Twelve favourite Killarney hotels (plus two on the Ring of Kerry)

Twelve favourite Killarney hotels 

(and two on the Ring of Kerry)

Victoria Hotel 

Victorian elegance and a prime location make this a charming Killarney choice

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Killarney’s Victoria Hotel, on Muckross Road, is a comfortable and well-situated base for a short break in Kerry. It is on the Ring of Kerry, and the National Park is just a short stroll away.

We were immediately struck by the warmth of the welcome at the reception, later in the dining room and also in the breakfast room. The fact that this 33-bed hotel, owned by the Courtneys, has separate dining rooms indicates their focus on space and comfort.

Breakfast is excellent here, and you won’t have to leave your seat. No buffet. Everything, including juices, breads and cereals, is brought to your table. You just indicate your preferences, sit back, and enjoy. Quite a menu as well. We can recommend the pancakes, the Full Irish (or variants thereof), and the Charcuterie and Irish cheese plate.

The Ivy Restaurant, including access from the street, is a splendid place to dine. Again, there’s a high degree of comfort and space, a friendly and courteous team, and the food (not to mention the drink) doesn’t disappoint either. We had dinner there and can give it a big thumbs up! Read more here

Charcuterie and Irish cheese plate, breakfast choice at the Victoria

Lake Hotel 

A frosty sunrise at the Lake Hotel

Lakeside luxury and stunning scenery create a magical escape at this picturesque retreat.

Located on the lakeshore, about two km from Killarney town, the location of the hotel is splendid, and the views are magnificent. It even has its own lakeside promontory in front, complete with a 12th-century floodlit castle.

It has been in the Huggard family since the 1940s, and the welcome here is always warm, and they especially love to see customers returning. You can relax, and enjoy the views and the National Park next door, and they will also feed you very well indeed (Chef Noel Enright was named Chef of the Year in the 2024 Virgin Media Awards).

On our first visit quite a few years back, we were puzzled to hear the tuxedoed Maitre d' announce to the dining room: "They are coming!"  'Who is coming?" I wondered. As it turned out, it was the local deer on their way in the autumn twilight from the nearby grazing to the shelter of the woods for the night. We had a terrific view of these elegant creatures from our table. Read more here

Earls Court Hotel 

A boutique gem in the heart of Killarney, perfect for a stylish getaway.

Boasting spacious rooms with balcony views of the mountains and valleys, Earls Court House is set in a quiet suburb, 10 minutes walk from Killarney centre. The family-run hotel offers a picturesque retreat, surrounded by its private grounds (including ample parking), and it is adjacent to the magnificent Killarney National Park and serves as an ideal starting point for the renowned Wild Atlantic Way

At breakfast, we were delighted to find the same friendliness and efficiency noted when checking in. The large dining room is nicely divided into small sections by timber dividers. A stag's head stared down from above the fireplace as we studied the menu. A visitor was heard to remark that the food looked lovely and fresh and was told that they support local produce and that everything is cooked from scratch. 

We were very pleased with both the stay and the breakfast. We finished off with a slice of delicious fruit cake before saying goodbye to the lovely crew. Although they don't offer dinner, they are happy to give recommendations and make dinner reservations at the best restaurants in the town and nearby. Read more here

Killeen House Hotel 

 Warm Irish hospitality and exquisite dining make this a true Killarney treasure.

Step into a world of warm Irish hospitality and exquisite French cuisine at the Killeen House Hotel. Under the ownership of Patrick Eviston, a seasoned Killarney hotelier, a new dynamic manager in Darren Looney, and with the culinary talents of Chef Cyrille Durand in the kitchen, Killeen House and its crown jewel, Rozzers Restaurant, served us very well indeed during our 2024 visit.

Location, Location, Location

Nestled just outside Killarney, Killeen House boasts breathtaking views of the Kerry Mountains. Perfectly positioned between Kenmare and Dingle, it serves as an ideal base for exploring all that Kerry has to offer. A short stroll away, a scenic viewpoint allows you to soak in the stunning lakes and mountain vistas. For a taste of local libations, don't miss the nearby brewery and distillery – a must-visit for any craft beverage enthusiast. Read more here.

The Brehon Hotel 

Modern elegance and a relaxing spa experience define this contemporary Killarney hotel.

The Brehon Hotel on the Muckross Road was our base for a two-night stay in Killarney. Dinner at Danú, the hotel’s restaurant, was included, and it was a good one. It was a set menu, part of the package, so not A La Carte. Still, we had three or four choices in each section. And service was superb., We were treated every bit as well as a former Taoiseach (who was visiting)

While the hotel looks a bit gothic on the outside in the dull, wet weather, like us all, it will brighten up as the Spring comes in, bringing green life to the creepers that will partially cover the exterior. The interior, with its soaring foyer, is eye-catching. Rooms are comfortable and have all the facilities you’ll need. Service is excellent, and you’ll get lots of smiles and hellos in the corridors and public spaces as you come and go.

