Should You Visit Killarney?

Are you thinking about visiting Killarney, Ireland? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Killarney worth visiting?

This town is a good place to visit for two to three days. 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.

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

Reasons to Visit Killarney

Hiking
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.

Museums
In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

Food
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.




Is Killarney worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Killarney is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).

The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the hiking, and the famous sights and museums.


Summer Weather in Killarney
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
August 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
September 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)

Is Killarney worth visiting in the Autumn?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 12°C (53°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Killarney, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, browse the museums, and take a hike. Also, you can experience the small town charm.


Autumn Weather in Killarney
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
November 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
December 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)

Is Killarney worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Killarney. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Killarney can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and dine out at amazing restaurants.


Winter Weather in Killarney
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
February 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
March 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)

Is Killarney worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Killarney. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather in Killarney can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm.


Spring Weather in Killarney
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
June 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Killarney

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Killarney with a lively nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Killarney might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Killarney here or see if Killarney is expensive here.

Related

What is Killarney most famous for?

Killarney is most famous for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. The town is very popular for its hiking. It is also known for its great museums and food. It is often described as natural, peaceful, charming, and local.

What is the most famous sight in Killarney?

The most popular sight in Killarney is Killarney National Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Killarney on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Killarney National Park and other attractions here.

How touristy is Killarney? Is it a popular town to visit?

Killarney is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Killarney: $36
  • Private Tour: Ring of Beara from Kenmare.: $102
  • Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).: $33
  • 1 Hour Guided Carriage Tour in Killarney National Park: $38
  • Private Tour: Dingle Peninsula from Killarney: $103
  • Killarney National Park Tour: $42
  • Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare.: $92

How long should I spend in Killarney?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Killarney is two to three days. Since Killarney has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Killarney? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Killarney?.