Killarney's History has strong links with its tourism industry. Many of our centuries old heritage sites have been secured and saved for future generations mainly because of their importance to tourism. Over the past 250 years Killarney's Tourism Industry has created some of its own History. This section of the website takes you through 3 Historic Tourism Trails i.e., South Trail, Town Trail and West & North Trail in all cases you will experience the strong link between our Tourism Heritage and our much older Built and Natural Heritage. Two downloadable Historic Trails Maps are provided in the accompanying section.

In a further section you will find downloadable Maps of Killarney Town, Killarney Valley, Kerry County and Access to Ireland.

Sightseeing & Touring in Killarney & the Southwest
 

For so many reasons, Killarney is the ultimate base for touring in Ireland's spectacular Southwest. It is centrally located and is the automatic start & finish point for doing the Ring Of Kerry and The Dingle Peninsula. It also has the world class hospitality facilities demanded by today's discerning traveller and the people of Killarney have a 250 year tourism tradition behind them, making their welcome and service professional as well as warm and friendly. Finally, in itself, Killarney Town & Valley is worthy of multiple day explorations whatever your interest e.g., spectacular landscapes, wildlife & wilderness, history & heritage, outdoor activities, dining and entertainment, wellness & wellbeing, and much, much more

Principal Tour Options
 

The Tours detailed below represent only a limited selection of the Principal Touring Routes. The Killarney and South-west region offer numerous other touring options to the visitor, many of which can be tailored to suit specific requirements and indeed in most cases, constructed as you go along by simply exploring the landscape at your own pace. (All of these Tours can be completed by private car, incoming group coach or locally organised coach tours)

Jaunting Car Trips
 

The traditional way to tour all of the local 'beauty spots' is by Jaunting Car (local 'unique' horsedrawn carriage), in the company of a 'Jarvey' (driver & guide) who will spin the 'old stories' at every corner on the road. Jaunting Cars are available for large groups and independent travellers. Tours include The Lakes, Ross Castle, Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall and, just about anywhere in Killarney you might want to visit.

Boat Trips & Inisfallen
 

No visit to Killarney is complete without taking a boat trip on its famous and enchanting lakes. The visitor has a choice of organised group boating trips in open lake boats, group & independent trips on the all-weather luxury Lake Cruisers or, in 'self-propelled' rowing boats. One stop you should make is Inisfallen Island and its monastic ruins dating back to the 11th Century.

Killarney Valley Highlights
 

Including Aghadoe, Muckross, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall & Ladies View
This is the Local Highlights Coach Tour of approximately 3 hours duration, taking in all of the key local attractions e.g., Aghadoe (panoramic view of Killarney Lake district) including the ruins of the 11th Century Aghadoe Church & Round Tower and the 13th Century Norman Castle of Parkavonear, Kate Kearney's Cottage (Gateway to the Gap of Dunloe), Ross Castle(15th Century restored Castle), Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms(Magnificent Victorian Mansion & Gardens in the National Park), Torc Waterfall and Lake Views etc. [ Ample time is allowed for photo stops, shop visits and lunch ]

Killarney Town
 

In the mid-1700's, driven by Thomas 4th Viscount, the "hamlet" of Killarney began to develop as a town and simultaneously as Ireland's first and still premier visitor destination. There are many features within the town's architecture which date back to the early and mid-1800's. The oldest (albeit perhaps least impressive) public building is Killarney House which dates back to the 1740's - this is scheduled to be restored, refurbished and re-opened to the public at some time in the future. Other buildings of note are; Deenagh Lodge (1834), Killarney Courthouse (1835), Killarney Railway Station (1853), The Malton Hotel(Formerly the Great Southern - 1854), the Pugin designed St. Mary's Cathedral (1842-1855), the Pugin designed and influenced Bishop's House & Seminary (1860-61), The Old Monastery (1861), Presentation Convent & School (1875-86), Franciscan Friary (1867) and St. Mary's Church of Ireland (1812-89).

