One Day in Killarney, Ireland: Things to Do in Killarney if Short on Time

Best Things to Do in Killarney for an Unforgettable Day

When planning my Ireland trip, I was surprised to continually see that Killarney has a reputation for being touristy and charmless compared to its nearby neighbors of Kenmare and Dingle. While that reputation isn’t exactly unwarranted since Killarney is much larger than those two towns and easier for visitors to get to, you also don’t want to completely cross Killarney off your itinerary since there are many things to do in Killarney that make for a memorable day.

When something is said to be touristy, it’s good to always remember why it’s considered touristy, especially when short on time. There’s usually a reason and it usually has to do with convenience or a popular sight — Killarney ticks both those boxes. Here’s why you’ll want to make sure you spend at least one day in Killarney exploring the city and its surrounding area.

In the case of Killarney, staying there for a couple nights puts you right next to some of Ireland’s most popular sights, including the Ring of Kerry drive, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and more. As for being charmless, well – that’s a bit ridiculous to me because it’s Ireland! Trust me, you can still find quaint buildings, friendly locals, and beautiful scenery in Killarney.

Here are the things to do in Killarney that you won’t want to miss, plus where to eat and sleep while there.

Things to Do Do with One Day in Killarney

A big draw of staying in Killarney is being in close proximity to Killarney National Park, which is technically part of the Ring of Kerry. I think you should split this part out from the rest of the “ring” though, because driving the Ring of Kerry in and of itself is a long day, and you won’t have time to adequately explore the sights of Killarney in the same day as the drive.

Scenic Views You Can’t Miss Seeing in Killarney

The first site in Killarney National Park, where I recommend starting your day in Killarney, is Ladies View. The earlier the better it is to get there if you’re traveling during the busy summer months, since Ladies View is at one end of the Ring of Kerry and many visitors follow the guidebooks’ (the majority of guidebooks anyway) recommendation and do the Ring of Kerry clockwise — which means this gorgeous lookout point is insanely busy by the afternoon. The morning will also have other people there, but if you get to Ladies View earlier you should be able to find a good parking spot and maybe even a peaceful, non-crowded spot to sit on and enjoy a to-go cup of coffee (which you can get before you leave Killarney or at Ladies View Café.)

Head to Molls Gap next for more views before the traffic picks up – you’ll be able to actually get a quick parking spot at one of the many scenic lookout points fore some photo ops. Molls Gap is basically a small drive along the Ring of Kerry on the way to Kenmare, but doing it now as opposed to when you do rest of the loop means more time to enjoy the views (and more time to explore other parts of the Ring of Kerry when you do that drive). I love the town of Kenmare, but think you should save that for your Ring of Kerry day. For today, your one day in Killarney, turn around after Molls Gap and head back north to the next part of your day, taking in the gorgeous views from a different angle on the return trip.

The next place you’re headed is an important part of your day in Killarney: Muckross House.

Why Muckross House is One of the Top Things to Do in Killarney

Getting from Molls Gap to Muckross House is only about is only about a 30 minute drive, which means you’ll be there in no time. This is where you’ll really get a feel for just how magnificent Killarney National Park is.

What You’ll See at Muckross House

Muckross House is the focal point for all the magic that will happen during your day in Killarney. There’s a massive parking lot that is free and from Muckross House you can walk to two of the other major sights in Killarney. But first – more about the house itself.

Muckross House was built in 1843 and is a beautiful example of Tudor architecture. Muckross House served as a private residence until 1932 when it was donated to the Irish nation. There is no charge to walk around the outside and through the gardens, but to tour inside you’ll need to take a guided tour, which is €9 for adults and €6 for children ages six to 18 (children five and under are free). The guided tour is an hour long and leaves every thirty minutes during the high season. On rainy days, it can book up especially quickly, so don’t delay on getting your tickets once you park your car since you can do some other activities around the grounds while you wait for your tour time to begin if you can’t join a tour right away.

Muckross House is also adjacent to Muckross Traditional Farms, which you may want to skip if short on time. However, if you have kids – or simply love animals and farms of the past – make time for this part of Muckross House. You’ll get to walk around a farm that is reminiscent of what farm life in Ireland would have been like in the 1930s and 1940s. There is an animal petting area, too. Tickets to the Muckross Traditional Farms are also €9 for adults and €6 for children. (There is a discount if you visit both the House and the Farms.)

Torc Waterfall

There are several trails that connect you to Torc Waterfall, but if short on time I recommend going there via the walking trail on the grounds of Muckross House. Head away from the mansion and down toward the lake and you’ll see signs for it.

The lake is also nice for a quick photo stop.

So is the valley about halfway down the trail to Torc Waterfall.

