KILLARNEY FAQ'S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The Kerry County Airport, Farranfore, is about 10 miles north of Killarney just off the main Killarney - Tralee road. It is served by Ryanair and Aer Arann as well as summer charters and has regularly scheduled flights to Dublin, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Lorient and Frankfurt Hahn. If you are flying into Kerry, please note that it is a small regional airport and is not well linked to other public transport services. There is no bus service from the airport and the train station is 15 minutes walk from the airport with poor service at best. Ideally you will have booked a rental car from the airport in advance. However, Kerry is easily connected to Cork Airport and Shannon Airport nearby.

Cork International Airport is located approximately 60 miles from Killarney and offers a much wider selection of flights into South West Ireland. Allow approximately 90 minutes drive time between Cork and Killarney. It is also possible to get a bus connection or train connection from Cork to Killarney. Please note that you will have to get a connecting bus from Cork airport to Cork bus station or train station to pick up your connecting bus or train. Connections are not very frequent so plan in advance.

Shannon International Airport is located approximately 83 miles from Killarney in Shannon, Co. Clare. Allow approximately 2 hours drive time between Shannon and Killarney. When coming from Clare (or Galway) there is a car ferry across the Shannon estuary between Killimer (Clare) and Tarbert (Kerry) that can save driving time and is a scenic route. It departs hourly year round and every half hour in Summer from both sides. The ferry crosses the mouth of the river Shannon as it enters the Atlantic and dolphins are commonly seen from the ferry.

How do I get from the train station to my hotel?

Irish Rail trains from Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway arrive daily at the Killarney Railway Station, Railway Road, off East Avenue Road. Killarney Town is so small and compact that you can proceed to your hotel on foot, but you can also phone for a taxi from Killarney Cabs (tel. 064/663-7444), Dave's Taxis (tel. 087/679-8899), or Euro Taxis (tel. 064/663-7676).

How do I get from the bus station to my hotel?

Bus Éireann operates regularly scheduled service into Killarney from all parts of Ireland. The bus station (tel. 064/663-0011; www.buseireann.ie) is next to the train station at Railway Road, off East Avenue Road. Killarney Town is so small and compact that you can proceed to your hotel on foot, but you can also phone for a taxi from Killarney Cabs (tel. 064/663-7444), Dave's Taxis (tel. 087/679-8899), or Euro Taxis (tel. 064/663-7676).

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

Killarney is so small and compact that there is no local bus service, but don't worry about getting around. The town is centered on one thoroughfare, Main Street, which changes to High Street at the midpoint. The principal side streets are Plunkett Street, which changes to College Street, and New Street. The Deenagh River borders the western side of town and East Avenue Road borders the eastern side. The busiest section of town is at the southern end of Main Street where it meets East Avenue Road, curves and heads southward out to Muckross road and the entrance to Killarney National Park.

The best way to get around is on foot. However, taxi cabs line up at the rank on College Square or you can also phone for a taxi from Killarney Cabs (tel. 064/663-7444), Dave's Taxis (tel. 087/679-8899) or Euro Taxis (tel. 064/663-7676).

Where can I rent a 'jarvey'?

The quaint horse-drawn buggies known as 'jaunting carts' or 'jarveys,' are one of the most charming features of Killarney. A jarvey is undoubtedly the best way to get around the national park since cars are not allowed. Rates are set and monitored by the Killarney Urban District Council and prices range from around €15 to upward of €50 per ride (up to four people), depending on the time and destinations. You can hire a buggy at the park near Muckross House or arrange a tour in advance by contacting Killarney Jaunting Cars, 10B Muckross Close, Killarney (tel. 064/663-3358).

Where can I rent a bicycle?

Killarney National Park, with its lakeside trails and forest paths is a cyclist's paradise. Another scenic ride beginning in Killarney takes you through the Gap of Dunloe where you'll see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the area. Bicycles can be rented from David O'Sullivan's Cycles, Lower New Street (tel. 064/663-1282) and at the Beech Road Car Park for approximately €15 per day or €80 per week. Most shops are open daily from 9am to 6pm, and as late as 8pm or 9pm in the summer.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxi cabs line up at the rank on College Square or you can also phone for a taxi from Killarney Cabs (tel. 064/663-7444), Dave's Taxis (tel. 087/679-8899), or Euro Taxis (tel. 064/663-7676).

Note: Not all cabs are equipped to accept credit cards so make sure you ask BEFORE you get in.

I will have a car in Killarney, where can I park?

