2 Days Around the Ring of Kerry: Things to Do in Killarney

LAST UPDATED: MAY 10, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MARCH 15-17, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 17 MIN



 

Ever wonder why imagery of Ireland is associated with the color green?

 
Woman smiling with an Irish Wolfhound at Kerry Bog Village as one of the top things to do in Killarney.

Situated in the southwest corner of Ireland, the Iveragh Peninsula is home to the Ring of Kerry—Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road covered in the greenest grass you’ve ever seen!

This renowned scenic circuit through County Kerry offers a snapshot of Ireland's untouched beauty and consequently needs to be on your Ireland itinerary! Rugged landscapes, spectacular valleys, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline make up the breathtaking Kerry vistas that have been admired for centuries. Along the way, pass through charming thatch villages offering cultural insights into traditional Irish life. Most visitors reside in Killarney while exploring this region, so plan to spend at least two days here so you can tour the Ring of Kerry and still have time to enjoy town!


Two Day Killarney Itinerary

In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed Killarney, Ireland travel guide you’ll find below:

Day 1

  • 7:00 - 10:19 AM: 🚉 Depart via train from Dublin Heuston (3 hr 19 min)

  • 10:20 - 10:30 AM: 🚗 Begin your Ring of Kerry tour with pick-up from Killarney station (10 min)

  • 11:05 - 11:40 AM: 🛖 Explore the Kerry Bog Village while sipping on Irish coffee from Red Fox Inn (35 min)

  • 12:00 - 12:20 PM: 🚣‍♀️ Admire Dingle Bay from the Mountain Stage Viewpoint (20 min)

  • 1:10 - 2:10 PM: 🍲 Eat lunch at the Vista Bar within Scarriff Inn overlooking the ocean below (1 hr)

  • 2:25 PM - 2:45 PM: 🌊 Stop at the Cove viewpoint in Caherdaniel (20 min)

  • 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM: 🏘️ Stroll through the colorful town of Sneem (20 min)

  • 4:05 - 4:25 PM: ⛰️ Look out over Ladies’ View in Killarney National Park (20 min)

  • 4:25 - 4:50 PM: 🚐 Travel back to Killarney as your Ring of Kerry tour concludes (25 min)

  • 4:50 - 5:00 PM: 🛌🏽 Check-in to the Fairview Hotel and get some much needed rest (10 min)

Day 2

  • 8:30 - 9:30 AM: 🍞 Indulge in the complimentary Irish breakfast at the Fairview Hotel (1 hr)

  • 9:30 - 10:10 AM: 🏰 Take a leisurely stroll to Ross Castle (40 min)

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🏝️ Explore the abbatial ruins of Innisfallen Island after taking a motorboat over (1 hr)

  • 12:00 - 12:30 PM: 🥾 Return back the way you came to reach Killarney (30 min)

  • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: 🛍️ Shop around Main Street and High Street for traditional Irish souvenirs (2 hr)

  • 2:30 - 3:30 PM: 🦪 Grab a late seafood lunch at Kitty O’Se’s (1 hr)

  • 3:41 - 7:06 PM: 🛤️ Train back to Dublin Heuston from Killarney station (3 hr 25 min)


How to Get Around Killarney?

A small town of less than 15,000 residents situated on the shores of Lough Leane, Killarney unsurprisingly lacks the convenient public infrastructure of a bustling metropolis. While a few bus routes service the interior, the compact nature of the main streets means traversing town on foot is the best way to go, which is only 800 meters long from one end to the other.

As the gateway to the Ring of Kerry 180 km scenic drive and the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail, it’s likely you’re staying in Killarney to embark further into the lush landscapes of County Kerry. Doing so undoubtedly requires a vehicle, but unless you’re comfortable driving on the left side of narrow mountain roads, this probably isn’t the best time to try that out. If you venture far outside town on foot and get desperate—I wouldn’t officially recommend this—but you could try hitching a ride back with a local like my friend and I did from Ross Castle. I’ve never considered hitchhiking in America, but we found the townspeople of Killarney to be so welcoming that we felt comfortable accepting this act of kindness from a stranger.

 
Woman standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the serene coastal landscape of Killarney, Ireland.
 

