane during your travels in Killarney. Discover the area's great live music or seek out its local tours.

Lough Leane
Muckross Lake

Muckross Lake

Explore the great outdoors at Muckross Lake, a lovely green space in Killarney. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the local tours.

Muckross Lake

Areas of Killarney

Killarney which includes a lake or waterhole, landscape views and mountains

Killarney City Centre

If you're spending some time in Killarney City Centre, Killarney National Park and Cinema Killarney are top sights worth seeing.

Killarney City Centre
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Dromhale

While there might not be top attractions in Dromhale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Kerry Way and Killarney Race Course.

Dromhale
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Ballycasheen

While Ballycasheen isn't home to many top sights, Killarney House Gardens and Cinema Killarney are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ballycasheen
Killarney which includes a lake or waterhole, landscape views and mountains

Avenue

While visiting Avenue, you might make a stop by sights like Killarney National Park and Cinema Killarney.

Avenue
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Scrahane

While Scrahane isn't home to many top sights, Killarney Race Course and The Kerry Way are some notable places to visit nearby.

Scrahane
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Cahernane

While visiting Cahernane, you might make a stop by sights like Lough Leane and Killarney National Park.

Cahernane
Tralee Town Park showing a garden, flowers and a statue or sculpture

Tralee

Photo by Andrew Eilbacher

Fossa

Frequently asked questions

Is Killarney worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Killarney is explore Ladies View. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's walking trails and nature.
How do I spend a day in Killarney?
Start your day with a visit to Ladies View and Killarney House Gardens. Then, check out different areas of Killarney for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Killarney?
Ladies View is one of the top tourist attractions in Killarney and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Killarney?
Three days in Killarney is more than enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Killarney House Gardens, Tomies Wood and O'Sullivan's Cascade are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Dingle Peninsula.
Is Killarney a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in Killarney. Several top sights, including Killarney House Gardens and Muckross House, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Killarney's neighbourhoods, Avenue is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Ardshanavooly is 0.48 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Killarney with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Killarney with kids.

What to do in Killarney for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Killarney for adults including Presentation Convent and St. John's Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Killarney?
In Killarney, Killarney House Gardens is a top spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to discover the best free things to do in Killarney.