Gap of Dunloe
 

Arguably, the most varied and exciting tour in Ireland. The Gap of Dunloe Tour is of approximately 7 hours duration. The day begins with a coach ride to Kate Kearney's Cottage where, after partaking of suitable refreshments, the visitor then travels through the 7 mile Gap of Dunloe mountain pass on horseback, horse-drawn trap or on foot if so desired, to Lord Brandons Cottage on the shore of the Upper Lake. Lunch can then be had before departing by boat through each of Killarney's three Lakes, arriving at the 15th Century Ross Castle, where your coach awaits to return you to Killarney. [ Barbecues can be arranged for Groups and, the Tour can also be arranged in reverse order ]

Muckross House & Traditional Farms
 

A visit to Killarney, or indeed Kerry, is not complete without a visit to the world renowned Muckross House & Gardens. One of Ireland's most popular visitor attractions, this magnificent Victorian mansion was built in 1843 and forms the centrepiece of the equally renowned Killarney National Park. The elegantly furnished family rooms in the upper floors and the spartan servants quarters in the basement, clearly depict the 'upstairs - downstairs' divide of that era. The Gardens are renowned world-wide for their beauty and, in particular they are noted for their fine collection of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, extensive water garden and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone.

The nearby Muckross Traditional Farms are full working examples of rural life in the 1930's. Take a stroll down memory lane to a time before the advent of electricity, when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land and, with the animals.

Together with the Craft Workshops in Muckross House, the superb extensive Gardens and, the surrounding National Park, this is a location of immense beauty and historical interest. An experience not to be missed and never to be forgotten. Muckross House & Gardens are open all year (excl. Christmas) and the Traditional Farms are fully open May - September inclusive, with limited opening during March, April and October. Entrance to the National Park and Muckross Gardens is free. Special Group Rates apply to the House and Farms and substantial savings can be made by buying a 'joint ticket' for both attractions.

Ross Castle & Ross Island
 

Original home of the O'Donoghue Ross Chieftains in the 15th century and, believed to be the last significant fortress to fall to Cromwell's armies in Ireland, Ross Castle has been magnificently restored to its former glory. Standing on the shore of Lough Leane, this castle is open to visitors (Guided Tours) from April to October inclusive.

Ross Castle is located on Ross Island. Its human habitation history goes back some 9000 years with one of Europe's earliest Bronze Age Copper Mines dating back some 4500 years. A most informative and pleasant Mining & Nature Walking Trail takes you through the Island - allow c. 60-90 minutes.

Muckross Abbey
 

Founded by the Franciscans in the 15th century, this unique Abbey was plundered by Cromwellian forces in 1652. Although a 'ruin', the building is in a remarkable state of preservation with the walls of the Cloister and its associated Buildings in their original and complete state. Access is all-year round and is free.

Dinis Cottage
 

Dinis Cottage is a former hunting lodge which dates back to the 1700s. It is located on the shore of Muckross Lake, close to the Meeting of the Waters - where the three Lakes of Killarney meet - So it is a natural meeting place which is accessible by boat from Dundag Pier and can be reached on foot by following the Dinis track c.1 mile/1.6km from the Kenmare Road entrance and approximately 3 miles/5km from Muckross House. Dinis Cottage is located at two of Killarney's most famed beauty spots i.e., The Meeting of The Waters and The Old Weir Bridge.

With the exception of the winter months, Dinis Cottage provides a welcome repose for the visitor with a wide variety of fresh home baked refreshments in a unique atmosphere where you will be regaled with stories of famous visitors past and present as well as folklore relating to the area.

Touring - Ring of Kerry
 

The Ring of Kerry is the most renowned Day Tour in Ireland. Throughout its 110 miles, the visitor will travel around the MacGillicuddy Reeks and the Iveragh Peninsula, along the breathtaking Atlantic Coast, Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay, returning to Killarney through the famed Molls Gap, Ladies View and Killarney National Park. En route, are the lovely coastal villages of Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and the thriving market towns of Killorglin and Cahersiveen. The "original Ring of Kerry" (and still the best option) takes you from Sneem to Kenmare and then back to Killarney. The beautiful town of Kenmare is a must for the independent traveller. If time is pressing the route may be shortened by going directly from Sneem to Killarney. The Ring embraces many points of historic and archaeological interest such as, Cahersiveen Heritage Centre, The Skellig Experience(Valentia Island), Derrynane House, prehistoric Staigue Fort and Kenmare Heritage Centre. Allow ample time for photo stops, shop visits and lunch. Check with Coach Tour Operators on this site for details of Guided Tours.

