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Ireland · Munster

Killarney and the Ring of Kerry travel guide

Lakes, mountains and Ireland's most famous scenic drive

Lakes of Killarney. Photo: Gw099 at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 15mflight from London
KIRnearest main airport
15° in Julwarmest month
6° in Febcoolest month

Killarney is a lively town on the edge of Killarney National Park, with lakes, waterfalls and mountains. Jaunting cars, horse-drawn carriages, take visitors through the park.

It's the start of the Ring of Kerry, a 179km loop around the Iveragh Peninsula past beaches, villages and views of the Skelligs.

Good forSceneryRoad tripsWalkingPubs

What Killarney is known for

  • National park

    Lakes and mountains on the edge of town.

  • Ring of Kerry

    A famous scenic loop.

  • Skellig Michael

    An island monastery from Star Wars.

  • Muckross House

    A Victorian mansion and gardens.

Top things to do in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

  1. 1

    Ring of Kerry

    Drive or tour the loop.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Muckross House

    Gardens and lakeside walks.

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  3. 3

    Gap of Dunloe

    A mountain pass by jaunting car.

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  4. 4

    Skellig Michael

    Boat trips in summer, weather permitting.

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See all tours and tickets in Killarney

Where to stay in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Find a hotel in Killarney

Best time to visit Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Best value: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct. May to September.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
5.9 C6°J5.6 C6°F6.4 C6°M8.3 C8°A10.8 C11°M13.4 C13°J14.7 C15°J14.5 C14°A13.1 C13°S10.6 C11°O7.9 C8°N6.4 C6°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 15m from London to KIR, and flights from most UK airports.

A car or tour is needed for the Ring.

Find flights to Killarney (KIR)

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Good to know

  • Drive the Ring anticlockwise, the same way as the coaches.
  • Skellig boats sell out and cancel in rough seas.
  • Kerry airport is 15 minutes from town.
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Killarney and the Ring of Kerry FAQ

How long is the Ring of Kerry?

About 179km; allow a full day.

Is Killarney a good base?

Yes, for Kerry and Dingle.

More places in Ireland

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