To venture outside Killarney, you’re best suited to embark on a Ring of Kerry coach tour—doing so is not only the safer option for tourists, but you’ll also be able to sit back and enjoy the panoramic coastline while learning about the history of the region on this drive through rugged countryside. I toured County Kerry with the help of award-winning Killarney-based operator, Wild Kerry Day Tours, known for their 75+ years of experience and knowledgeable local drivers.

  • Setting off anti-clockwise from Killarney at 10:30 AM, Wild Kerry Day Tours’ most popular offering maps the banks of the River Laune to Killorglin and then heads south to Glenbeigh, Kells, and Cahersiveen. The tour continues to Waterville along the coast via Coomakista Pass, Derrynane, and then Sneem. From Sneem, travel north up the mountain road to breathtaking Molls Gap and return back to the Ross Road depot at approximately 5:00 PM after taking in Ladies’ View and Muckross.

    In addition to stopping at all points of interest including the Kerry Bog Village and Dingle Bay, pause for an hour lunch in Waterville and later take an afternoon break for refreshments. Benefit from the lowest prices, no hidden fees, and 24/7 customer care by booking directly through their website for only $39.

    One thing to note about this tour —assuming all the drivers use the same script—is that your guide will talk the ENTIRE time. I was shocked by how our driver managed to fill the whole journey with chatter, which for the most part entailed historical information and local folklore, but sometimes devolved into him pointing out random buildings and landmarks. If you know nothing about the region and consider yourself an avid learner, this format will be perfect for you. However, if you don’t want to listen to someone talk for hours and hours on end, consider bringing headphones and cueing up a playlist of Irish folk songs.

Pro Tip:

If traveling via daily rail and bus connections from Dublin, Cork or Tralee, complimentary pick-up is available from Killarney stations by emailing info@oconnorautotours.ie.


How to Get from Dublin to Killarney?

FROM: Dublin Heuston (Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Dublin, Ireland)

TO: Killarney (The Avenue, Thoir, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland)

TRANSPORTATION: Dublin Heuston → Mallow via InterCity towards Cork (Kent) → Killarney via Tralee Service towards Tralee Casement Station on Irish Rail (3 hr 19 min, 1 transfer, $54)

The simplest way to reach Killarney, Ireland is by train from Dublin Heuston to Killarney station. Assuming you embark on the Wild Kerry Day Tours’ Ring of Kerry tour upon arrival, book tickets for the train departing at 7:00 AM, which arrives in Killarney at 10:19 AM just in time for the tour. This route involves one transfer in Mallow and lasts 3 hours and 19 minutes.

 
First-person view of a hiker's feet on a lush green grassy path in Killarney, Ireland.
 

Doing the 3 hour and 30 minute drive yourself requires you to cross 310 km of Irish countryside to travel to Killarney, Ireland. If traveling light, another quick option is to take the 55 minute flight from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Kerry Airport (KIR) offered by Ryanair for $44. Upon your arrival, hop in a taxi to cover the 20 minute drive from the Kerry Airport into Killarney. While this transit option may appear more efficient, be sure to account for the additional time spent arriving at the airport early, as well as the hefty baggage fees Ryanair charges for luggage.


Where to Stay in Killarney?

LODGING: Fairview Hotel ($160.40 for one night with breakfast included, split amongst two people)

The 4-star Fairview Hotel is the optimal boutique accommodation in the center of Killarney, superbly balancing affordability with elevated hospitality to make your stay feel luxurious without breaking the bank. Offering the perfect refuge as one of the best Killarney hotels, the nightly rate comes with free overnight parking, spacious rooms, and modern amenities, making this the ideal home base from which to tour, golf, and socialize.

 
Elegant and cozy hotel room interior in Killarney with warm lighting.
 

I stayed in a Superior Double which comfortably fit two people on the queen-sized bed. Inside were all the standard fixings of a quality yet reasonable hotel, including designer toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a flat screen TV. The front desk staff also kindly stored my luggage while I explored the immediate area, a convenient 5 minute walk from the train station. If you feel like splurging, the elegant Executive rooms include a relaxing jacuzzi bath!

Pro Tip:

Book the bed and breakfast rate to try a traditional Irish breakfast for only ~$10 more, which is the minimum you’d spend on breakfast at a restaurant anyways!


