Victoria Lupascu 
Located on the shores of Lough Leane in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, Killarney is famous for its beautiful picturesque views found along the Ring of Kerry and in Killarney National Park. The name of the city means “Church of the Blackthorn” and apparently, no one really knows why! I would make it my top mission to find out this well-kept secret!
With a long-lost history, local songs, and beautiful medieval castles that were once the homes of the Chief clans of Ireland, Killarney is a charming city filled with mysterious places waiting to be discovered by eager travelers!
Now you’re probably wondering which are the best places to stay in Killarney, and it can be a tough choice, especially as here you’ll find la crème de la crème of luxury and budget hotels in the country! But don’t worry I’ve looked through hundreds of hotel lists to find the absolute best one for each price range, and I only recommend the best-rated hotels in Killarney that I would choose for myself!
Let’s go, the castles are waiting for us!
Contents
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book right now then here’s a list of the best hotels in Killarney all located in the City Centre
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas to stay in Killarney that I will be talking about in this post
- City Centre: for first-timers
- Aghadoe: for nature lovers
- Muckross: close to the national park
- Beaufort: for families
- Deerpark: for budget
1. Killarney City Centre – where to stay for the first time
If you’ve decided to visit the city then I’m sure you know you’ve just signed up for the best and most authentic Irish experience ever! This charming and traditional little town is known for its hospitality, stunning picturesque views of the mountains, and the amazing hotels in Killarney.
For anyone who is coming here for the first time, then the city centre is one of the best places to stay, if not the very BEST as all the restaurants, bars, and accommodation options are located within a walking distance! You know what that means, right?
You can have your Irish beer in peace without worrying about how you’re getting back to the hotel! 😉
You will love to explore the narrow streets of Killarney, filled with colorful houses designed in Celtic fashion! There’s such a homie and friendly atmosphere in this Irish town, it’s like being at home away from home.
As you keep walking you’ll spot some family-run small restaurants and tons of tourist attractions like St Mary’s Cathedral and the historical Killarney House with its gardens, which Queen Victoria visited back in 1861!
Staying in the heart of Killarney will guarantee you a great time and proximity to all the cool spots. If you loved the hotels in Killarney and the Irish hospitality then make a small detour while you’re here and visit the most amazing areas in Dublin!
Definitely, a place fit for a duke or duchess! This luxury hotel has such an elegant and stunning design! Relax in the lovely rooms or head down to the spa and swimming pool. Guests can have their breakfast served in the hotel’s restaurant and I would definitely go to the bar and get a whiskey before bedtime!
Other options in Killarney City Center
Feel at home in this charming hotel that has spacious rooms with private bathrooms and free parking
Located in the town centre this family run hostel offers spacious rooms, breakfast every morning, and free wi-fi
Relax in front of the fireplace in this lovely accommodation in Killarney that has a kitchen and a cozy room
Things to do in Killarney City Centre
- Spend a relaxing afternoon in the Killarney House & Gardens Park
- Admire the architecture of the beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral
- Get a taste of Ireland at the Irish Whiskey Experience in Killarney
- See some art at Killarney Gallery
- Have fun at Killarney Escape Room
- Have a pint at Jack C’s Bar
- Go on a fun carriage tour in Killarney
2. Aghadoe – best place to stay in Killarney for nature lovers
Located outside of the main town centre, on the north side, Aghadoe is a part of the Killarney Parish but somehow it’s a bit more secluded. In my opinion, this is the best place to stay in the city if you love nature!
If I were you I would definitely book all the Killarney hotels in this location in advance, it is very popular among travelers because of the trail and here you’ll get the best scenic views of the lake (Lough Leane)! Thanks to the remote location of Aghadoe you’ll be able to enjoy some private and romantic time if you’re coming with your significant other!
In Aghadoe you’ll find the entry point for the famous Irish trail, the Ring of Kerry! I’m sure you’ll be happy to start your road trip here! The Ring of Kerry is basically what everyone who comes to stay in Killarney does at least once.
It’s a 100 miles (200 km) long circular route that will take you through Ireland’s beautiful forests, the cold waters of the Atlantic and you might see a stag or two roaming around the area so don’t be surprised!
You’ll also get to see some of the biggest attractions in town like Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Gap of Dunloe! You can take a guided bus tour and get the full experience of the Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry.
