Killarney Travel Guide

Visitors are drawn to Killarney for the natural beauty of the magnificent lakes, mountains and nearby Atlantic coast, as well as the friendly and hospitable people. Whether you're here on business for a single night or with your family on a two-week holiday, there is a wide range of hotels and guesthouses from which to choose.

Town Centre

In the heart of this wonderful town one finds the family-run Killarney Royal. The rooms are individually decorated to anticipate the diverse needs of the modern traveler. You can experience the bygone charm of yesteryear at the Great Southern; there's plenty here for the entire family - tennis courts, a swimming pool and extensive conference facilities, to name a few. There's a special pleasure to be gleaned from staying in a town centre hotel that also offers guests the peace and serenity of more bucolic surrounds. That's exactly what's on offer at the Killarney Park Hotel. Guests can take a break from touring and relax in the handsome library, drawing room, billiards room or simply take a walk in the landscaped gardens. The Arbutus Hotel on College Street also provides first class accommodation at affordable prices and holds out the promise of great Guinness and lively music in the evening. A more modest (but equally comfortable) place to stay is at Aisling House a warm welcome is assured and the staff members are more than willing to assist you in arranging outings and tours.

Western End

Killarney is a place where the extraordinary soon becomes the norm, as evidenced by the spectacular views from many of the hotels in this part of town. Indeed it becomes difficult to avoid the sublime for those choosing to stay at Hotel Europe. Wake up to glorious views of the famous lakes what better way to start the day? The hotel also includes a boutique, gym, heated pool and a bar and restaurant. Also situated lakeside, is the Castlerosse Hotel. Come prepared for the views from the panoramic bar and restaurant. If you feel like some exercise in the evening, grab a racket and play a few sets of tennis on one of the floodlit courts. The Castlelodge Guesthouse also provides good affordable accommodation and is very popular with tourists and business people alike. Overlooking Loch Lein and enjoying magnificent views of the Magillycuddy Reeks, Tuscar Lodge is another popular place to rest one's head. Pony trekking, boating, fishing and mountain climbing are just some of the pursuits available to guests here.

Eastern End

Beaufield House is a family-run guesthouse on Cork Road, two kilometres from the town centre. It is noteworthy for the high standard of its rooms and because of the genuine warm welcome afforded to all who stay here. Chutehall is another establishment on the road to Cork. The National Park is on the doorstep and activities include golf, fishing and horse riding. Overlooking the majestic Torc and Mangerton Mountains you can encounter the old world charm of the Killarney Heights Hotel. Guests here can expect to see plenty of open fires ablaze in winter while friendly faces abound all year round. D'Arby O'Gill's is another hostelry in the vicinity that provides good quality accommodation for all.

Southern End

To the south of the town centre one can find many more excellent places to stay. Chief among them is the Muckross Park Hotel; it's set deep in the heart of Killarney's National Park adjacent to Muckross House and Abbey. You may decide to exercise after a meal in the well-equipped leisure centre, or you might prefer to relax with a brandy and cigar in one of the spacious lounges. Close by, Fuchsia House promises guests affordable luxury and service with a smile. Nestled at water's edge the aptly named Lake Hotel oozes with the charm of gone but not quite forgotten days: double height ceilings, open log fires and spacious lounges all combine to create a truly unique atmosphere. Another interesting hotel nearby is Randles Court Clarion; formerly a residential rectory it was transformed into a deluxe hotel. The walls and rooms are adorned with antiques and works of art while the bedrooms are spacious and luxurious. It has a long list of guests who return year after year, a fact that in itself speaks volumes.

Northern End

Aghadoe Heights Hotel is one of the town's finest; it enjoys superb views of the lakes and mountains (all of which can be taken in from the acclaimed rooftop restaurant). It's a perfect place to stay whether you are looking for a relaxing break from city life or interested in something a bit more strenuous. Nearby are some of the best golf courses in the country while guests are also welcome to fish on the hotel's private stretch of riverbank. Killeen House Hotel is another good place to stay for anyone wishing to explore this part of Ireland. The food in the restaurant is top-notch and the staff members are friendly and helpful.

Beyond The Town

Most visitors to Killarney plan on spending some time touring the South Kerry region and can look forward to residing in some fine hotels and guesthouses during their stay. Bianconi in Killorglin is a family-run inn on the Ring of Kerry. The restaurant and bar are both held in high regard for the consistently good food and lively entertainment on offer. There are plenty of opportunities for hill walking and mountain climbing in the area as well as boating on nearby Caragh Lake. Built in 1897, the Park Hotel Kenmare is set in 11 acres of natural gardens overlooking the Kenmare Estuary. There's an 18-hole golf course on site, as well as tennis courts and a croquet lawn. The restaurant here is renowned for its outstanding international cuisine prepared using only the finest local ingredients, the seafood being particularly good. Sheen Falls Lodge sits above the Sheen Waterfalls overlooking Kenmare Bay. It's a luxurious hotel with fishing, horse riding and golfing facilities available to guests. Why not arrive in style by chopper and land on the convenient heli-pad? This hotel can also provide conference facilities for up to 120 delegates. The Parknasilla Great Southern Hotel in Sneem is a 19th century house set in 300 acres of grounds. It is probably best known as the favorite 'home away from home' of the late Princess Grace of Monaco. From swimming to water skiing, pony trekking to archery, this hotel has it all.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 366