If you are travelling on the Ring of Kerry, the Neil Grant managed Brehon also makes a handy and comfortable lunch stop. On one such trip, we parked at this quite splendid hotel and its rather impressive entrance. Head chef Chad Byrne may have had a day off, but he has a fine team here, so no worries, and we went on to have a most enjoyable lunch indeed, an early highlight of that trip to the kingdom. Read more here

Cahernane House Hotel

Window view from Cahernane

Step back in time at this elegant manor, offering tranquillity and old-world charm.

Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry, offers a perfect escape with its serene surroundings and charming manor atmosphere. Located on the edge of Killarney National Park, it serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Ring of Kerry.

The hotel has gained a reputation for its exceptional dining experience, thanks to an emphasis on food provenance and seasonal ingredients in the menu by Head Chef Cormac Vessey and served at the beautifully decorated Herbert’s Brasserie. Guests can also enjoy food and drink in the more casual Cellar Bar and the elegant Drawing Room, all of which welcome both hotel residents and visitors.

The Brasserie is complete with luxury furnishings, flooring and fittings. The beautiful Bushfield Interior curtains frame the stunning views over the Tomies and Purple Mountains.

The twinkling chandeliers are from Tara Crystal Chandeliers. The intricate wallpaper is from Lewis and Wood London, and silver cutlery is from Robert Welch, the perfect surroundings and ambience match an exquisite dining experience.Read more here

Randles Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful Checkers room at Randles

A family-run haven known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.

Killarney, as you all know, is a busy place, and Randles Hotel on the Muckross Road, itself part of the famed Ring of Kerry, is one of the most popular venues in the area for tourists. The Randles have been welcoming guests since 1964. 

But it’s not just touring coaches that the hotel caters for. Golfers are a major factor in the hotel’s business. From this central location,  the dedicated golfer can play at a string of top-quality courses over the course of a few days. These include Killarney, Beaufort, Tralee, Ring of Kerry, Dooks, Ballybunion, Waterville, and even the Old Head of Kinsale, all within two hours. And if you need to go further or faster, Randles will arrange a helicopter.

Randles is very well placed indeed for more leisurely sightseeing, with the National Park (including Torc Waterfall) and both Muckross House and Killarney House a few minutes walk away. And the racecourse is easily reached by car.

The Drawing Room is there for the guests to enjoy. Sink into the comfortable sofa with a book or complimentary newspaper while the fire blazes away. Or enjoy the views of the Kerry mountains while just soaking up the atmosphere of this room filled with antiques and comfortable sofas, harking back to the days when the original house was a splendid family home.  Read more here

Aghadoe Heights 

View from Aghadoe

Panoramic views and luxurious comfort distinguish this iconic Killarney hotel

You dine well here. The quality was excellent all through dinner, from Amuse Bouche to Dessert. In the morning, we ordered our hot breakfasts from the kitchen; both the dishes, the Eggs Royale (with smoked salmon) and the Pancakes (with maple syrup and berries), were faultless.

We slept well in a spacious and well-equipped room and enjoyed the morning views over Lough Leane below from the balcony. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy these views as there is a public viewing area with a car park. Just head out the Killorglin Road from Killarney town, turn right for Dingle and then right again and it will be on your right with the hotel on the left.

Before we said goodbye, we took a final look at its terrific collection of art, including works by Knuttel and Kerry artist Liam O’Neill. Time then to say goodbye to the lovely people who manned the reception, warm and friendly as they had been when we arrived.

• Read more here

The Dromhall Hotel 

Jarveys pick up passengers in the Dromhall car park.

A classic Killarney experience, blending modern amenities with traditional hospitality.

In 1964, Kay and her husband Neil Randles purchased a bungalow across the Muckross Road from their garage business in Killarney and opened an 18-bedroom hotel, the Dromhall, on the site. In 1992, the Rectory next door was purchased, and another hotel was built, the Randles Court, a 4-star hotel (see above).

The family decided to knock down the Dromhall in 1999 and it was reopened as the brand new 72 bedroom hotel that it is today, its appeal enhanced by the well known Kayne’s Bar and Bistro. The bar and bistro are quite popular not just with hotel guests but with the public who regularly drop in for a bite or a dram. Read more here

The Europe Hotel 

Brandy
Alexander

Grandeur and opulence await at this landmark hotel, a Killarney institution.