Touring - Dingle & Slea Head
 

Slea Head is Europe's most westerly point and its outlying historic Blasket Islands are known locally as the 'next parish to America'. The unsurpassed beauty of its rugged coastline and landscape inspired the famous film director David Lean, to shoot his epic film 'Ryan's Daughter' on location in the Dingle Peninsula. The landscape is dotted with ancient historic sites and early Christian dwellings such as, Gallarus Oratory [9th century Christian Oratory], Beehive Huts (early Christian Monks dwellings) and the Blasket Islands Interpretative Centre. The route passes through Milltown and Castlemaine before arriving at the beautiful fishing harbour town of Dingle, home of Dingle Oceanworld and Ireland's favourite dolphin - 'Fungi'. Then onwards around Slea Head and back via Dingle to Killarney. Allow c. 6 hours for a leisurely tour. Check with Coach Tour Operators on this site for details of Guided Tours.

Forming the coastal boundary between Kerry and Cork, the Beara Peninsula is the third of the great touring areas of the south-west.

Touring
 

Loo Valley, Glengarrif, Beara Peninsula, Blarney & Cork.
These routes take the visitor through Kilgarvan, Kenmare, numerous coastal villages on the Kerry coast and through the Cork coast fishing ports of Castletownbere, Bantry and the beautiful town of Glengarriff and nearby Garnish Island Italian Gardens. The Cork City & Blarney Castle Tour, embraces all the magic these famous places have to offer. Check with Coach Tour Operators on this site for details of Guided Tours.

With its superb 2200 seat INEC Venue hosting international acts and shows, and its many smaller concert and cabaret venues throughout the town, the visitor to Killarney is seldom without a top class entertainment option. Many of Killarney's Pubs also provide live music nightly ranging from Traditional Irish, Folk, C&W and even some Rock. For the late night owls, Killarney also a number of Late Night Venues. Throughout the year, Killarney hosts a number of big Events and Festivals - two of the most popular being the Killarney Summerfest (July) and Christmas in Killarney (December).

Walk Killarney launches 2012 Programme of Guided Walks
Since its inception in 2004, Walk Killarney has safely guided many thousands of walkers across the mountains and valleys of Killarney and South Kerry, offering participants a unique insight into the flora, fauna and heritage of this beautiful part of Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Guide Leader Michael O’Connor said, “For the Public Holiday Sundays throughout 2012, we are offering two uniquely Killarney options of Guided Walks which will also include Lake Trips”. “To really appreciate the beauty and heritage of Killarney, you must include a lake boat experience, exactly as the early visitors did in the 18th century and as they did, hopefully have sightings of Killarney’s native Red Deer and the recently re-introduced magnificent White Tailed Sea Eagle”, he added. For these c. half-day outings, €20 will cover the cost of guide and boat. Bookings on walk@killarney.ie and 1850 566466. The two options available are:

Killarney Lake & Island Explorer (Category “C” easy walk):
SUNDAY - APRIL 8TH, MAY 6TH, JUNE 3RD, AUGUST 5TH AND OCTOBER 28TH.
At 10.00.a.m. - Depart Ross Castle by traditional lake boat across Ross Bay to Inisfallen Island. Spend c. 45 minutes exploring the 11th century monastic ruins and learning of the Island’s amazing history. Depart on a c. 30 minute boat trip across Lough Lein to the mountain shore and O’Sullivan’s Cascade and returning to Ross Castle pier. After a short break, set out on a c. 90> minute trek of the Nature & Bronze Age Mining Trails of Ross Island, returning to Ross Castle. The total duration of this outing is c. 3.5>4 hours. €20 will cover the cost of guide and boat. Bookings on walk@killarney.ie and 1850 566466.
NB: At the end of the Ross Island trek, if the Castle is open, walkers may decide to take a guided tour of the wonderfully restored Ross Castle (not included in the walk programme or cost).

Killarney’s Lakes and Lowlands Wilderness Experience (Category “B” moderate walk):

SUNDAY APRIL 8TH, MAY 6TH, JUNE 3RD, AUGUST 5TH AND OCTOBER 28TH
At 10.00.a.m. Depart Old Boathouse at Dundag, Muckross by traditional lake boat, travelling across Muckross Lake, under Bricin Bridge and via the Back Channel to The Meeting of The Waters at Dinis. Then on under The Old Weir Bridge and passing underneath the Eagle’s Nest Mountain, via Long Range up through the Upper Lake to Lord Brandon’s Cottage – arriving at c. 12.00 noon. After a c.30 minute refreshment break, walkers will then follow the Kerry Way Trail via Derrycunnihy and the Old Kenmare Road, descending Torc Waterfall Trail and returning to Muckross House car park. The total duration of this outing is c. 4.5>5 hours. €20 will cover the cost of guide and boat. Bookings on walk@killarney.ie and 1850 566466.
NB: Upon return to Muckross, walkers may decide to visit Muckross House, visit the Mucros Craft Shop or visit the Muckross Traditional Farms (not included in the walk programme or cost).

