Killarney Travel & Vacation Guide

The Aqua Dome is one of Ireland’s largest indoor water worlds and offers tropical temperatures all year round. A visit to the Aqua Dome is a great idea for a day out with all the family.

Ireland’s largest working windmill, Blennerville Windmill was built in the 19th century and great lengths have been taken to restore it to its original grandeur. Weather-permitting, visitors may join guided tours to see the windmill. The Visitor Centre contains a multi-lingual exhibition and audio-visual presentation.

The Brandon Mountains consist of 7 major peaks, including the 2nd highest peak in Ireland (the highest being Carrantouhill, about 2 hours drive away). Composed of Old Red Sandstone, the mountains have a distinctive red, orange and purple hues.Local lore has it that St Brendan, a 5th century Irish saint, was born here and later went on to become a legendary seafarer. A pilgrimage inspired by his journey began here in the medieval times - pilgrims still flock here today. The "Faha" (or Pilgrim's Path) takes around 4-5 hours to hike, while the most challenging route takes 6-7.

This local archaeological museum houses over 500 artifacts from the Stone, Bronze and Celtic Iron Ages, as well as Viking, Roman and Saxon antiquities. Among other things, it contains a dinosaur skeleton and a mammoth skull.

One of few mountain passes accessible by road, Conor Pass is one of Ireland's most iconic and scenic drives. Craggier and rockier than previously thought possible, walking or cycling here is an undertaking for experienced climbers only. Those who dare will be rewarded with stunning views of cliffs, lakes, and rolling landscape.

Crag Cave is a magical wonderland of stalagmites & stalactites, thought to be over one million years old. Here you'll find tours, a gift shop, a garden café, the Crazy Cave Play Centre and Kingdom Falconry, a new addition to Crag Cave.

Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, and showcases memorabilia from the life and career of this famous statesman. Known as "The Liberator", O'Connell promoted Irish Emancipation and is a key figure in 18th-19th century history. Situated in Derrynane National Historic Park, the grounds boast 120 hectares of parklands and 1.5 km of coastline.

In 1983, a wild Bottlenose Dolphin named Fungie chose Dingle Harbour as its home. Boat trips leave Dingle Pier all day, every day, in order to see this very friendly dolphin wild and free in its natural habitat.

Baily’s Corner is on Castle Street, the bustling main shopping street in the historic centre of Tralee. During the day it’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Kerry’s county capital, at night it's great to enjoy the banter of a typical Irish pub.

Buckey's is the bar of the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney and is named after its founder. It is a good place to catch some traditional Irish music as there are nightly sessions very often

Bunkers Bar and Restaurant is situated in Killorglin, along the Ring of Kerry. Here you can eat some wholesome food and a homemade dessert to get ready for your road trip. Sports and races are shown on the TV's big screen during the day and live music entertainment takes place at weekends.

An traditional wood-lined bar with whiskey and beers. There are traditional music sessions during the week and DJs at the weekend.

Opened since 1899, Dick Mack's is a pub and brewery that has been awarded "Best Whiskey Bar of the Year" in 2016. The brewery is open for tours and it has a courtyard where you can enjoy some outdoor live entertainment.

Fertha Bar and Restaurant located on the Ring of Kerry and close to free car parking. Known locally for serving traditional meals in a friendly setting, it also offers lighter options like salads and wraps. Also, remember to ask if there are any live music nights this week.

The owners of John Benny's Pub are musicians and often host traditional music sessions. While you enjoy the music, you can grab a bite of delicious pub food and try the local beer, the Tom Crean’s Premium Irish Lager. If you prefer something darker, they serve Guinness beer as well.

Kate Kearney, a reputed witch, was famous for her wicked brews, and now her legacy lives on in her cottage. Situated at the entrance to the magnificent Gap of Dunloe, the cottage offers full bar facilities and bar food as well as crafts for sale. During the Summer months they organise traditional entertainment every night.

Aran Sweaters, named for the Aran Islands, are one of Ireland's most iconic exports. Made with natural wool that is both breathable and insulating, this is a lasting souvenir to take home. Nowadays, the brand sells also many different types of clothes and accessories.

Avoca is an internationally-known Irish brand with 12 locations scattered across the Emerald Isle. In addition to the brightly coloured fabrics and clothes that made the brand famous, it now also features a large selection of accessories, ceramics and homeware, all with a unique design. The shop in county Kerry is located on a rocky ridge that offers a spectacular view of the Irish landscape. You can also stop and grab a bite at the shop's café, where you'll find plenty of delicious local food.

