castle
Ross Castle
A 15th-century tower house on the shore of Lough Leane, gateway to boat trips across Killarney's lakes.
3 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeIrelandMunster
Killarney
Munster, Ireland · Europe
About Killarney
Killarney works well as a base: 20 minutes from Killorglin, 9km from Killarney National Park.
Killarney is a town located in Munster, Ireland. With a population of 14,504, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Killarney sits in Ireland, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/Dublin time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Killarney to your route.
About Killarney
Killarney ( kil-AR-nee; Irish: Cill Airne [ˌciːl̠ʲ ˈaːɾˠn̠ʲə], meaning 'church of sloes') is a town in County Kerry, Ireland. It is on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, part of Killarney National Park, and is home to St Mary's Cathedral, Ross Castle, Muckross House and Abbey, the Lakes of Killarney,Read more
MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Purple Mountain, Mangerton Mountain, Paps Mountain, the Gap of Dunloe and Torc Waterfall. Its natural heritage, history and location on the Ring of Kerry make Killarney a popular tourist destination. Tourism has underpinned the town's economy and shaped its development for more than two and a half centuries, and Killarney has been described the birthplace of Irish tourism.
Killarney's population was 14,412 as of the 2022 census, making it the second largest in the county. It won the Best Kept Town award in 2007 in a cross-border competition jointly organised by the Department of the Environment and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council. In 2011, Killarney was named Ireland's tidiest town and the cleanest town in the country by Irish Business Against Litter. It was again named Ireland's tidiest large town in 2023.
Where to Stay in Killarney
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Filter presets
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in Killarney.
Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Killarney.
Loading map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Killarney?
Killarney offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Killarney?
Plan your road trip to Killarney with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Killarney as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Killarney located?
Killarney is located in Munster, Ireland, Europe. The coordinates are 52.0598 latitude, -9.5086 longitude.
What is the population of Killarney?
Killarney has a population of approximately 14,504 people, making it a town in Ireland.
Plan a Road Trip
Add to your itinerary
Start planning your road trip with Killarney as a destination. Create a custom route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Start Road TripWhat's Nearby?
Discover destinations like Tinder
Swipe through stunning destinations near Killarney. Save your favourites and add them to your trip.
Explore now
Quick Information
- Population
- 14,504
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- Munster
- Timezone
- Europe/Dublin
- Coordinates
- 52.0598, -9.5086
Tags
Worth the detour from Killarney
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Muckross House
An elegant Victorian mansion and gardens beside Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park.
5 km · about 10 min drive
waterfall
Torc Waterfall
Beautiful 20-metre cascade in Killarney National Park, set in ancient oak woodland at the base of Torc Mountain near Muckross House.
6 km · about 10 min drive
national park
Killarney National Park
Ireland's first national park encompassing three famous lakes, ancient oak woodlands, the 15th-century Ross Castle and Ireland's only wild red deer herd.
9 km · about 15 min drive
cafe
Kate Kearney's Cottage
A historic pub and cafe at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, the traditional starting point for driving or riding through Ireland's most dramatic mountain pass.
9 km · about 15 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Gap of Dunloe
Narrow mountain pass carved by glaciers through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, best experienced by pony trap or on foot along its 11-kilometre length.
10 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Ladies View
A celebrated panorama over the Lakes of Killarney named for Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who admired it.
12 km · about 20 min drive
mountain pass
Moll's Gap
Rocky mountain pass on the N71 between Kenmare and Killarney, a highlight of the Ring of Kerry with sweeping views towards the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and a famous Avoca cafe at the summit.
17 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Killarney
7 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
- Right hereGap of DunloeNarrow mountain pass carved by glaciers through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, best experienced by pony trap or on foot along its 11-kilometre length.
- Right hereLadies ViewA celebrated panorama over the Lakes of Killarney named for Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who admired it.
- 17 kmMoll's GapRocky mountain pass on the N71 between Kenmare and Killarney, a highlight of the Ring of Kerry with sweeping views towards the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and a famous Avoca cafe at the summit.
- 25 kmBallaghbeama GapA narrow rock-walled pass cutting through the middle of the Iveragh peninsula, a single-track escape from the Ring of Kerry traffic.
- 32 kmRing of KerryA 179-kilometer circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula showcasing Ireland's most spectacular coastal and mountain scenery.
- 39 kmHealy Pass (R574)A serpentine 334m crossing of the Beara Peninsula between Cork and Kerry, all switchbacks and rock.
Driving in Ireland
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.78/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€2.10/100km
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Killarney.
Plan a trip around Killarney
Plan a Road Trip from Killarney
Create your perfect itinerary with our calendar-based planner. Add stops, discover attractions along the way, and share your trip with friends.
Start Planning