The Ultimate Guide to Summer in Killarney
Killarney is one of the most visited towns in Ireland during the summer and for good reason. It sits on the edge of Killarney National Park and within easy reach of some of the best scenery in the country. Summer is the best time to visit – the days are longer, the park is at its best and there is lots of things to do in Killarney. The Brehon Hotel and Spa is the ideal base for all of it. Located on the Muckross Road, right beside Killarney National Park, next door to the Gleneagle and a short 15-minute walk from Killarney Town Centre.
Boat Trips in Kerry
The three lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross lake (middle lake) and the upper lake are in the heart of Killarney National Park. Getting out on the water is one of the best things you can do in Kerry during the summer.
Lake Tours from Ross Castle, perched on the edge of Lough Leane, Ross Castle is the main departure point for boat tours. Tours run morning and afternoon throughout the summer. You will pass wooded islands, views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks and the ruins of Innisfallen monastery. Innisfallen island is a small island with the ruins of a 6th century monastery. It is a popular stop on Killarney lake tours and is a great option if you are interested in the history of Killarney. Most tours last about an hour and are suitable for all ages.
The Gap Of Dunloe Day Trip is one of the most popular day trips in Killarney. You travel through the Gap of Dunloe – a mountain pass in County Kerry between the reeks and purple mountain. You can do this by bike, foot, or jaunting car then take a boat back through all three lakes to Ross Castle. This is a classic Killarney full day experience.
Aquaterra Boat tours, Kerry is a must do if you want to explore further along the Kerry coastline during your stay, AquaTerra Boat Tours are well worth considering. Based on Valencia Island, they are one of the top rated boat tour operators in Kerry and run a range of tours along Skellig Coast and surrounding areas. The Valentia Island Experience is a 1.5 hour guided trip around Valentia Harbour, covering the local history, wildlife and coastal scenery. For something more ambitious, Skellig Micheal tour is a 5 hour trip out to one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks – Skellig Michael, a UNESCO world heritage site perched in the Atlantic. Aquaterra also offers fully tailored private chartered boat trips along the Kerry coastline for groups or special occasions, priced per hour and available for all ages.
Walks and Hikes in Killarney National Park
Killarney national Park is one of the best walking destinations in Ireland. With over 26,000 acres of woodland, lakes and mountain terrain, it trails to suit every ability – from easy family walks in Killarney to challenging mountain hikes in Kerry.
Easy family walk: A 5KM loop starting from Muckross House and Gardens, close to the town centre. Flat, well surfaced paths with views of Lough Leane and the mountains. Red deer are often seen along the route. It takes one to two hours and the best easy walks in Killarney for families and first-time visitors.
Moderate : Torc Waterfall Walk, Killarney
Torc Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in Killarney National Park – a 20 metre waterfall on the N71 just outside Killarney town. It is a moderate hike that covers 2.4 miles. This short path leads from the carpark to the base of the falls. You can extend the walk into Muckross lake loop for a two-hour circuit through woodland and along the lake short. One of the best short hikes in Killarney.
Challenging : Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
Ireland’s highest mountain at 1,038 metres, located about 20km from Killarney. The Devil’s ladder from Cronin’s yard is the standard route, taking four to six hours return. Suitable for experienced hillwalkers only. Proper gear and navigation skills essential. One of the top hiking experiences in Kerry for those with the fitness for it.
Of course, these are just a handful of walks and hikes on offer around Killarney. Those looking for more adventure won’t be short of options. The legendary Cardiac Hill will test even the fittest of walkers, while the ascent of Mangerton mountain rewards with sweeping views across the park and lakes below. The Old Kenmare offers a beautiful long distance trail through remote mountain scenery. Closer to town, the Gap of Dunloe is a must-do for its dramatic glacial valley and the network of paths around Muckross House could keep you exploring for days.
If you are staying in The Brehon Hotel, Anú Spa is available for post-walk treatments or else relax in our adults only vitality suite and thermal facilities.
Muckross House and Gardens
Muckross House is one of the top visitor attractions in Killarney and is a must-visit for anyone spending time in the national park. . Muckross House was famously visited by Queen Victoria in 1861. This is actually where ‘Ladies View’ originated from, as her ladies admired this spectacular view on their visit to Killarney. Muckross House offers a glimpse into the grandeur of 19th-century estate life. The Victorian mansion is about 5km from Killarney town on the N71 and guided tours run daily in the summer. The Muckross Gardens are at their best in May and June when the rhododendrons are in bloom. The grounds include an arboretum, walled gardens and lakeside walks across Lough Leane. It is free to enter the gardens and admission is charged for the house. Admission (one visit) to Muckross House is included in our Midweek Staycation package.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Killarney and a short drive or cycle from the town centre. The 15th century tower house sits on the shore of Lough Leane and is one of the best preserved castles in the south of Ireland.
Guided tours run inside daily throughout the summer. Outside, the Ross Island walking trail is a 3KM loop around the peninsula, taking in Ireland’s oldest known copper mines. It is an easy, flat walk suitable for families visiting Killarney and takes about 90 minutes.
Food and Dining in Killarney
There are plenty of dining options in Killarney town. Killarney has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and pubs and in summer, many open outdoor seating areas. Kerry produce such as lamb, seafood and dairy is worth seeking out when eating in Killarney. Danú restaurant in The Brehon is the perfect place to eat if you are visiting Killarney. Led by Executive Chef Chad Byrne, his approach is to keep ingredients local and seasonal while bringing some international influence to the cooking. The Brehon Bar is a more relaxed option for food and drinks with food served daily from 12:30pm-9pm. Afterwards, you can head down to our basement bar Badb for some signature cocktails or a pint and some live music.
Killarney Summer Festivals and Events
The Gleneagle, Killarney
The Gleneagle has a summer long programme of live music and entertainment. Comedy, music, theatre, drama… they have something for everyone! Some acts include The Wolfe Tones, Nathan Carter and Garron Noonan to name a few. The Gleneagle ballroom runs nightly dance and music events throughout July and August, with acts like Mike Denver, Derek Ryan and Brendan Shine. The Gleneagle Club is the smaller, more intimate venue with acts including The Undertones and Gemma Hayes. There is also family shows in The Gleneagle. The Jurassic Wild show is running in August and is popular among younger visitors. If you are staying in The Brehon, the Gleneagle is right next door, just a quick 2 minute walk so if you are coming to a show, you can walk straight back to the hotel without needing a taxi or worrying about parking.
Ireland BikeFest Killarney (June Bank Holiday Weekend)
All road leads to Killarney for one of the Europe’s largest free motorcycle festivals, over the June bank holiday. The three day event includes a vibrant atmosphere, a great line up of entertainment, demo rides, a custom bike show and ride-outs along the renowned Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way.
Ring of Kerry Cycle
This is a major annual event covering the 170km Ring of Kerry, starting and finishing in Kerry. The event taking place of the 4th of July 2026 is one of the biggest charity cycles in Ireland and is on it’s 44th year. It is not a race and you can cycle at your own pace allowing you to take time to admire the beautiful south west of Ireland. The town is lively on the day and it is a fun weekend to be in Killarney.
With Killarney’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, there’s always something to do. Killarney has lots to do in summer between the lakes, the national park, muckross house, ross castle, some great walks, great food and a busy events calendar. At The Brehon, we’ve got the warmth, the welcome, and the inspiration to help you enjoy every moment.