Killarney in County Kerry is one of the most visited spots in Ireland. With loads of hotels to choose from it can be difficult to know which hotels in Killarney offer the very best guest experience. In this post, we look at several hotels in Killarney worth considering for your trip to this magical area of Ireland.
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Where To Stay In Killarney
Killarney lies in an enviable position in southwest Ireland. Its history stretches back to the creation of a monastery in 640 AD. This monastery might have contributed to the name Killarney which translates from Irish as ‘Church of the Sloes.’ Or perhaps it’s referring to the berry-like fruit of the blackthorn trees growing readily in the area.
Situated on the edge of Killarney National Park and Lough (Lake) Leane, Killarney hotels make an ideal base from which to explore many of Ireland’s most famous sights. Killarney is conveniently located near the Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Dingle Peninsula. It’s also within a two hours drive of Cork and Limerick.
Deciding where in Killarney to stay shouldn’t be a concern. With a population of 14,500 Killarney is a super easy town to get around by foot. That said, those traveling to Killarney without their own transportation might prefer to stay on the eastern side of the center, closer to the railway station.
To get the most from your visit to Killarney you’re going to want to explore outside of the town. The breathtaking countryside is only a few minutes drive away. Opting for a hotel in Killarney located on the outskirts of town will give you greater access.
Best Hotels In Killarney
Hotels in Killarney offer something for nearly every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for spa stays, family-friendly rooms, or boutique hotels in Killarney, you won’t be disappointed. For our list, we’ve selected a variety of hotels in Killarney to demonstrate the choices available to travelers.
Our Recommendations For The Top Killarney Hotels
Lake Hotel Killarney
Offering lakeside views of Castlelough Castle, the 4-star Lake Hotel Killarney has been wowing visitors since 1940. Located away from hotels in Killarney town, the Lake Hotel is an oasis in one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations.
Straddling the border of Killarney National Park, the Lake Hotels provides hikers, cyclists, and mountain climbers easy access to the park. For those guests looking to play 18, the hotel is conveniently located to several area golf courses.
After a long day exploring Killarney, the Lake Hotel knows how to feed its guests. The hotel features several dining options including its award-winning Castlelough Restaurant. Led by Chef Noel Enright, Castlelough Restaurant focuses on using fresh locally sourced Irish ingredients including meats, Irish seafood, and produce. For more casual dining, the Lakeside Bistro cooks up traditional Irish dishes and “pub grub”.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa
The city center location of Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa does nothing to take away from the imposing edifice. Its spacious rooms provide views of the town and the neighboring park while combining a look composed of solid wood furnishings and marble detailing.
Boasting 4 stars, its spa has been carefully constructed to create an escape from the demands of the outside world. Featuring six treatment rooms together with a sauna, hot tub, and complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool, it is arguably one of the top spas in Killarney.
Just ten minutes’ walk from St Mary’s Cathedral, cooked to order breakfasts is available daily, while evening dining can be enjoyed in the laid-back atmosphere of the Tan Yard, where the menu includes Irish Hereford beef and locally-caught cod.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Great Southern Killarney
First opened in 1854, Great Southern Killarney was built to impress. Today, there’s no doubt the Great Southern Killarney remains one of the most historic places to stay in Killarney. Family run, its grounds total six acres of gardens. Conveniently located near the Killarney train station, it’s perfect for travelers with their own transportation. Best of all, it’s a short stroll for many of Killarney’s central sights.
Its Victorian-era grandeur has been beautifully maintained. Feeling like you’ve gone back in time, some rooms feature dark woods four-poster beds, and original period artwork. Named the Best Historic Hotel in Europe in 2020, Great Southern is nonetheless a fantastic family hotel in Killarney.
