It is ironic, but perhaps in another way appropriate, that we should commence our Historic Tourism Trail from a modern Tourist Office situated on one of Killarney's newest Streets, i.e., Beech Road. As the comprehensive source of all Visitor Information and a 'booking service' for Accommodation, Tours and Events, the Killarney Tourist Office is the ideal 'start point'. With the Tourist Office to your back, continue down Beech Road and turn left on to Mission Road. Continue on around the Plaza Hotel until you reach the next building i.e., the Town Hall.

Built in the 1930's ( the seat of local government having moved from the previous Town Hall (now known as 'The Old Town Hall' at the Market Cross (see Stop No.13). This houses the Offices of the Town Council and The Council Chambers where the mayor and elected Councillors meet to discuss, debate and decide on all matters related to the governance of the Town. (Town Hall Likely to be re-located within the next few years).

Directly across from the Town Hall, believed to be a Church site since the 9th century. This beautiful Church was built in 1812 and after being severely damaged by fire in 1888 it was re-built/restored in 1889.

Immediately after leaving St. Mary's Church, turn left and as you move around by the Church railings, you will see directly across the road, the official Jaunting Car Stand. Look out for the unique 'Side Car' - which is synonymous with tourism and Killarney. Visitors can take trips around the National Park and down to the Lakes while being spellbound by the stories told by the drivers (known as Jarveys).

Cross the road from the International Hotel to the Killarney Cineplex - occupying the site of 3 earlier cinemas and Killarney's 'original' late night venue - The East Avenue Hall - dating back to the early 1900's. A 'mecca for dancers' in the 20's and hosting such renowned performers as John Count McCormack.

Moving along East Ave. Road (c.300+ metres) is the entrance to the Malton Hotel & Railway Station. Described as the 'Grand Olde Lady' of Irish hotels, the former Great Southern Hotel opened its doors in 1854 one year after the arrival of the railway. Built as a luxurious 'Railway Hotel' and sitting in c.20 acres of gardens, it was lovingly restored ahead of its 150th Birthday (July 2004).

Moving further on from the Malton Hotel, you will see Killarney Railway Station - remaining almost as it was in 1853 when the first train rolled into Killarney (16-07-1853). Celebrated its 150th Birthday in 2003.

As you re-enter East Avenue Road - immediately on your right on the hill is the Franciscan Friary - built on a foundation stone taken from the ruins of the 15th century Muckross Abbey. It opened for worship July 30th 1867.

Almost directly across the street from The Friary, on College Street, you will see Killarney Courthouse. Built in 1835 it is typical of other Courthouses in Munster designed by George Richard Pain.

Moving across the street once again, to the Killarney Royal Hotel. Built originally as a Coach House in c.1906 and through various identities, Becoming the Killarney Royal Hotel in 1961.

Returning to the other side of College St., when exactly The Arbutus Hotel building began its life as a 'hostelry' is somewhat uncertain but under various names it certainly was accommodating guests through the 19th Cent. Acquired by the Buckley family in the 1920's and re-named the Arbutus Hotel, it is very typical of the family owned small hotels that emerged in the early to mid-1900's.

Formerly Killarney's 'education quarter', College St. now contains a choice of hotels, restaurants, pubs and shopping options for the visitor. After the open space of College St. & College Square, enter the charming narrow Plunkett Street with its Art Galleries, Shops and one or two Pubs. The entrance to Main St. is framed by two of Killarney's landmark commercial premises (much photographed c.late 1800's / early 1900's). Turning right on to Main Street (originally the 'large store' shopping street in Killarney) there are many fine examples of old shop fronts.

Since the development of the town in the 1750's, the Market Cross has been the 'real centre of town'. Until the mid 20th Century it was the traditional market place for local produce from the Killarney Valley and indeed further afield. Under the 'Town Clock' was (and still is) one of Killarney's best known meeting places. The red brick 'Old Town Hall' was built in the late 19th Century with surplus brick left over from the construction of Lord Kenmare's 'ill fated' mansion at Knockreer. Spreading out from the Market Cross are some of the buildings which mark the beginning of Killarney as a town - some dating back to the last quarter of the 18th Century. As you go down New Street to return to the Tourist Office 'start point' on Beech Road, just beyond the Beech Road junction, is Killarney Post Office - the older part of which was also constructed in the late 1800's with surplus brick from Lord Kenmare's mansion at Knockreer.