Things to Do in Killarney

FROM: Dublin Heuston (7:00 AM) (Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Dublin, Ireland)

TO: Killarney (10:19 AM) (The Avenue, Thoir, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland)

TRANSPORTATION: Dublin Heuston → Mallow via InterCity towards Cork (Kent) → Killarney via Tralee Service towards Tralee Casement Station on Irish Rail (3 hr 19 min, 1 transfer, $54)

Day 1

After traveling over from Dublin, kick off an action-packed Killarney itinerary by heading straight onto a Ring of Kerry day tour upon your arrival into town.

 
Overgrown ancient stone ruins amidst lush foliage in Killarney, Ireland.
 

Assuming you booked through Wild Kerry Day Tours, you’ll be picked up directly from the train station by a kind old gentleman and driven to the coach. The majority of the other tour passengers will already be waiting on the bus, so once your luggage is loaded you’ll set off on a scenic drive around southwest Ireland! The beginning of the tour maps the banks of the River Laune as you get your first glimpse of the pristinely green Irish countryside.

Kerry Bog Village

The first stop is the Kerry Bog Village, which is technically an optional part of the tour since an additional €7 entrance fee is charged here. This outdoor museum provides a glimpse into the rural lives of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly during the Great Famine. An authentic period village, each thatched cottage is defined by a fictional inhabitant, with the interior furnishings reflecting how they would have lived based on their role.

 
A statue of a majestic goat standing on rocks beside a white cottage in the Irish countryside of Killarney.
 

For example, turf cutting tools are one such traditional Irish practice on display around Jeremiah Mulvihill’s cottage, who is attributed as the resident of the turf cutters dwelling. Informative signage accompanies these period pieces to provide a deep dive into Ireland's cultural heritage. My favorite activity was playing with the Irish Wolfhounds on the property, a large dog breed historically used to hunt wolves in Ireland.

Drink — Red Fox Inn

Just next door find a traditional pub boasting an old-timey atmosphere, the Red Fox Inn best known for their delectable Irish coffee. While a caffeinated alcoholic beverage may not sound appetizing this early in the morning, the combination of Irish whiskey and hot coffee kept me nice and warm on the rainy, overcast day of my tour!

Given most Ireland entertainment happen outdoors, this stop represents one of the best Killarney indoor activities to consider if you visit during similarly rainy weather and have a vehicle at your disposal.

 
Visitor approaching the iconic Red Fox Inn, a traditional Irish pub in Killarney.
 

If neither of these activities sound appealing, walk across the street to a view point along the babbling River Caragh. The winding river cuts through a green patchwork of rugged hillside, making this an optimal spot to snap some photos before continuing on with the tour.

Dingle Bay

Driving for another 20 minutes through Glenbeigh brings you to the Mountain Stage viewpoint overlooking Dingle Bay. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, observe rugged cliffs, clear blue waters, and pristine beaches. The area offers panoramic views that are quintessentially Irish and provides another excellent opportunity for photos. With only about 20 minutes to spare, make the most of the time and depart promptly from the coach!

 
Two friends sharing a joyful selfie with the rugged coastline of Killarney, Ireland in the background.
 

If you’re planning to spend more time in the region, consider returning to Dingle Bay to visit ancient sites like the Gallarus Oratory and Ogham Stones, or to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking, and golfing. A wild dolphin named Fungie became a local celebrity through his friendly interactions with humans, and although he’s no longer seen in the bay the area continues to be a great spot for watching dolphins, seals, and occasionally whales through guided boat tours.

Wild Kerry Day Tours also offers an exploration of the Dingle Peninsula, so if you enjoy their Ring of Kerry tour consider booking another guided journey back to this area with the same company!

Lunch — Vista Bar at Scarriff Inn

Drive for another 50 minutes through the Irish countryside past Kells, Cahersiveen, and Waterville-Spunkane before stopping at the Scarriff Inn for lunch. Your guide will convey similar information, but here’s a general overview if you’re curious about these areas in advance:

    • Kells is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, offering breathtaking views of Dingle Bay.

    • Cahersiveen is steeped in history, with several ancient forts and archaeological sites nearby, including the impressive Cahergal and Leacanabuaile forts. The town itself is named after Saint Fachtna and has a deep historical connection to Irish independence leader Daniel O'Connell, known as "The Liberator."

