Is Killarney worth visiting?
Yes, there are many reasons to visit Killarney. Everyone should experience this amazing town, and we loved our stay here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific hiking and great museums and attractions.
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.
3 Reasons to Visit Killarney
1. 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.
2. Museums and Attractions
In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.
3. 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 attractions 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 Guided Carriage Tour in Killarney National Park: $38
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Killarney: $36
- Ring of Kerry: Portmagee and Skellig Ring Tour from Killarney: $81
- Killarney Jaunting Car Tour: $39
- Private Jaunting Tour and Afternoon Tea in Killarney: $109
- Private Tour: Ring of Beara from Kenmare.: $120
- Self Guided Bike Tour on theTralee to Fenit Greenway: $27
- Private Tour: Dingle Peninsula from Killarney: $121
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?.