A car is the ideal way to explore County Kerry, abundant as it is with scenic routes and remote villages. Driving in Ireland might seem a daunting prospect at first, but provided you take appropriate care your trips will be safe and result in enormous pleasure. Unfortunately, road upgrades have not kept up with the increased usage so prepare for peak-hour traffic jams. If you plan to do a lot of exploring, keep in mind that narrow winding roads (as well as flocks of sheep) can often mean that journey times are longer than might be expected from distances calculated from a map. Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid spending excessive amounts of time behind the wheel.

There are a couple of large public parking lots near the center of Killarney Town, where parking costs around €1.50 per hour and up. We recommend you leave your car in one of these lots unless you're heading out to Killarney National Park on the Muckross and Kenmare road (N71) or setting out on the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula or Slea Head Drive (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) beginning and ending in Dingle.

Is Killarney a walking city?

Killarney Town is so small that the best way to get around is on foot. For a quick and easy tour (taking less than 2 hours to complete), follow the marked Tourist Trail for the highlights of the main streets. You can pick up the Tourist Trail walking-tour guide, outlining the sights along the trail, at the Killarney Tourist Office, Aras Fáilte, at the town center on Beech Road (tel. 064/663-1633). The tourist office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:15am to 5:15pm from October until May, daily from 9am to 6pm in June and September and daily 9am to 8pm in July and August.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Ireland is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks and ATM's can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Ireland by clicking here.

What is Irish food like?

Traditionally, Irish food was plain but hearty. However, in one generation Irish cooking has changed beyond all recognition. Warm fare, excellent drinks, and freshness form the base of Irish food. While most think of Ireland as a meat and potatoes country, there's much more to Irish cuisine than that (although the meat and potatoes dishes are excellent). County Kerry is one of Ireland's gourmet destinations, with numerous traditional restaurants scattered across the county, from Killarney to Dingle. On a trip to Ireland, you won't go hungry and you won't have to spend a lot if you check out pubs, local markets, and take-away restaurants.

Where can I buy necessities like bottled water and toiletries?

If you need a drugstore, you can go to O'Sullivans Pharmacy located at 81 New St. (tel. 064/663-5886) or Donal Sheahan located at 34 Main St. (tel. 064/663-1113).

What is the Ring of Kerry?

Around the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula, the stunning coastal road from Kenmare to Killorglin known as the 'Ring of Kerry' is undoubtedly Ireland's most popular tourist route. Though the Ring of Kerry is one of Europe's greatest drives, with breathtaking mountain and coastal views to be found around every corner, it does suffer from its own popularity. During season, it seems as though half of Ireland's visitors are traveling along this narrow and curvy two-lane road. Instead, plan to get off the main road and get out of your car to explore. You'll soon discover that the Iveragh Peninsula, one of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes, remains a largely unspoiled paradise full of fantastic places to hike, bike and boat.

The trip covers 111 miles if you start and finish in Killarney, and can be explored in as little as a day, either by car or on a guided tour. However, most of the Ring's best sites are found off the beaten path, on spontaneous detours and winding back roads, so relax, take it slowly and enjoy the adventure.

What are the most popular sights in Killarney?

Killarney may be best known as the gateway to the 'Ring of Kerry', but there is plenty to see and do in town as well. The Killarney National Park is comprised of 24,700 acres of absolutely gorgeous lake and mountain scenery and is famous for its' native natural habitats and species. The National Park Visitor Center, located at Muckross House, and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Knockreer House (formerly part of the Kenmare Estate) is located within walking distance of Killarney town and offers a signposted circular walk with excellent views of the Lower Lake and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks in the distance. The Gap of Dunloe, stretching through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, is a beautiful glacial valley while Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney's lower lake. Innisfallen Island, approximately one mile offshore from Ross Castle, is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey.

What else is there to do in County Kerry?

There is more to County Kerry than the Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry! Kerry has a rich history and an abundance of scenic beauty that can be found not only in the Iveragh Peninsula, but also in the Dingle Peninsula and the Skellig Islands. In addition to its quaint towns and villages, castles and other attractions, you will also find a wide variety of activities like walking routes, forest trails, cycling, fishing, golfing and horseback riding. Whenever you visit Ireland it's wise to come prepared for wet and/or windy conditions, especially along the west coast; and, although beautiful in all seasons, the best time to visit Kerry depends of your preference for sun versus solitude.

What are the best areas for shopping?

Killarney has more souvenir shops than you can shake a shillelagh at; however, there is quality shopping to be found in town and in County Kerry overall. The best items to buy are wool sweaters and knitwear, local glassware and Dingle Crystal, Irish linen handkerchiefs and tablecloths, Irish lace, pottery and jewelry. Shopping hours are typically Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm, but from May through September or October, most stores are open daily until 9pm or 10pm.