    • Waterville is famous for its world-class Waterville Golf Links nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane, one of the top-ranked courses in Ireland attracting pros like Tiger Woods. Waterville is also celebrated for its association with legendary film actor Charlie Chaplin, who visited the village for many years with his family. His love for Waterville is commemorated with an annual film festival and a statue in his honor.

 
Stormy view over the fast-flowing river in Killarney with overcast skies and surrounding greenery.
 

The Scarriff Inn is a family-run guest house famous for overlooking “the best view in Ireland” including Kenmare Bay, Bantry Bay, and Derrynane—patrons are treated to this view from every seat in the restaurant!

A popular stop on Ring of Kerry coach tours, the Vista Bar is efficiently set up as a cafeteria counter where you’ll order from a limited menu before sitting down with your lunch tray. The food is quite average—with some decidedly overpriced menu options—but the clam chowder I ate was reasonably tasty enough. Beyond from the food, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the landscape below and can spend any extra time browsing through souvenirs in the gift shop.

Caherdaniel

Continuing along the coast via Coomakista Pass, your next scenic stop will be the Cove viewpoint just outside Caherdaniel. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills, lush vegetation, and a rugged coastline, offering another quick photo opportunity. This is the last stop along the coastal route, so wave goodbye to the Atlantic and prepare to traverse forested mountain roads for the remainder of the journey.

 
Friends taking a selfie with the scenic Killarney coastline in the background.
 

Sneem

Drive for 35 more minutes to the town of Sneem with its distinctive brightly colored buildings adding a vibrant atmosphere to the village. Explore a collection of Irish and international artwork scattered throughout the public sculpture park which inherently turn the village into an open-air gallery. Stop by the Garden of the Senses as well, designed to stimulate the five senses while providing a peaceful and reflective space for visitors.

Geographically, the village is divided by the Sneem River flowing through the center of town. On the rainy day of our tour this river was raging in full force, adding to the picturesque natural charm of Sneem.

 
People walking past 'The Green House Curiosity Shop' on a vibrant street in Killarney, Ireland, on a rainy day.
 

Killarney National Park

In the final stretch of this extended journey, return back to where you started by meandering through Killarney National Park. The first Irish national park established in 1932, the scene is home to the famous Lakes of Killarney—comprised of Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake—set against the backdrop of rugged mountains. Stop at Ladies View after crossing through the mountain pass Molls Gap, a scenic point along N71 with panoramic views over the lakes and valleys. The name comes from the admiration of the vista by Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting during the royal visit in 1861 and is one of the park’s most photographed locations.

Traveling through Muckross will bring you out of the park, arriving back in Killarney around 5:00 PM. Collect your luggage from the coach and check into your lodging for the night.

Day 2

Breakfast - Fifth Season Restaurant

Begin day 2 in Killarney with a traditional Irish breakfast from Fifth Season within the Fairview Hotel. This offering includes grilled Kerry bacon, Cronins pork sausage, black and white pudding, tomato, mushrooms, and your choice of fried, poached, or scrambled eggs. Unbeknownst to me, black and white pudding is not the sweet gelatinous “pudding” Americans assume it to be—instead, in Ireland this dish refers to a grain-based sausage flavored with fat. White pudding lacks the beef or pork blood included in black pudding, and while I tried both I don’t plan on ordering Irish pudding again anytime soon!

For a more Western breakfast offering, the bed and breakfast rate alternatively includes classic eggs Benedict, warm smoked salmon, pancakes, the Fairview waffle, or the Fairview platter of cold meats and Irish cheese. Gluten-free options are available upon request.

Innisfallen Island

Stroll 40 minutes out to Ross Castle from the Fairview Hotel. Notice jaunting cars—or horse-drawn carriages—passing by as one of the top things to in Killarney, Ireland. Depending on the time you have to spare, take a jaunting car ride to Ross Castle with unobstructed views of the scenery sans the intrusive noise of motor vehicles. These are round trip tours; you can’t hitch a one-way ride since the drivers already have existing passengers they need to transport.

From Reen Pier, depart in a small speedboat on an hour-long tour of Innisfallen Island. This island is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, a 7th century Christian monastery founded by St. Finian the Leper.

