Killarney hotels

Hotels in Killarney

In the heart of south west Ireland's County Kerry on the north eastern shore of Lough Leane, Killarney enjoys a truly inspiring location. The sheer concentration of fascinating Irish heritage sites and natural assets near the town, combined with its location on the Ring of Kerry, make it a highly favoured tourist destination to savour from Killarney hotels.

Landscape

The Killarney National Park that surrounds this charming town is stunning. There are towering mountain peaks, moors and quiet woodlands, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Perhaps the best way to appreciate this breathtaking region of Ireland is to take a tour of the Ring of Kerry. This will take you through the famously beautiful passes and valleys of MacGillycuddy Reeks, to the lovely Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay, Ladies View, the Lakes of Killarney and through the area's pristine oak woods.

History and Heritage

Killarney has a long and rich history, with religious settlements featuring prominently. The monastery on nearby Innisfallen Island was founded in 640 and occupied for some 850 years. Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane dates back to the 15th century. On Ross Island there is evidence of much earlier occupation too, where Bronze Age settlers mined for copper ore. One of many local tribes to settle the Killarney area were the Fir Bolg or ‘bag men' who used their highly developed stone masonry skills to build forts and also created the early Irish language known as the Ogham script.

Even the history of tourism has deep roots here, as in the mid 18th century Thomas, fourth Viscount Kenmare began to develop the area as an Irish version of the English Lake District, with real success. The arrival of the railway in 1853 was a major benefit and attracted many more visitors. For more than 250 years, people have been drawn to this fabulous place, which is largely unchanged in the 21st century.

Bars, Pubs and Music

Killarney is well stocked with welcoming pubs and bars, from the pure and authentic to the distinctly contemporary. O'Connor's is a classic traditional pub and deservedly popular. It offers live music every night of the week and lovely authentic details such as the leaded glass doors as you enter. At the Granary you will find a bar and restaurant with a totally different ambiance, where low lighting, comfy leather sofas, DJs and local bands create a more relaxed urban feel. For real intimate escape, try Hussy's where you can cradle a pint of Guinness in the little snug away from the hubbub.

Restaurants

There is a real diversity of restaurants and cafes in Killarney. Local seafood is highly recommended in places such as Gaby's Seafood Restaurant and sophisticated fusions of traditional Irish with European influences can be savoured at Treyvaud's. If you fancy a wholesome no-frills Kerry shepherd's pie, try Jam on Old Market Lane. Killarney caters well for all tastes because it's been doing just that for centuries.