The Killarney area is one of Ireland's best known tourist destinations, and is famed throughout the world for its breathtakingly magnificent scenery. The town itself is relatively small, although its population swells somewhat in the summer months. Despite the influx of people, the town retains its friendly and intimate atmosphere at all times. The name 'Killarney' comes from "Chill Airne", meaning "church of the sloe", the original site of which is thought to be the location of the present day St. Mary's Church of Ireland. Other landmarks in the town include Ross Castle, and Killarney Cathedral (designed by Pugin and finally completed in the 1920's after some eighty years of construction work).

Killarney is probably best known for its superb scenery, the heart of which is Killarney National Park, Irelands first National Park, and one of its largest. The National Park comprises over 25,000 acres of mountains, woodlands and waterways, and includes the famous 'Lakes of Killarney'. It is readily accessible to the visitor, whether driving, cycling or on foot.

 

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Things to see and do in and around Killarney include:

• Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms
• Torc Waterfall / Muckross Abbey
• Knockreer Estate - 'The Demesne'
• Dinis Cottage, the Meeting of the Waters and the Old Weir Bridge
• Ross Castle
• 'Waterbus' tour of Lough Leane
• Boat trip to Inisfallen Island
• Jaunting Car tours
• Museum of Irish Transport
• Killarney Cathedral
• Shopping
• Gap of Dunloe tour (Day tour including Boat trip and Jaunting Cars)
• The Ring of Kerry (day tour)
• Dingle, and 'Fungie' the Dolphin (day tour)
• The Ring of Beara (day tour)
• The Skellig Rock (day tour)
• Golf (many courses within easy travelling distance, including the famous 'Killeen Course')
• Angling (Salmon, Trout and Sea)
• Horse Riding (many centres)
• Hillwalking and other Outdoor Activities

 

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