 
Visitor admiring the ancient ruins surrounded by spring daffodils in Killarney.
 

The abbey played a crucial role in preserving Irish culture during the Dark Ages, since monks at Innisfallen were responsible for compiling the Annals of Innisfallen, a significant source of early Irish history chronicling events from 433 to 1453 AD. This tranquil island is quite peaceful to explore with an hour to wander the ruins now covered with lush vegetation. The lack of permanent residents also means many bugs fly around the ruins.

  • It should go without saying, but on a tour it’s incredibly important to return to your designated transportation at the agreed upon time.

    The unassuming ruins of Innisfallen Abbey are spread around a relatively small area, but Innisfallen Island as a whole spans a whopping 21 acres, comprised of wooded, undulating hills.

    I make this point because one of the solo travelers in my tour could not be found at the top of the hour, and after a bit of searching the group had to return to the mainland without her.

    I truly hope our guide went back and found her, but nonetheless this experience highlights how important it is to follow all instructions carefully when embarking on any self-guided exploration of a new landscape!

After touring Innisfallen Island, explore Ross Castle if time permits. A well-preserved example of a late 15th-century tower house, Ross Castle was built by the O'Donoghue Mór clan on the edge of Lough Leane. This strategic position made it an important military site, remaining as one of the last significant strongholds in Munster to resist Oliver Cromwell's forces during the 1650s Irish struggle against English conquest.

After being partially restored to its former glory, visitors today can explore the defensive features typical of Irish tower houses including a bawn or defensive wall, flanker towers, and a murder hole—all designed to protect inhabitants from attackers.

 
Historic Ross Castle by the lakeside under overcast skies in Killarney.
 

Guided tours are offered daily for €5 and last 45 minutes from 9:30 AM to 5:45 PM. Photography is discouraged inside, so you’ll have to venture there yourself to see the interior!

Killarney

After walking—or hitchhiking—back into town, spend the afternoon shopping for traditional Irish goods throughout High and Main Street. I scoured for Celtic rings from Caragh Jewellers before ending up at the Aran Sweater Market. Purchasing natural wool mittens, this shop sells authentically Aran knit goods produced in Ireland with a smattering of raised cable stitch and large diamond patterns.

 
Sunlit main street of Killarney, Ireland with colorful buildings and pedestrians.
 

After satisfying your sweet tooth with goodies from Mr. McGuire’s Olde Sweet Shop, continue down New Street towards St. Mary’s Cathedral. Designed by renowned English architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, this masterpiece of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture features a striking spire, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained glass windows.

Serving the Catholic community in Killarney for over a century and a half, the foundation stone was laid in 1842 but its construction was delayed due to the Great Famine. Finally completed in 1855, the cathedral stands as a monument to the resilience and faith of the local community during one of the most challenging periods in Irish history.

 
The striking St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney stands against a vivid blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
 

Lunch - Kitty O'Se's Seafood and Grill

Before heading back to Dublin, circle back into town to grab one last bite to eat in Killarney. Kitty O’Se’s Seafood and Grill is an ideal spot since it’s conveniently located next to the train station and serves up delectable fresh produce. When it’s time to head out, grab your luggage from the Fairview Hotel and head back to Dublin from Killarney station.

 
Freshly shucked oysters served with lemon on a wooden platter in Killarney.
 

  • I enjoyed a Murphy stout, half dozen oysters, and char-grilled chicken ciabatta sandwich while my travel companion tried a bottle of Cronin’s hard cider with her fish taco wrap.

    This meal completely hit the spot and we both were pleasantly surprised with how reasonably priced the menu items were while still tasting delectable—I’d go as far as to say this was our favorite meal in all of Ireland!


How Much Do Two Days in Killarney Cost?

Following the above itinerary covering the best things to do in Killarney during a 2 day trip cost me $255.47 in total, or $127.74 per day, as a young college student on a budget:

You’ll incur greater expenses if you tour Ross Castle, take a jaunting car ride, or stay in Killarney for more than one night.

If you’re on a tighter budget, avoid shopping for souvenirs, consider not taking the Innisfallen Island tour, and strictly order main dishes at restaurants without added drinks and appetizers. Even without these cost-saving tactics, I found Ireland in general to be quite reasonably priced, especially in regards to accommodations and transportation which typically comprise the bulk of my travel expenses.


