Killarney Travel Guide: National Park, Jaunting Cars and the Gap of Dunloe

Killarney is a town in the south-west of Ireland, on the border of Killarney National Park. Cork is 50 miles (83 km) away, so it suits travelers who want lakes, trails and a horse-drawn ride, with a real town to sleep in.

Kerry Airport is 9 miles (15 km) from the town, and the park covers over 26,000 acres. Camping, fires and BBQs are not allowed inside it, so plan your bed in town.

At a glance

• Location: south-west Ireland, on the border of Killarney National Park
• From the big cities: Cork 50 miles (83 km), Galway 150 miles (250 km), Dublin 200 miles (333 km)
• Nearest airport: Kerry Airport, 9 miles (15 km) from town
• Getting around: bike, Big Red Bus from March to November, jaunting cars
• Park size: over 26,000 acres (10,236 hectares)
• Warmest month: August, high 64°F (18°C)

Where is Killarney and what is it like?

Killarney sits in the south-west of Ireland, on the edge of Killarney National Park. Dublin is 200 miles (333 km) away, Galway 150 miles (250 km) and Cork 50 miles (83 km). Kerry Airport lies 9 miles (15 km) from the town.

The landscape is built around water. One quarter of the park is covered by its lakes, and the Upper Lake is about 10 miles (16 km) from town. Farther out, the Gap of Dunloe stretches around 7 miles (11 km) from north to south. The River Loe runs through its valley and links the five corrie lakes around the pass.

The park sprawls over 10,236 hectares. Ross Castle perches in an inlet of Lough Leane, and the town works as the base for all of it.

What is there to do in Killarney?

Killarney National Park by bike and on foot

Cycling is allowed in the park. Routes are one-way, and cyclists give way to pedestrians. Bike is the best way to reach the main attractions, and you can rent one at Killarney Rent a Bike on Beech Road, opposite the tourist office.

The N71 road from Killarney towards Kenmare runs through the park. Private bus services and jaunting cars bring visitors around. Between March and November the Big Red Bus runs a hop-on, hop-off service between Mission Rd and the main attractions.

Over 140 bird species have been recorded here, so bring binoculars if you like to watch. Remember that camping, fires and BBQs are not allowed. Book a bed in town before you set out for the day.

Jaunting cars

A jaunting car is a horse-drawn buggy, and it is a traditional way to see the park and hear its history from local jarveys. Killarney Jaunting Cars is run by the Tangney family, for five generations now. Most cars depart from along Kenmare Place.

Popular jaunting car routes include the Demense to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate, Muckross Abbey and Muckross House, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe. Options include fully guided tours and fixed itineraries. Jaunting cars also bring visitors around the grounds of the park.

Route and price information is on display signs near St. Mary’s Cathedral and on Muckross Road near East Avenue Hotel. Read the signs first, then pick the route that matches the time you have.

The Gap of Dunloe

You can enjoy it by bicycle, on foot, on horseback or on a jaunting car, so you can match it to your pace.

Two combinations are on offer. One is a boat trip through the Lake of Killarney with your bike. The other is an organised tour with a bus from Killarney and a boat passage.

If you don’t want to organise it yourself, the bus and boat tour keeps the day simple.

Lakes, boat trips and horse riding

Open boat trips are available at The Old Boat House near Muckross House and from Ross Castle.

Lough Leane is widely used for salmon and trout fishing. Canoeing or kayaking on the lakes requires a permit and power-washing the vessel in advance, so sort that out before you arrive. Three horse riding companies operate in the park, using Muckross Forest and the area around Knockreer.

If you want easy sightseeing, take a jaunting car or a boat trip. Cyclists and walkers will like the park routes and the Gap of Dunloe. Anglers have Lough Leane, and riders have Muckross Forest.

Where to stay in Killarney

The town is the natural base, with the park on its doorstep. The Killarney Park is a five star hotel on East Avenue, steps from the park and the town centre. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa is at Killegy Lower, Killarney, and suits those who want to sleep nearer Muckross.

The range is wide. Killarney has hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts such as Abbey Lodge B&B, and self catering such as Park Place Apartments. The Killarney Park has 69 rooms and suites, and Muckross Park offers 70 rooms. The Reserve at Muckross Park is a collection of two-bedroom apartments.

Glamping, camping and caravan park options are also available in the area. Since camping inside the park is not allowed, these are the places to pitch a tent.

How do you get to Killarney and get around?

Kerry Airport is a 15-minute drive from the town centre and has direct flights from the UK, including London Luton and London Stansted. It lies between Killarney and Tralee, on the N23 road. Cork Airport and Shannon Airport are both less than 90 minutes from Killarney.

Ferries arrive at Rosslare, Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Belfast and Larne, all with onward road connections to County Kerry. Killarney Bus & Train Station is the terminus for both bus and rail services. The nearest train station to Kerry Airport is Farranfore, 0.9 mile (1.4 km) away. Driving in Ireland is on the left.

Jaunting cars depart mostly from Kenmare Place, and the Big Red Bus runs from March to November. TFI Anseo is an on-demand transport service with over 210 pick-up and drop-off locations. It operates from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

When should you go to Killarney?

June to September is the mildest stretch, with highs between 62°F and 64°F (17°C to 18°C). July and August are the warmest, and lows stay at 55°F (13°C).

January has a high of 50°F (10°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C). The Big Red Bus runs only from March to November, so a winter visit means bikes, jaunting cars or your own car.

What to know before visiting Killarney

According to the U.S. State Department, no visa is required for 90 days or less in Ireland.

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Ireland, with one blank page available per stamp.
• No vaccinations are required.
• The currency limit on entry and exit is 10,000 euros, or approximately $11,671.
• Dual citizens of Ireland and the United States must bring travel documents for both nationalities.
• Camping, fires and BBQs are not allowed in the National Park.

Booking Killarney for November: what to know

The Big Red Bus runs through November, so the park’s main attractions are still reachable without a car. Rooms can be booked directly. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa takes bedroom reservations by email or by phone at +353 (64) 662 3400.

Killarney Avenue Hotel bookings can be made by calling +353(0)64 663 2522.