Killarney, a bustling town in County Kerry is one of Ireland's tourist gems. Surrounded by lakes and mountains it lies nestled in the middle of some of Ireland's most magnificent scenery.
Did you know Trivago named Killarney in County Kerry as one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world? Wow!
Now that's high praise indeed for one of the friendliest places on earth, so let's explore some family fun in Killarney.
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Killarney - A Beautiful Irish Town
Killarney is a very special little corner of the world and this little town has so much to offer visitors.
Perhaps, I shouldn't refer to it as a "little" town anymore, since Killarney has grown and evolved into a premier tourist destination since the days I visited over twenty years ago.
But despite all the changes, it seems Killarney has retained its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, where the townsfolk take great pride in sharing their home with those who visit from all over the world.
Killarney is the gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry. Nestled beside the lakes and between the glorious mountains, the surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking.
There's absolutely no shortage of activities for tourists in and around Killarney. There's something to suit everyone.
History and Heritage
From thrill seekers to leisurely appreciators of spectacular scenery, Killarney caters for all. Killarney National Park, Lakes and Mountains are breathtaking and are the perfect back drop for the adventurous types who enjoy boat trips, walking, hiking, horse riding, fishing,and cycling.
For those of us who may be a little more sedentary there's plenty history and heritage to explore and what really appeals to me, is that Killarney offers plenty of family fun.
Family Fun in County Kerry
As a mother of four I appreciate destinations that cater for young ones, keeping them occupied and entertained, and off their electronic gadgets for as long as possible.
The good folk at The Dunloe Hotel created a wonderful infographic to outline all the fun family activities in Killarney. They graciously provided permission for me to share it with you here on my blog.
As you can see, there's no shortage of family activities in Killarney. Come rain or shine, your vacation can be fun filled from start to finish.
Happy travels to all who plan to visit the beautiful County Kerry.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some other counties featured in this series which you may like to check out ....
Maury
What a lovely post Mairead! I loved Muckross House and have many happy memories of my visit there! This area of Ireland is really the most beautiful I have seen! Thanks for sharing this!
Irish American Mom
Hi Maury - Kerry is one of Ireland's most spectacular counties, for sure. I'm so glad you liked this post, and the wonderful summary of events and places to visit put together by the Dunloe Hotel. I need to add Killarney to my list of places to revisit in Ireland.
Take care,
Mairéad
Mary
We were there in 2012! Lovely lovely place and people!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - I'm delighted to hear you visited Killarney just a few years back, and that you enjoyed your time there, and appreciated the warmth of the people.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Gene
Amen, Mairéad!
Killarney and Kilkenny were my two favorite stops throughout Ireland. We passed on the adrenaline ropes and a "fun paintball afternoon", as it was described; but would not have missed a cart ride through the park. The folks at McSweeney's and the Porterhouse treated us like family and wanted to hear about our trip as well as how we were doing things back home.
Just another example of the lovely and welcoming nature we found in the people.
Irish American Mom
Hi Gene - I'm so glad this post brought back memories of the warm welcome you experience on your visit to Killarney. I remember going on a family jaunting car ride when I was about 7 years old. That day holds a special place in my heart. The driver of the jaunting car shared so many stories, both funny and sad, but all told with a perfect story arc, that left an indelible mark on my young mind.
Thanks for giving Killarney your two thumbs up as a welcoming Irish tourist destination.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patricia
Another tale of long ago, Mairead...
My friend and I took the train from Dublin to Killarney for the weekend, without a real plan in place. We got off the train, and there was an older Barry-Fitzgerald-type man there holding onto his bike. He asked us if we were looking for somewhere to stay. Follow me, he said, and we did, to a rather nice looking, and affordable hotel not far from the station. Apparently he had been sent there to scout out "suitable" travelers, and he looked harmless enough to two 18 year old girls from New York... So, after a fish and chip dinner wrapped in newspaper from the chip truck down the block, we made our plans.
The Laurels was known as a singing pub when I went there as a student. We read up on them and chose the Laurels to visit because according to our Fodor book, it was the rowdiest of the singing pubs. If you are only going to a singing pub once, you might as well make it count!
We were not disappointed. Everyone sat on benches that lined the walls and sang along. There was a big Football playoff that weekend unbeknownst to us. By the end of the night, there were fans up on the table top dancing around, waving their team's colored scarf. When we walked back to the hotel, they had to unlock the door to the lobby to let us in, to keep out the undesirables that weekend, lol!
The next morning when we came down the lobby had empty glasses all over the place. There must have been much more merrymaking in the hotel lobby after the pubs closed.
My trip to Killarney was probably one of my most favorite memories of my month long visit to Ireland! I am not sure that The Laurels still operates the same way anymore, but it is still open!
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - I love all your tales of long ago. I too hold memories of late night sessions in the pubs of Kerry. I remember sneaking into a Ballybunion publican's kitchen to hide when the Gardaí came to check for after hours drinking. Once the police left we all tiptoed back into the pub, waited about 10 minutes and started the session again. Nothing like those good old memories of days gone by.
Thanks as always for stopping by and sharing your Irish stories with us.
All the best,
Mairéad
irishnannie
This post is amazingly helpful, Mairead*, and another timely bit of summer info.
Glad, too, there was info for the "less active" traveller! 😉
Thank you, Mairead*! God bless you and your Family!
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishannie - I really enjoyed all this information in this succinct and helpful graphic. It includes wonderful information for anyone planning a trip to Killarney and County Kerry.
All the best,
Mairéad