The perfect spot for your luxurious getaway to Killarney Ireland! Relax during your holiday in this 5-star hotel that has the most amazing views of the mountains and the Lough Leane lake! Spend a full day at the spa and hit the indoor pool if it’s chilly outside! Dine in the outdoor, award-winning restaurant and enjoy the good life!
Other accommodation options in Aghadoe
One of the best places to stay in Killarney, Aghadoe that has modern rooms, a restaurant, and a bar
Guests will enjoy their holiday in this budget Killarney hotel that has all amenities and spacious rooms
Relax in the countryside of Killarney in this lovely studio that has all amenities and a backyard with great views
Things to do in Aghadoe
- Explore the beautiful Ring of Kerry route in Killarney
- Visit the Aghadoe Cathedral in Killarney
- Mingle with the locals at night in the Golden Nugget pub in Aghadoe
- Catch the sunset at Lough Leane
- Go visit Killarney Park
- Walk around the ruins of the 13th-century Parkavonear Castle in Aghadoe
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3. Muckross – where to stay for the Killarney National Park
Located on the southeast shore of Lough Leane lake, this area is known for the beautiful Victorian-era-built Muckross House, which is set in the heart of the Killarney National Park! This brings us to our main reason why you should choose Muckross during your stay in Killarney town.
This is one of the best places to stay if you’re coming mainly to see Ireland’s oldest National Park! Muckross is perfect if you want to stay at the most amazing Killarney hotels. For anyone who can’t get enough of the Irish way of living, check this post with the best areas to stay in Cork!
Famous for the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range, and the various lakes set at the foot of the mountain, it will be hard to leave the Killarney National Park! If you want to spend every second of your trip here I can’t blame you, the waterfalls and beautiful woods make up a scenic view, that’s pretty hard to forget!
In case you need some time in the town centre you can take a road trip there, the buses run smoothly! But don’t leave Muckross before you visit the 15th century Ross Castle, a huge historical landmark in Ireland that is known to be the ancestral home of the Chiefs of the Clan O’Donoghue! There’s a lot of history here!
Live your real-life Irish fairytale in this luxurious 5 star hotel! Relax in the vitality swimming pool of the award winning spa and have your breakfast outside by the pond with the birds singing in the background and enjoy the amazing views. End your busy days in the Gastropub that has a beamed ceiling and open fires!
Other accommodation options in Muckross
A friendly Killarney hotel inside the parc, where guests can enjoy riding the horses and stay in the lovely rooms
Guest can chill by the fireplace at night and relax in this bungalow that has a cozy room and lake access
A friendly accommodation in Killarney that has all amenities and guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast
Things to do in Muckross
- Go on an adventure while exploring Killarney National Park
- Learn new things about Ireland’s history at Ross Castle
- Visit the beautiful Muckross Abbey
- Catch a sunset at Muckross Lake or at Lough Leane
- Explore the traditional farms of Muckross in Killarney
- Walk around the gardens of Muckross House and admire its architecture
4. Beaufort – best area to stay for families
Located 6 mi (10 km) west of Killarney town centre, this is another great location that boasts incredible views of the lake and river and is my top choice for where to take the whole family. Here you can enjoy some peace and quiet as well as a bunch of fun activities with the kids like kayaking or trying other fun watersports.
By staying here you’re located just off the Kerry Ring road which means you can easily go on a cool fun adventure with the kids. Or, if you don’t want to wander off too much then head to the Gap of Dunloe which is two miles away south of Beaufort.
This is one of the best places to stay in Killarney, Ireland as you also have your fair share of historical landmarks, like Saint Mary’s Church Beaufort and the ancient Dunloe Ogham Stones which are inscribed with letters belonging to a medieval alphabet! I’m sure the kids will get curious about this mysterious place!
Dinner with a view of Gap of Dunloe? Yes, please! May I present to you Killarney best luxurious hotel where guests can enjoy riding horses, access to a game room, and a lovely indoor pool! Set in an old medieval castle on 64 acres of parkland, this hotel is definitely worth the road trip to Beaufort!
