Killarney, County Kerry

Killarney is beautiful, nestling as it does on the world famous lakes beneath the towering mountain range of the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Names like Torc, ripple off the tongue like its spectacular waterfall, as does the heather covered Purple Mountain, Eagle's Rock and of course Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain peak in Ireland at 1020mtrs. Rugged passes like Moll's Gap and the Gap of Dunloe open up into deserted, secret valleys with jaw-droppingly beautiful views. And all of this unrivalled scenery is encompassed in Ireland’s first ever National Park which includes Muckross House and Gardens and Heritage Farms, Rosse Castle and the Holy Island of Inisfallen, where Brian Boru the first High King of Ireland is reputed to have been educated. Throw in some fine weather and you have a match made in Heaven...It is said that 'a day out of Kerry is a day wasted'... so what's keeping you?

Taking a jaunting car ride through the Gap of Dunloe

Killarney is often overlooked as it used to get very bad press in terms of being an overpriced and overcrowded tourist trap which in fairness it was, once upon a time, but not anymore. In fact, I think I am about to blow the lid on Ireland’s best kept secret ! I have never seen so many fit, lycra clad people who are obviously taking advantage of all these beautiful walks, biking and hiking trails, right on their doorstep that the rest of us know nothing about ! Not only are there plenty of smart new shops and restaurants but most importantly the hotels have revamped their prices with plenty of excellent offers to tempt the national and international visitors with special deals, like 3 for the price of 2 nights bed and breakfast midweek plus weekend spa and golfing packages, although with some 45 hotels in the town it can be a difficult choice, but not if you follow my advice of course!

A lounge with a view at the 5 star Europe Hotel, which has its own golf links.

In fact there is something to suit everybody from convenient town centre locations for shopping and entertainment to romantic hideaways and restful weekend retreats. Chic and luxurious 5 stars hotels with Gourmet Dining, Super Spas, Golfing and Fishing Hotels as well some real Lakeside Hidden Gems like Ard-na-Sidhe with THE best views anywhere in the world. There is even a pet friendly hotel so there is no need to leave the cute pooch behind, right boy?

The 10 Best Places to Stay in Killarney are....

Kerry Blue Dog

10 Other Things To Do and See in Kerry....

1 The Gap of Dunloe and Lakes of Killarney Tour

2 Killarney National Park & Catherines’ Walks

3 Muckross House, Gardens & Heritage Farm

4 Rosse Castle and Inishfallen Island

5 The Ring of Kerry, by coach or independently ?

6 Killorglin and Puck Fair

7 Valentia Island, Cahericiveen & Portmagee

8 The Skelligs Ring, Chocolate Factory & Cill Riallig

9 Inch Strand and the Kerry beaches

10 Visit Dingle and take a trip out to the Blasket Islands

For more information on Killarney please click here