Shining bright in the majestic Kerry landscape on the shores of Lough Léin and only 5 minute’s drive from Killarney town, we found the Europe Hotel & Resort to be a convenient and luxurious base for doing the Ring of Kerry or for visiting the magnificent Dingle peninsula.  

Amazing space and comfort here. The hotel is large, with 180 rooms, and its bright Panorama restaurant overlooks the lakes to offer one of the best views of any dining location in Ireland. 

In the evening, sit back and relax in The Lounge of this Killarney hotel, where time stands still and catches its breath and where they serve some marvellous cocktails. Catch the local musicians who perform several nights each week.

Pancake Panorama

Looking for something more active. Here, guests may enjoy complimentary horseriding along sheltered bridleways during their stay. Their Haflinger ponies are a gentle breed and are ideal for children and novice riders. In addition, fishing and boating in Killarney feature in the many activities on offer at the property.

Read more here

Muckross Park Hotel

Killarney National Park, on Muckross Park's doorstep

Nestled in the national park, this hotel offers a serene and nature-filled experience.

Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, located just 4 km from Killarney Town, is renowned for its stunning weddings, and it excels in this area. However, the hotel offers much more than just wedding services. 

 

One highlight is the award-winning Yew Tree Restaurant, which is situated in the original Victorian lounge of the hotel. The dining room is beautifully appointed, and we enjoyed the friendly and warm service alongside excellent food and an impressive wine list.

 

This five-star hotel successfully blends 18th-century elegance with 21st-century luxury and is surrounded by the breathtaking 25,000 acres of Killarney National Park. The spectacular scenery provides opportunities for unforgettable walks and bike rides, with Torc Waterfall just down the road. Additionally, the hotel is located on the famous Ring of Kerry, making it easily accessible by car or by one of the many touring buses available. Read more

The Royal Hotel

Lovely view from Ross Castle, just a few minutes drive from Muckross Park

Experience the royal treatment at this centrally located hotel, fit for kings and queens.

The boutique 4-star townhouse hotel, the Royal, is centrally located in the heart of vibrant Killarney Town. The majestic beauty of Killarney and Kerry is outside the door.

The Scally family are rightly proud of their hospitality legacy, spanning over three generations. Committed to delivering gracious hospitality and creating lasting memories for residents, the family have huge praise for the dedicated and passionate staff who have proudly represented the hotel and the town for many years, delivering the friendly personal service and true Irish hospitality synonymous with Killarney Royal Hotel.

Our stay, based around the St Patrick’s festivities, fully illustrated the popularity of the Royal. It was packed, and again, the staff came up trumps. We hadn't booked dinner but enjoyed the usual big choice for breakfast and that usually set us up well for the day. The current dinner menu is wide-ranging and very much locally based, including everything from soup and sandwiches to steak, with Lena's homemade Apple Crumble as a dessert highlight.Read more here

Two Hotels on the Ring of Kerry

Sneem Hotel

Red

Walking the dog is probably the wrong way to put it. Really, it is Red that takes you for a stroll.

After a hearty breakfast in the Sneem Hotel, we decided to take the walk in front of the hotel, one that winds around part of the nearby inlet, and also provides a delightful view from your room. So with coat and hat on, we headed out the front door and were immediately accompanied by Red. 

Red? Well, he is the hotel’s resident dog and is a big, friendly Red Setter that we had met briefly while enjoying a drink in the lounge the previous evening. It is a dog-friendly hotel but has much else going for it, including that terrific view - make sure you book a sea-view room as it is well worth the supplement. Besides the view, the room is very spacious, very comfortable and you’ll have everything you’ll need.

One of the more unusual treats here is the facility to enjoy an open-air Seaweed bath. “It is scientifically proven that having a seaweed bath is beneficial for supporting our nervous system and making us feel more calm.” Over to you!  Read more here

Glenbeigh Hotel

They know how to cook their fish here!

Our base, while driving the Ring of Kerry, was the old Glenbeigh Hotel, with its own parking and large gardens. Though most of the meals are served in the old bar, a large one, they also have a beautifully decorated Garden Room where we enjoyed a really good breakfast. 

The evening meal was quite splendid and featured some excellent fish dishes, including their Seafood Mariniere, for example, packed with fish (fresh salmon and white fish) and shellfish (mussels and prawns). There’s a very friendly and efficient team in place. The only downside was the hit-and-miss WiFi.

We could see over the gardens to Rossbeigh Beach from our window and headed there after breakfast for a long walk. Back on the road then, heading for a stop at Waterville. Busy enough here with Micko Dwyer and Charlie Chaplin in their usual positions. Read more here

Bray Head Walk on Valentia Island.