Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Killarney?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Killarney?

Most visitors spend two to three days in Killarney when visiting. The peaceful town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the hiking, the museums and landmarks, the small town charm, and the food.

Killarney is a town that is right by Killarney National Park. It's also part of the Ring of Kerry scenic drive and the starting and ending point for the 200 kilometer Kerry Way walking trail. The area offers wonderful natural beauty and many great walking trails.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Killarney? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Killarney?

Three days is the perfect amount of time in Killarney, as many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in this historical town's most popular things to do such as the hiking, the museums and landmarks, the small town charm, and the food. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.

How to spend 3 days in Killarney

Don't miss Killarney National Park during your trip to Killarney, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Killarney Premium Irish Whiskey Tasting with Local Expert ($82)

Known for it's hiking, Killarney sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Killarney is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Located on the banks of Lough Leane and beside Killarney National Park, this town offers access to great natural beauty. It's also a stop on the famous Ring of Kerry scenic drive.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall ($22)
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe) ($35)
  • Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) ($64)

This town offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Kayak the Killarney lakes from Ross castle. Killarney. Guided. 2 hours. ($64)
  • Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle from Killarney ($39)

Is 4 days enough time in Killarney?

With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Killarney has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Killarney as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can discover the nearby hiking trails, browse through museums, explore the small town, and taste delicious cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

Muckross House, Killarney, Ireland Muckross House, Killarney, Ireland

How to spend 4 days in Killarney

If you have more than 4 days in Killarney, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

The small-town atmosphere of Killarney is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. The town has small town charm and local traditions.

Is 5 days enough time in Killarney?

Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Killarney, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Discover the nearby hiking trails, browse through museums, explore the small town, and taste delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Killarney as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

How to spend 5 days in Killarney

Having 5 days in Killarney will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

After you've explored most of Killarney, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • The Ring of Kerry Day Trip including Killarney Lakes and National Park ($49)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Killarney, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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