But whenever you choose to visit, you can be sure of leisure activities, including a large indoor pool. This is part of a health club also featuring a sauna, jacuzzi, and well-equipped gym. The Garden Room restaurant has been serving organic produce since the 1960s. After dinner, Brownes Bar offers a comfortable place for a dram of Irish whiskey or co*cktail made with a local Irish gin.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The Gleneagle Hotel
Around a mile south of central Killarney on the Ring of Kerry, The Gleneagle Hotel is another of the 4-star hotels in Killarney Ireland worth serious consideration. It has recently undergone a huge renovation program to its rooms, whose neutral tones perfectly straddle the line between city living and country chic.
Guests gain complimentary access to the Aquila Leisure Center as standard, which plays host to a 25m indoor swimming pool. Elsewhere fans of ball sports will delight in the onsite tennis courts and pitch and putt golf course.
But if that’s not enough of a temptation to stay at perhaps the best hotel in Killarney, you only need to look at Flesk Restaurant, an elegant space with views across Killarney National Park.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The Killarney Park Hotel
Often regarded as one of the best 5-star hotels in Ireland, the Killarney Park Hotel is one of a kind in Killarney. Family-owned and operated, Killarney Park is steps away from the town center. This location allows guests to explore Killarney and the nearby national park with ease.
Inside the hotel, guests will find a seamless blend of old-world charm with modern amenities. Rooms range from simple yet comfortable Classic rooms to five, individually decorated Suites. Soft colors and plush bedding guarantee the best night’s sleep ever.
Killarney Park’s fine dining restaurant, the Park Restaurant, features an unforgettable seasonal menu using locally sourced Irish products. For something lighter, the Garden Bar serves up traditional Irish pub grub including Killarney Bar Battered Fish & Chips.
If a little bit of pampering is what you are after, head over to Killarney Park’s spa. The spa features eight private treatment rooms, a caldarium, and a relaxation room. A wide range of treatments for him and her are available.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Scott’s Hotel Killarney
Situated in the heart of Killarney town center, Scott’s Hotel is directly across from the Killarney Train & Bus Stations. This makes Scott’s Hotel the ideal hotel for travelers to Ireland without their own transportation. And best of all, Killarney Cathedral, shops, and restaurants are only minutes away.
Scott’s Hotel Killarney features a wide range of modern rooms to meet the needs of all travelers. You’ll find rooms ranging from Double and Family rooms to Suites and Self-Catering Apartments. After a long day exploring Killarney National Park, visit Scott’s Bar for a refreshing co*cktail or enjoy their Courtyard Restaurant for local Irish dishes.
For golfers traveling to Ireland, Scott’s Hotel is minutes away from numerous courses including Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. Scott’s offers a variety of golfing packages and can help make arrangements at the nearby courses.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Killarney Heights Hotel
If you are looking to be in Killarney city center, but not in Killarney city center, then take a look at the Killarney Heights Hotel. Located only five minutes from the city center, Killarney Heights Hotel is ideally located to enjoy all the shops and restaurants in the city center, without the commotion.
Killarney Heights Hotel offers views of Torc and Mangerton mountainsas well as the River Flesk valley. For travelers without private transportation, the hotel is only one mile from the Killarney Train and Bus station. Additionally, it’s only 15 minutes away by car to Killarney National Park and world-class golfing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
The hotel features Double and Family rooms as well as the Castle Suite. The Mill Bar Restaurant and Brasserie, serve up a menu full of traditional Irish dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Check out pricing and availability here.
FAQs – Hotels In Killarney
What are the best hotels near Killarney National Park?
As one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, Killarney is full of world-class hotels. If you are heading to Killarney National Park, there are several hotels conveniently located near the park worth checking out. Those hotels include the Killarney Park Hotel, the Ross Hotel, and Muckross Park Hotel.
Which hotels are the best ones to stay at in Killarney?
The sky is the limit when it comes to the best hotels to stay in Killarney. One of the best and most luxurious is the historic Great Southern Killarney. Rated among the best hotels in Ireland, the hotel dates back to 1854 and mixes old-world charm with modern comfort.
What are the best hotels in Killarney town center?
Being in the heart of Killarney town allows visitors easy access to the many great restaurants and pubs. Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney Royal Hotel, and the Killarney Plaza Hotel are all located steps away from the center of Killarney, making them ideal choices.