Brian de Staic Jewellery is a purveyor of spectacular, fine quality jewellery and ornaments. Featuring Celtic designs, these are unique and meaningful souvenirs or gifts for all those with an Irish connection.

In 2018, the Irish Times listed Dingle Bookshop as one of the best independent bookshops in Ireland. Here you'll be able to find books of local interest, written by classic and new Irish authors, but also the latest bestsellers everyone is talking about.

Dingle Candle makes and sells perfumes, soaps and, of course, candles. The latter are made only with soy, which makes them natural and eco-friendly.

Shaping crystal by mouth blowing and hand cutting is an Irish tradition of old, which Dingle Crystal carries on with devotion. This selection of quality glassware with beautiful Celtic patterns provides elegant gifts or souvenirs.

Dingle Music Shop is the place to go if you're interested in learning about Irish music. Here you'll find Irish instruments, Irish CDs or records, and even local Irish singers and dancers who perform a few times during the week.

At Kenmare Soap Shop you'll find all kinds of body-care products, all of them hand-made with only natural and vegan ingredients.

Irish landscapes are at their best in Summer, when everything is green, the days are longer, the temperatures are mild, and rain is less frequent. Of course, this means Summer is peak season, with higher prices and less opportunities for solitude. Winter is perfect to visit the area on a budget and avoid crowds of tourists, but it's not ideal if you're interested in outdoor activities. It might be worth it to choose Spring or Autumn for your visit: you'll have some of the benefits of Summer, but avoid most of its inconveniences. Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Ireland has a mild temperature climate with summer temperatures generally ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius(60-70 Fahrenheit). The temperatures are generally around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degree Fahrenheit) in Spring and Autumn and between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius (30-40 degrees Fahrenheit) in Winter.

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland can enter Ireland without a visa. Citizens of a further 56 countries, including many in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and more are also visa-exempt. A short-stay visa waiver programme allows visitors of certain nationalities to enter Ireland visa-free if they are in possession of a UK type "C" visa, and have gone through initial immigration clearance in the UK. Holders of a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen, or of a red United Nations laissez-passer also enjoy a visa exemption. For those who do need a visa, one should be applied for in advance via an Irish embassy or consulate closest to them. Some nationalities also require a transit visa, even if they do not plan to leave the airport en route to their final destination. Check whether you need a visa, and what prerequisites and fees may apply: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/check-irish-visa

Air access is available through Kerry International Airport, often called Farranfore Airport as it is located in Farranfore around 15km from Killarney. Cork International Airport (100km from Killarney) is easily accessible by bus or train. Bus Eireann operates a bus service to and from Killarney bus station, which takes about twenty minutes. Check: www.buseireann.ie for more details. Taxis are available outside the terminal and take about fifteen minutes to reach the centre of Killarney.

For information on bus times, tickets and prices go to www.buseireann.ie For information on rail services go to www.irishrail.ie.

You'll find many taxis in the streets. Here are a few contacts. Mid Kerry Cabs & Tours +353 87 258 2040 Dingle cabs +353 87 660 2323 Killarney Tour and Taxi Services +353 85 280 3333

If you intend to rent a car when you’re in Ireland, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. In particular pay attention to the speed limits: 120km on motorways; 100km on national roads; 80km on regional and local roads; 50km in a built-up area.

220 volts AC (50 cycles)

EU Citizens are entitled to free hospital treatment in a public ward and should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (which replaced the old E111 form) prior to departure. For further details see www.ehic.ie. Private medical insurance is advised for Visitors from non-EU countries. Park Road CarePlus Late Night Pharmacy Unit 1, Countess Shopping Centre, Park Rd, Avenue, Killarney, County Kerry, Daily: 9am-9pm +353 64 662 6847 Sheahan's Pharmacy 34 Main St, Killarney, County Kerry Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm, Sunday: 11am-1pm +353 64 663 1113 Additional location 18 Main St, Kenmare, County Kerry Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm +353 64 664 1354 Walsh's Pharmacy Green St, Dingle, County Kerry Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm, Saturday: 9.30am-6pm, Sunday: 10.30am-12.30pm +353 66 915 1365 Ashe Street Late Night Pharmacy 11 Ashe St, Cloonalour, Tralee, County Kerry Monday-Friday: 7.30am-7.30pm, Saturday: 9.30am-6.30pm, Sunday: 11am-2pm +353 66 719 0931 Sneem Pharmacy South Square, Inchinaleega East, Sneem, County Kerry Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm, Sunday: 11.45am-1pm +353 64 664 5288