Killarney
EUROPE · SIESTA · LAKES & MOUNTAINS
A national park of lakes and red deer, ringed by Ireland's highest mountains and the country's most famous drive.
The plan
Killarney National Park
Ireland's first, with red deer, lakes and Muckross House at the centre — free entry.
Gap of Dunloe
A glacial pass walked, cycled or crossed by pony trap, with a boat back across the lakes.
Ring of Kerry
The 179km loop — drive it counter-clockwise to avoid meeting the tour buses head-on.
Torc Waterfall & Ladies View
Two short stops on the Kenmare road that justify the whole drive.
Skellig Michael (May–Sep)
A monastic island 12km out, weather permitting — book months ahead, it's capped.
Book before you fly
Skellig Michael landing
Only 180 people a day, May to September, and boats sell out in January. Weather cancels half the sailings.
Gap of Dunloe jaunting car
Pony traps and the Ross Castle boat combine into a day trip — book the package in summer.
Getting there
Fly into
Kerry (KIR) for a few routes, Cork (ORK) at 90 minutes, or Dublin plus a 3.5-hour train.
From the airport
Trains from Dublin run to Killarney station in the town centre.
Getting around
The town walks; a car or day tours for the Ring, the Gap and the peninsulas.
When to go
Best time to go
May–Jun & Sep
Cheapest months
Nov–Feb
Priciest & busiest
Jul–Aug & bank holidays
If you've got one day
Morning
Killarney National Park
Late morning
Gap of Dunloe
Lunch
Pub carvery lunch
Afternoon
Ring of Kerry
Evening
Dinner at Kerry lamb & beef, then Torc Waterfall & Ladies View
If you've got a week
Day 1
Arrive, settle in around Killarney town, and take it slowly — Pub carvery lunch for dinner.
Day 2
Killarney National Park.
Day 3
Gap of Dunloe. Dinner at Kerry lamb & beef.
Day 4
Ring of Kerry.
Day 5
Torc Waterfall & Ladies View. Seafood from Dingle Bay at some point.
Day 6
Skellig Michael (May–Sep).
Day 7
A slower day around Farmhouse B&Bs. Finish with Brown bread & butter.
Staying longer?
Nearby & day trips
Ring of Kerry
A 180km loop of coast, mountain and beehive huts — drive it anticlockwise to avoid the coaches.
An hour west for the Slea Head drive and a harbour town of music.
Skellig Michael
A monastery on a sea rock, two hours offshore, weather permitting.
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