Other accommodation options in Beaufort
Guests will love the tranquility of this hotel Killarney, that has all the amenities and a great location with green spaces
A perfect budget house hotel in town that has lots of space, a backyard, a bathtub and a balcony
Enjoy your holiday in Killarney town in this intimate tiny house that has a kitchen and offers free parking
Things to do in Beaufort
- Go kayaking with the family on Lough Leane in Killarney
- Visit Saint Mary’s Church Beaufort
- Teach the kids about Ireland’s history at the Dunloe Ogham Stones
- Have dinner with the family at Beaufort Bar & Restaurant
- Go on a trip to visit Killarney National Park
- Venture off with the kids in the Ring of Kerry and see the Gap of Dunloe
5. Deerpark – where to stay in Killarney on a budget
Located east of Killarney’s City Centre, this area was named after the retail park that’s located here but I think everyone traveling on a budget will find Deerpark one of the best places to stay!
The town centre is just a 20 minute walk away so you’ll get the best of both worlds! Proximity to the heart of the city and cheap Killarney accommodation! You’ll find tons of chain stores here and if you’re in the mood to explore the historical side of the area, then make sure you stop by the Irish Franciscans Church!
I know you’re probably thinking this area is all shops and stores, but don’t worry, you’ll get to enjoy that beautiful Irish scenery in Deerpark as well and if you’re a golf enthusiast, even better!
The Deerpark Pitch and Putt Golf Course is located here and the views are pretty spectacular. Plus, you can spend a whole day here relaxing and not worrying about crowds and the queues that you experience at other tourist attractions in town!
As it is a budget location there aren’t any amazing luxury hotels here and I only want to recommend the best hotels and Killarney accommodation options. If you like the location but still want to treat yourself, the Coolcorcoran House is a lovely option that has all amenities, a very elegant design and you get to stay near the City Centre!
Other accommodation options in Deerpark
Enjoy your stay in Killarney in this mid-range hotel that has a restaurant and bar on-site and a beauty center
A lovely budget option that has all amenities, a backyard and you get to stay near the City Centre
Relax in front of the fireplace in this cozy Killarney accommodation that has a kitchen and a backyard
Things to do in Deerpark
- Visit the Irish Franciscans Church in Killarney
- Go to the City Centre which is just a 20 minute walk away
- Go on a trip to visit Killarney National Park
- Catch a game of Gaelic Football at Dr Crokes GAA Club
- Spend a relaxing day at the Deerpark Pitch and Putt Golf Course
- Go shopping at the retail park in Killarney
| 👑 Luxury price: | £180 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | £100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | £75 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | £130 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best Area: | Killarney City Centre |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Dromhall |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Douglasha House |
Frequently asked questions about Killarney, Ireland
⛰️ Where should I stay in Killarney?
Killarney City Centre is the best area to stay while visiting the county Kerry. Here you have all the big attractions and great travel connections to other parts of town plus, you’ll find the best Killarney hotels here, like the beautiful Dromhall.
👌 Is Killarney worth visiting?
Yes, I’m sure you won’t regret your stay in Killarney Ireland, it’s definitely one of the most picturesque areas in the country and with a national park and the best places to stay, it will be hard not to love this town!
💰 Is Killarney expensive?
Although it’s the country’s most expensive hotel destination, the prices in the city vary from area to area and you can find amazing budget Killarney accommodation options that will allow you to enjoy its amazing spots.
🏨 What is the best hotel in Killarney?
One of the best hotels in Killarney if not the very BEST is the Dromhall, a lovely luxury option that has a spa center, and an amazing restaurant.
🤔 What is a good cheap hotel in Killarney?
If you want to stay in Killarney on a budget then I recommend the Douglasha House, in Aghadoe, a lovely guest house that offers breakfast.
👪 What is the best place to stay for families in Killarney?
For those of you who are booking your stay in Killarney with the family then I recommend finding accommodations in the Beaufort area. One of the best places to stay here is The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens.
Conclusion
What a fun adventure! I hope this post helped you decide which are the best places to stay in Killarney Ireland and which boutique hotel you have to book right away! And don’t think twice, these hotels are the best in the country and they sell out super fast.
I know you have a lot of options for hotels in Killarney and they are all great, but here are my top two favorites, both located in the City Centre
- Dromhall – Have a fabulous stay in Killarney and enjoy the hotel’s spa
- Killaran House – An award winning luxury hotel just a walk away from the City Centre
Enjoy your amazing holiday in this magical city, explore Killarney Park, and take pretty pictures at sunset! The hotels in Killarney will make sure you’ll have an incredible time here.
Do leave a comment if you have any questions about your stay in Killarney or if you have any suggestions for our readers!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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