Killarney in County Kerry is one of my favourite towns in Ireland, it is hard to beat. The town is buzzing, it is surrounded by some of the best landscapes Ireland has to offer, and the locals are some of the friendliest people you will meet. Whether as a weekend trip or part of a longer trip around Kerry, two days is a sufficient amount of time to see some fantastic parts of Killarney. This 2 day Killarney itinerary is all you need for a fun and memorable weekend!
To make the most of your weekend I suggest arriving on Friday and leaving Sunday evening.
Where To Stay In Killarney
Lake Hotel – this is where we stayed and I cannot recommend it enough! The Lake Hotel Killarney is a beautiful hotel located on Killarney Lake. It is the perfect place to stay if you plan to explore Killarney National Park. Moreover, it is just 15 minute walk into the centre of Killarney town. The hotel has a bar, fine dining restaurant, gym, outdoor hot tub and free roaming deer. The rooms are clean and cosy, I highly recommend choosing a room with a lake view. Prices start at €167 per night.
Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa – this 4 star hotel overlooks Killarney National Park, it has an incredible spa that features a whirlpool, sauna, indoor pool and well equipped gym. Rooms are large and comfortable, all have a Nespresso machine and a marble ensuite bathroom. Prices start at €140 per night.
Killarney Dromhall Hotel – just a 10 minute walk from the town centre, this 4 star hotel is in an excellent location. Guests are allowed to use the facilities at the adjacent Randles hotel which includes a 20-metre pool , steam room and sauna. Prices start at €110 per night.
2 Day Killarney Itinerary
Day 1 – Gap Of Dunloe & Black Valley
Day 1 of this 2 day Killarney itinerary takes you to the iconic Gap Of Dunloe. The Gap Of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass with the River Loe running through it. It separates the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks from the Purple Mountain Range. It formed 25,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The highest point of the gap is 791 ft.
The start of the Gap is at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and the end is Lord’s Bandon’s Cottage in the Black Valley, a total of 11km.
You can walk, drive, horse & carriage or cycle it. Cycling is the most rewarding, you can see so much more of the area and you can pass out the cars and horses along the way. To be honest, driving seemed like a nuisance as the road is just so narrow.
There are plenty of places to rent a bike in Killarney, I had a great experience with Killarney Bike Rental who offer great bikes at reasonable prices.
The complete cycle from Killarney town to Lord Bandon’s Cottage is 26km so for a round trip it is 52km. I think it was 5 or 6 hours including food and photo stops.
Rejuvenate At A Spa
You’ve worked hard, now time to wind down and relax… you are on holiday after all! No better way to recover after a long cycle up steep hills than a body massage. Killarney has some highly rated spas!
Orchid Day Spa is located in Killarney town centre, they specialise in Thai massage.
Day 2 – Climb Torc Mountain via Cardiac Hill
Day 2 of this Killarney itinerary is just as active as day 1! Today you are hiking up the stunning Torc mountain!
Torc Mountain is 355m high, this hike is 10km. The base of the mountain is Torc Waterfall. The Mountain offers gorgeous views of Killarney lake, it is a moderate climb with wooden boards laid out which makes it a little bit easier.
I recommend completing cardiac hill (part of the red trail) and then joining the torc mountain trail. Cardiac hill is true to its name, your heart will be pumping as you climb the hundreds of rocky stairs. It takes approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is surrounded by woodlands with beautiful views. I use the views as an excuse to stop and get my breath back!
After cardiac hill the path evens out to a wider forest path where you will join the Kerry Way which is in the valley between Torc and Mangerton. Follow the signs to Torc Mountain and you will eventually reach the broad-walk to ascend the mountain.
The views are spectacular, I recommend taking a small picnic to enjoy at the top.
Where To Eat In Killarney
Treyvaud’s Restaurant – family owned, serving the best of Irish cuisine.
On the menu: Rack of Kerry Lamb, Barbary Duck, Seafood Chowder & Rare Breed Pork Terrine.
Quinlan’s Seafood Bar – lively atmosphere and large portions. Some of the freshest fish you will have!
On the menu: Shrimp sandwich, Beer battered fish + chips, Portmagee crab claws, Spicy fish box
Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House – specialises in the traditional potato pancake, boxty. The restaurant is cosy, the owners are so friendly you feel like you are visiting a relatives house.
On the menu: Ratatouille boxty, Beef curry boxty, Filo wrapped chicken, seafood chowder,
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