What to Wear in Killarney?

Visiting Killarney, Ireland means packing for a variety of weather conditions and choosing outfits that blend comfort, practicality, and a touch of style while aligning with Ireland's lush landscapes and casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Irish weather can be unpredictable with possible rain showers and fluctuating temperatures throughout the day, so opt for layers that can be easily put on or taken off. Waterproof, comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially when exploring Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. Knit fabrics with earthy tones match the natural beauty of lush Killarney and align with Ireland’s textile heritage to exude a smart-casual aesthetic:

Cable Knit Jumpers

evoke Aran imagery with heritage knitwear patterns involving raised cable stitch and large diamond designs

Wool Outerwear

pay homage to Ireland’s rich tradition of weaving with warm sherpa, shearling, and wool jackets

Plaid Accents

lean into the deep rooted Celtic history of the area with scholarly plaid textiles that add visual interest to your outfit

Layering Vests

layer your look with button-down vests exuding a polished, timeless look that's both smart and subtly sophisticated

Cozy Caps

keep your head warm and hair protected from rain or gusts of wind with cozy caps that accessorize your ensemble

Patent Loafers

prepare for inclement weather on a comfortable, waterproof base equipped for the countryside and cobblestone

 

Discover where I purchased my pictured pieces with curated Killarney spring outfit inspiration to help you pack your own Aran-inspired travel wardrobe!

 

Is the Ring of Kerry Worth the Hype?

Prior to traveling to Ireland, I was heavily encouraged to tour the Ring of Kerry by my best friend’s mother, who fondly remembers taking the same journey in her early 20’s. She described the pristine natural beauty of the route and attested this was one of her favorite travel memories from Ireland. With all of this praise in mind, you can imagine my disappointment when our scenic drive experience turned out quite lackluster.

While Ireland’s weather is known for being unpredictable—with rain and cloud cover possible any time of the year—I would wholeheartedly advocate against traveling to Ireland in March. This particular month draws tourists for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Dublin, so if you do travel to Ireland for this holiday, I recommend staying in Dublin and saving the Irish countryside for another trip. While many of the urban activities in Dublin aren’t affected by inclement weather, the frequent showers and overcast skies will surely put a damper on outdoor tours of southern Ireland’s natural environment.

Such was the case on our Ring of Kerry tour from Killarney, which saw heavy rain the entire day that literally dampened our experience. We were inherently discouraged to leave the coach during stops, since the cold rain didn’t allow us to see much anyways. When driving from one location to the next we could hardly see out the fogged windows, and at views like the supposed “stunning lookout” from the Scarriff Inn, we couldn’t see anything. Coupled with the fact that you sit on a bus for the vast majority of the day, this type of activity feels like a waste of time when you can’t see the view you came for. To increase your chances of touring on a warm, dry day, I recommend visiting the Irish countryside in the spring or early summer months.

Aside from that disappointment, I found Ireland overall to be quite modest in that no aspect of it blew me away. The Ring of Kerry geography was nice, but not the groundbreaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience I’d attest you have to see. The cuisine was generally quite simple and bland, and the relaxed pace of countryside life meant there wasn’t a whole lot to do. Even the historic places we toured were quite unassuming, with the Kerry Bog Village and Innisfallen Island taking no more than 20 minutes to wander through.

The best part of Irish culture was without a doubt the kind hospitality that all their citizens seem to exude. From shopkeepers to an elderly couple on the train to the man who drove us back into town, the people of Killarney were so incredibly friendly, giving us a warm Irish welcome every time we struck up a conversation. I’ve never had such consistently pleasant interactions in a foreign country, and these unexpected encounters are what I look back on the most fondly.

All this isn’t to say that you shouldn’t visit Ireland, but that you should be prepared for a more modest country which doesn’t offer the same “wow” factor as other European destinations. While Ireland may not be suited for the top of your travel bucket list, it’s a charming country worth visiting at some point, especially if you’re conveniently coming over from England.

 

TRAVEL TOOLS

Killarney Customized Map (Google Maps)


ABOUT ME

Girl floating in the clear blue-green waters of Cefalù, Sicily, surrounded by rocky shoreline and vibrant Mediterranean scenery.

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.

I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.

It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!


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