Take 5 about Killarney:
- Killarney sits within 26,000 acres of pristine National Park and its origins in tourism date back to 1861 when Queen Victoria famously visited Muckross House.
- Home to the world-renowned Killarney Lakes, “Lough Leane”, “Muckross Lake” and “Upper Lake.”
- The compact town is a bustling mix restaurants, pubs, and bars ideal for dine arounds and social programme events.
- The Killarney Convention Centre has capacity of up to 2,500 delegates and 4,500 sq. foot of event space as well as 500 bedrooms on site.
- Highest concentration of 4+5* hotel properties in Ireland outside of Dublin.
Nestled within 26,000 acres of National Park and surrounded by three magical lakes, Killarney is known as ‘The Town in the Park’ and has been welcoming visitors and delegates for centuries.
The town is steeped in history and heritage and prides itself in offering world class hospitality. The Killarney welcome is world renowned and reflected in numerous national and international awards.
It is a compact town with the business tourism infrastructure usually found in larger towns and cities. Home to the award winning, purpose-built Killarney Convention Centre, Ireland’s second largest conference and event venue, the complex has capacity of up to 2,500 delegates and 4,500 sq. foot of event space as well as 500 bedrooms on site.
Killarney has the highest concentration of 4+5* hotel properties and spa’s in Ireland. Offering over 3000 3-5* bedrooms within a 1.5km radius of the convention centre, there are an impressive range of cultural activities and historical venues close by and with the natural playground found right on the doorstep, transportation between accommodation, venues and programme enhancements are kept to an absolute minimum.
Within the town and immediate outskirts, there are a wide range of properties offering top quality meeting facilities, ideally suited for small to large residential conferences, meetings and incentive groups. Many hotels are in close proximity to each other and for larger conferences and events, the town embraces being ‘taken over’ for the duration.
From an entertainment perspective, the nightlife in Killarney is an experience not to be missed; there is no other town like it in Ireland with such vibrancy from season to season.
Inspired programme activities include:
- Stepping back in time on the legendary Gap of Dunloe trip traveling on traditional boats across the triple lakes of Killarney and through wild mountain passes on pony traps
- Taking team building to the next level with an interactive and fun Go Team Killarney Treasure Hunt completing challenges all while exploring Killarney Town
- Exploring historical sites surrounding by spectacular nature such as 7th century Innnisfallen Island, 15th century Ross Castle or 18th century Muckross House or Killarney House and Gardens
- Taking a traditional jaunting car through the national park while your jarvey (driver) regales the group with tall stories
- Giving your delegates chance to unwind and gain fresh perspectives, enjoying an exhilarating early morning kayak or yoga session
- Taking to two wheels to explore the trails that weave through the national park and around the lakes on a guided cycle ride
- Engage the senses by enjoying a trek or trail ride on horse back through the spectacular surrounds of Killarney National Park or along the highlands of the majestic McGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s greatest mountain range.
- Enjoying a rewarding and rejuvenating pamper session in one of Killarney’s six world class spa’s
- Heading up high to take in the glorious views of the mountains and valleys of the magnificent McGillycuddy Reeks on a guided hike
- Capturing the stunning landscape in a painting class on the shores of Lough Lean, giving you a memento take home of your time in the Kingdom
- Ending an action-packed day with an entertaining tour of the Killarney Brewhouse sampling craft beers named after local myths and legends
Stroll through the streets seven nights a week in summer and weekends in winter and you will find traditional Irish music in pubs on every street. It is also home to exceptional cultural musical theatre such as Celtic Steps and Gaelic Roots.
Killarney’s streets are a hive of activity, with a wide array of restaurants, pubs and bars ideal for dine arounds and social programme events.
Killarney Meeting and Accommodation options
Great Southern Killarney
Killarney’s Premier Historic hotel, Great Southern Killarney, is a splendid Victorian gem which lies within 6 acreas of picturesque grounds in the heart of Killarney Town in the Southwest of Ireland.
Killarney Convention Centre
Situated in Kerry in the Southwest of Ireland, Killarney Convention Centre is Ireland’s largest, versatile and outstanding venue for international conferences and events outside of Dublin.
Muckross Park Hotel
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa is a 5* multi award winning hotel which is situated on the Ring of Kerry and located in the heart of Killarney National Park, yet only a five minute drive from Killarney town.
The Europe Hotel & Resort
The Europe Hotel & Resort is a multi-award winning five star hotel in a breath-taking location on the Lakes of Killarney. It includes a stunning 4500 m2 lakeshore spa, numerous private dining options and a state of the art meeting and events centre.
Offsite venues with a difference
For one of a kind off site venues with a difference which will make your event one delegates are talking about for years to come, Killarney has a range of fantastic options which are ideal for informal social programme events, which bring the destination and local culture to life.
Opening in 2017, J.M Reidy’s has become a firm favourite for business events groups visiting Kerry. Located in the heart of Killarney, this is a venue packed full of history and culture providing the opportunity to explore and enjoy a unique building that will take you back in time.
Listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, it is a protected structure and a living bridge between Killarney’s fascinating past and its exciting future. With an old sweet shop as its facade, the venue leads back over a deceptively large area to the old bakery ovens, bottling sheds, and the buildings where they used to store flour and seed and stable the delivery horses.