The trail is about a mile and a half and takes you through wooded areas and a lovely valley. You’ll hear the 80-foot waterfall before you see it, when you’ll be presented with views like this.

Muckross Abbey

From Muckross House you can walk to Muckross Abbey (a little over a mile), or if you’re sick of walking by this point, you can drive your car outside the entrance. From that small parking lot, it’s about a five minute walk to the old abbey ruins and cemetery.

I’ve seen a lot of old abbeys thanks to studying in England for a semester back in my college days and I must say, tiny Muckross Abbey stands out, mostly because of the magnificent tree that stands in the center of it. The abbey is built around it and it provides a soothing ambiance as you travel up and down the old stone steps.

Beyond the building of the Abbey is a graveyard next to a clearing beside Muckross Lake. It has an old, though well-manicured look to it, but if you look closely at some of the gravestones, you’ll see some of the burial plots aren’t actually that old, which surprised me. I never did learn how one gets to be buried there – if you know, share with me in the comments below.

Picnic Lunch During Your One Day in Killarney

If short on time, I recommend going to the café at Muckross House (I can’t attest to the food here because I just got a coffee while visiting, but it looked like there were a lot of different food options and a ton of seating) or bringing your own picnic lunch and taking it down to Muckross Lake to enjoy.

Ross Castle

After leaving Muckross House head north to Ross Castle, another one of the top things to do in Killarney. This site is a stark contrast to Muckross House’s stately elegance as it resembles an old stone fortress. Inside, though, the rooms are still decorated to reflect 15^th century castle life in Ireland. It’s an interesting place to tour and the castle is still steeped in Irish lore which adds a fun element. Plus, the view from Ross Castle, which is located right on Muckross Lake, is gorgeous. Tickets are €4 for a 45-minute tour.

Downtown Killarney

Experience the bustling vibe of the narrow streets of downtown Killarney, which is home to a number of shops and historic sites.

Downtown Killarney is made up of a small grid of long, colorful buildings. There are many restaurants and shops. One shop you won’t want to miss browsing through is Aran Sweater Market in Killarney – its sweaters were so soft and pretty looking! If you’re in the mood for a pint of Guinness, head to Danny Mann Pub on New Street – I liked its cozy, yet spacious bar area.

If you like historic churches, head west to St. Mary’s Cathedral located on Cathedral Place to see this impressive cathedral dating back to the 1800s.

At this point, you’ve probably done a lot of walking. Head back to your hotel to relax for a bit before dinner (or soak in the spa pool if you’re staying at Muckross Park Hotel and Spa; more on that below).

Where to Sleep in Killarney

I stayed at two different places in Killarney. The first was a budget-friendly bed and breakfast that served its purpose well since I was barely there except to sleep, and I spent the other night in a luxury spa-focused hotel that was a much needed relaxing break after several days of busy sightseeing.

The luxury hotel was Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, and I highly recommend it. In addition to opulent amenities, it was in walking distance to Muckross House and Abbey. Plus, it has an amazing spa facility with a therapeutic pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, heated loungers, and more. The spa facility is included in most room rates, though double check before booking. (You also get day access if you book a spa treatment.) The spa pool is a wonderful way to unwind after a day of hiking around Killarney National Park or sitting in a car driving around the Ring of Kerry. There is also an onsite gourmet restaurant and bar, which provides a convenient and upscale dining experience without having to stray far from the hotel — also nice if you’re tired after a day of sightseeing.

• Click here for more pictures and prices of Muckross Park Hotel and Spa on my favorite hotel booking site. 

The budget option I stayed at was Robeen House. It had a friendly, helpful owner who went over a map of the town and suggested ideas for dining and entertainment after showing us to our room. Robeen House was also conveniently located to town (less than a 10 minute walk) and had a comfortable bed and pillows in a surprisingly spacious room.

• Click here for pictures of Robeen House. 

Where to Eat in Killarney

As for dinner, I recommend hopping in your car and driving out to the nearby countryside of Killarney for an amazing meal at Rozzers Restaurant (<– click on this link to read my more in-depth review of the restaurant), located about ten minutes outside of town in the Killeen House bed and breakfast (which looks luxuriously lovely). The food is fresh and delicious, the wait staff is friendly and efficient, and the dining room feels homey and cozy, yet also stately and sophisticated.

Excited for all the things to do in Killarney now? I hope so! And I hope this article helps you to have an unforgettable day exploring Killarney.

You may also enjoy reading my One Day Articles on things to do in Dublin, what to see in Limerick, and visiting the Cliffs of Moher.

Found this post helpful? Pin again to read later before your one day in Killarney!

Note: I was provided complimentary accommodation at Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, and a complimentary meal at Rozzer Restaurant, but — as always — all opinions are my own. There was a reason I wanted to partner up with those two brands, and they didn’t disappoint!