President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Michael Buckley said, “Killarney is one of Ireland’s finest walking destinations, with Ireland’s highest mountains, oldest oak woodlands, and beautiful lakes and of course the magnificent 10,000 hectare National Park, all within the beautiful compact Killarney Valley”. He went on to say, “All of this is supported by the best of hospitality and leisure options, with a warm welcome that has been Killarney’s trademark for the past 250 years”. Mr Buckley thanked Killarney National Park and Failte Ireland for their on-going support of walking in Killarney & South Kerry.

Other Options on Request: In addition to the above listed walks, Walk Killarney is also offering a wide range of walking and mountain trekking options on request at other times of the year, subject to level of interest, weather etc. Full details of these options are contained on www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney and they include:

• 2.5 > 4 hour Category “C” low and medium level walks at €5 per head
• 3.5 > 4.5 hour Category “B” medium level mountain treks at €10 per head
• 5.0 > 6.5 hour Category “A” and “B” high level mountain treks at €25 per head
• 6.5 > 8.5 hour Category “A”++ and “B”+ high level & difficult mountain treks at €30 per head

NB:
1. All these walks must be booked at least 48 hours in advance on walk@killarney.ie and on 1850566466. Bookings are not valid until confirmation is issued by Walk Killarney.
2. Special Group and Corporate Rates are available.

Contact: Walk Killarney c/o Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce – 1850566466 or E-Mail walk@killarney.ie - Web: www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney
 

Other Options/Routes:

• CATEGORY “A” & “A”++ - Difficult to Strenuous Climbs Requiring a High Level of Mountain Climbing Fitness
o Mangerton & Stoompa – Grade “A” – 5.5 to 6.5 hours
o Shehy & Tomies – Grade “A” – 5.5+ hours
o Purple & Tomies – Grade “A” – 5.5 to 6.5 hours
o (Reeks) Cruach Mhor / Big Gun / Cnoc na Peiste – Grade “A”++ Very strenuous & exposed – 6.5+ hours
o (Reeks) Cnoc na Peiste / The Bone – Grade “A”+ - 6.5 hours
o (Reeks) Toinne / Corran Tuathail (Zig Zag return) – Grade “A” – 6.5 to 7.5 hours.
o (Reeks) Corran Tuathail / O’Shea’s Gully / Heavenly Gate – Grade “A”+ - 6.5 to 7.5 hours
o (Reeks) Coomloughra Horse Shoe – Grade “A”++ - 7.5 to 8.5 hours


o CATEGORY “B” – Moderate to Good Climbs Requiring Good Level of Hill/Mountain Walking Fitness.
o The Paps of Danu – Grade “B” – 4.5 to 5 hours
o Mangerton Mountain – Grade “B” – 3.5 to 4.5 hours
o Drishna, Tarbh & Strickeen – 5.5 to 6.5 hours
o Torc Mountain Summit – Between a Grade “B” and a Grade “C” moderate hill climb from the upper car-park – 2.5+ hours

o CATEGORY “C” – Low Level to Foothills Walks – Requiring Normal Level of Fitness.
o Muckross & Dinis returning via new trail running parallel / above the N71. 3.5 hours
o Muckross & Torc Waterfall returning down the southern trail 3.5 hours
o Mangerton Lowlands – 3+ hours
o Tomies Woods & O’Sullivan Cascades – 2.5+ hours
o Muckross – Boat to Dinis Cottage – return via Muckross Peninsula or via new trail running parallel / above the N71. 3.5+ hours