This venue offers something for every group size; with exposed stone and open fireplaces flanking cosy nooks and crannies, J.M Reidys is a maze of fun and creative spaces.
Nestled at the entrance to the world famous Gap of Dunloe lies Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 170 year old family-run establishment. At ‘Kate’s’ you will enjoy the tradition of hospitality made famous by the legendary Kate herself.
The oldest part is over 170 years old but we’ve just added a contemporary style beer garden with an amazing panoramic view of the Gap of Dunloe.
The founding partners of Killarney Brewing Company have restored the old Killarney Mineral Water drinks facility to its former glory; it is now one of Ireland’s most exciting new independent craft breweries and tap rooms.
Its unique layout and design oozes warmth with a meshing of old world charm and new world ambience which pays homage to “old school” Killarney yet in a sleek, industrial setting. The brewery specialise in the production of some of Ireland’s finest range of craft beers, which are named after local myths and legends, evoking emotions of all things Killarney.
Delegates can enjoy the fun and quirky tour followed by sampling beers accompanied by gourmet pizzas. Alternatively, the unique space can be used for small stand up networking events or dinners.
The Traditional Farms are a recreation of a rural towns land in the Ireland of the 1930’s and are actual working farms complete with people and animals.
A variety of events can be held onsite, from an Irish Night in Quills farmhouse or Old Schoolhouse or by using the entire village to give a complete Irish experience with traditional demonstrations, Irish food and entertainment.
The Traditional Farms can cater for groups of up to 50 pax in Quills farmhouse and up 1000 pax by using the entire site with a glass sided marquee for food and entertainment element of the programme.
The Laurels Pub is a family run traditional pub located in the heart of Killarney town.
It has been run by the O’Leary family for four generations and is amongst the oldest pubs in Ireland.
It has expanded considerably over the past few years and now can accommodate up to 450 people throughout the property.
There are 4 spaces essentially, the Pub, the Restaurant, the Lounge & the Backyard (outdoor space).
Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is situated at the rear of the Irish Whiskey Experience in the heart of Killarney town. Its bar is home to Ireland’s largest whiskey collection with over 1200 whiskeys; a selection, which includes not only Irish, but whiskeys from across the globe.
A veritable Killarney landmark dating back to 1848, Hilliard’s today evokes an ambience of old school hospitality wrapped in warmth, an emporium of delicious experiences where you will be spoiled for choice and well looked after.
Our passionate and skilled kitchen team have developed a menu of tempting small plates and signature mains with a focus on sourcing the best of local and seasonal ingredients.
We also have an extensive drinks menu, offering unique specialty cocktails, and a selection of quality whiskeys, spirits and wines. We have recently launched our exciting brunch offering which is available on weekends.
Killarney’s subterranean drinks haven, located beneath College Street. Our underground establishment boasts a stellar lineup of hand-crafted cocktails.
Pig’s Lane pays homage to the historical name of it’s location, which was once known as Pig’s Lane in the early 1900s, running from College Street through Railway Road.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a captivating, lamp-lit arched entrance. Descend a dramatic, beautifully tiled staircase, reminiscent of old underground railways, leading you into our exquisitely crafted subterranean bar.
O’Donoghue Public House on College Street has reopened its doors after being lovingly restored to an old Irish public house. Steeped in history and tradition, we’re bringing back old pub ways to Killarney town.
Tradition is craft and design passed through the generations, and we’re honouring that by serving you dishes as they were intended to be made and enjoyed.
Underneath it all, O’Donoghue Public House is a place to enjoy a creamy pint after an exhilarating day, and we haven’t forgotten about the craft of draught. Guinness is what we’re good at, and we hear it’s good for you too.
The formal entrance to Killarney House and Gardens which recently reopened to the public is through the “Golden Gates” in the town centre.
Killarney Racecourse is without doubt Ireland’s most scenic racecourse. With the magnificent McGuillycuddy Reeks, Lakes of Killarney and Ross Castle providing the backdrop, the view as the horses pass the finishing line can only be described as breathtaking.
Harrow is a contemporary restaurant in the heart of Killarney Town It’s menu is influenced and informed by the exceptional seasonal produce available in the harsh, wild and beautiful surroundings of Kerry.
St Mary’s (Church of Ireland) is a beautiful church in the heart of Killarney. Full of history, there is evidence as far back as the 1200s of a Church in this area.
Bespoke Activity options
To explore bespoke activity options available in Killarney and the surrounds,
contact our Activity/Incentive Partners:
Hidden Ireland Tours
Whatever your requirements, we would be delighted to have the opportunity to help your delegates to experience their dream Ireland! Inspired by a deep sense of our place and our surroundings, each Hidden Ireland gathering is a celebration.
Killarney Jaunting Cars
Tangney’s of Killarney based in Kerry, South West of Ireland. We are a 6th generation family local tour business providing traditional Irish guided tours in Killarney National Park & surrounds.
Killarney Riding Stables
Post to Post trail rides around the stunning Ring of Kerry in outstanding natural beauty taking in views of lakes, mountains, beaches and forestry.
Getting to Killarney: Air Access
AIRPORT: DISTANCE TO/FROM KILLARNEY | ||
Kerry | Cork | Shannon |
| 17 kms | 88 kms | 135 kms |
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