Important Notes for all 2012 Walks:
All Walks must be booked at least 24 hours in advance on the Walk Killarney Booking Line 1850 566 466 or by e-mail on walk@killarney.ie - Places should only be considered as booked when Walk Killarney confirms bookings by return phone call or e-mail. Walkers must be properly attired in terms of proper walking boots and rainwear. Walkers are asked to bring a back-pack with food, refreshments, sunscreen and perhaps a change of clothing. In deference to Wildlife and Landowners, the organisers regret that dogs or other pets are not allowed on the walks. Finally, the organisers regret that the Full Day Walks are not considered suitable for children under 12 years. All intending walkers should make sure they are appropriately physically fit for the category of walk being undertaken. Walkers are asked to adhere to the “Country Code” and “Leave No Trace” of their visit.
NB: ORGANISERS MAY CHANGE OR CANCEL WALKS OR ROUTES IN THE EVENT OF WEATHER OR ROUTE DIFFICULTIES
Booking Line: 1850 566 466
E-mail: walk@killarney.ie
Web: http://www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney
Don’t forget your Camera!

Hidden ireland Tours Programme

- Multi-day Walking Tours
Hidden Ireland Tours operate small personally guided walking tours throughout Ireland, concentrating of course on our home territory of the Killarney Valley and wider southwest. Detail of these trips, run at any time of year for private groups can be found on; http://www.hiddenirelandtours.com

- Day Walks
Sister company, Hidden Ireland Adventures provide the visitor to the Killarney Valley with a series of diverse walking and multi-activity adventures taking place each day. Detail of these excursions can be found on: http://www.hiddenirelandadventures.com

- Corrán Tuathail
On Wednesday and Saturdays throughout the year, on Full Moons and notable Dawns and privately at any time, Con Moriarty guides small groups to the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain. Offering a wide variety of routes suitable to the walker, scrambler or climber, these intimate outings offer a unique insight in to the natural and cultural history of the mountains and region.

- Classic Traverse of the Ridge of the Reeks
(alias, The Ridge of the Reeks or The Reeks Walk)

Simply, the finest mountain traverse in Ireland with 7 summits over 3000’!
From Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Gap of Dunloe to Doire na Féinne and Loch a’ Chúis.
Distance: 25 kms (15 Miles) • Ascent: 1800m (6000ft)
Expected time: 7-10 hours.

On a number of occasions throughout the year, Con Moriarty guides
a small number of mountaineers on this magnificent expedition,
sharing the special heritage of this place that is his life’s passion.

For more information, call Con on 087 221 4002 or contact via email; con@hiddenirelandtours.com

Guided ascents of Corrán Tuathail every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. http://www.hiddenirelandadventures.com/reeks-ridge/

If you prefer the more casual carefree lifestyle or your budget doesn't extend to catered accommodation but you still want the comfort of a purpose built accommodation facility, then Hostel Accommodation is right for you. Killarney has a long tradition in catering for budget sensitive visitors and back-packers. Hostels are often in town centre locations.

Killarney has a variety of high quality Self-Catering options e.g., In-Town Apartments, In/Near Town Houses & Lodges, Near Town and in the Countryside Holiday Home Complexes, Stand Alone Houses & Cottages etc. Self-Catering is a great way to stay at your own pace with freedom to do your own thing. It really can be like 'home from home'.

If you love the idea of elegant surroundings without all the fanfare of a large establishment, then a getaway to a glorious guesthouse could be just what you're looking for. Ranging in style from large family homes in breathtaking rural locations to elegant Georgian manors and thoroughly modern townhouses, it's the informal atmosphere and personal attention that makes all the difference to your holiday. Guesthouses are unique properties that are graded in a similar fashion to Hotel's i.e. 1star to 5 star and provide most of the modern prerequisites found in Hotels. Most properties offer limited Dining options outside breakfast and generally do not have a licensed beverage facility. Our advice is to check the individual property website to see if the facilities and location suit you.

Irish Hotels are arguably among the best in the world and Killarney hotels are undoubtedly the best in Ireland. It is therefore no accident that almost 25% of Ireland's 5* Hotels are in Killarney and one can only be impressed by the upward movement in standards & facilities of our 3* and 4* hotels. With standards of service and facilities second to none, it is no surprise to find that every year on year, Killarney hotels (and other accommodation sectors) capture the lion's share of the top travel awards, which in many cases are voted on by the visitors during each year. Hotels offer a full dining service as well as a wonderfully diverse range of bars and pubs. Many hotels have full leisure centres with an increasing number presenting incredible Spa & Treatment Options. If you want to be pampered in the grand style, look no further than Killarney's superb choice of hotels