72 Hours in Killarney & The Ring of Kerry: Castles, Cliffs & Cozy Irish Magic
Kerry Cliffs along the Ring of Kerry
Welcome to one of Ireland’s most breathtaking and romantic regions — where ancient castles meet mossy woodlands, wild Red Deer roam hotel lawns, and every turn along the Ring of Kerry unveils a new coastal view that makes you want to stop and admire the views. We took a family trip to Killarney to use a base for visiting the ring of Kerry. We ended up loving every bit of this beautiful Irish region and were treated to the Reed Deer that roam around this region. If you're dreaming of a magical escape filled with natural beauty, charming villages, and unforgettable history, 72 hours in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry is the Irish adventure you've been waiting for.
Why Visit Killarney & The Ring of Kerry?
This corner of southwest Ireland is the stuff of legend. Think lush national parks, coastal drives, castles, waterfalls, and quaint towns wrapped in centuries of history and natural wonder. Killarney is your perfect home base for exploring the famous Ring of Kerry, offering easy access to iconic sites while also being full of its own charm. The town is cozy and quaint with plenty of restaurants, pubs (breweries), and shopping. The town is easily walkable and offers a great base to get to the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.
Note: if you aren’t planning on renting a car and you want to have better customization options and want to see the Kerry Cliffs we recommend booking a private tour.
View from the top of the Kerry Cliffs
Why We Chose Killarney Over Cork
When performing our own research for the trip we were torn between staying in Killarney and Cork. If you are also trying to determine which destination you’d rather stay in here are some things to consider. If you are looking for a larger city with more amenities with easy access to see the famous Blarney Stone, then Cork is a great location. If you are looking for a smaller city that sits right at the base of the national forests and parks, Killaney is a great choice. What ultimate drove our decision was two things - the Lake Hotel and the closer proximity to the Ring of Kerry. While you can still easily get to the Ring of Kerry from Cork - Cork is about an hour to an hour and half further away from the Ring of Kery which will ultimately add another 2-3 hours on to your driving time. If you have additional time, we’d recommend spending a day or two in Cork and then moving to Killarney to use as your base to visit the Ring of Kerry.
Downtown Killarney
Best Time to Visit
We recommend visiting between September to early October — not only for crisp weather, fall colors, and thinner crowds, but because this is Red Deer rutting season! You can see herds of wild deer all around the greater Killarnet area or if you stay at the Lake Hotel,right on the hotel grounds (and hear their haunting roars echo across the lakes).
If seeing the Red Deer isn’t of interest to you - then visiting in late Spring and Summer are also fantastic times to visit. Plenty of daylight, warm weather (although be prepared for weather to change!), and beautiful lush greenery. If you decide to go in Summer - although the weather is the best and you can spend some time on the beaches - you will be contending with more tourists and tour buses. If this isn’t a concern for you then be sure to go ahead and visit in Summer, however if you are looking for less crowds we recommend the shoulder seasons in late April/May or September/October.
Weather & Packing Tips
Ireland’s weather has a mind of its own! The weather in Killarney and along the Ring of Kerry is famously unpredictable — and that’s part of its charm. You might wake up to golden sunlight, get caught in a gentle drizzle by mid-morning, and spot a rainbow over the mountains by lunch.
Generally, spring (March to May) brings cool mornings, blooming wildflowers, and occasional rain, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to 60s°F (7–15°C).
Summer (June to August) is the warmest and sunniest time to visit, though temperatures are still mild — rarely topping 70°F (21°C) — and it’s also the busiest season.
We personally loved visiting in early fall (September to October), when crisp air, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds — plus, it’s Red Deer rutting season!
If you're traveling in winter (November to February), expect shorter days, chilly temps in the 30s to 50s°F (1–10°C), and a quieter, more atmospheric experience perfect for fireside pints. No matter the season, weather can shift quickly, so packing layers and waterproof gear is a must.
Be prepared with layers (near the Torc Waterfall)
What to Pack for Killarney & The Ring of Kerry
Layers are your best friend. Here's a list of what we wore and wished we had:
✅ Clothing Essentials:
Waterproof Jacket or Rain Shell
The weather can shift quickly — pack a lightweight, breathable waterproof jacket. Ash likes this one for women that kept her dry and still looked stylish in photos.Cozy Sweaters
Bring 1–2 warm sweaters (check out this one for women)— Irish wool is even better (you’ll want to shop while you’re there!) or check out this one for men. Great for layering or pub evenings.Thermal Base Layer (Seasonal)
If visiting in early spring, late fall, or winter, pack merino wool layers like these ones to stay cozy without bulk.Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll do a lot of walking on uneven paths, castle grounds, and village streets. Water-resistant boots or hiking shoes are a must. These ones were lifesavers!Jeans or Hiking Pants
Durable and weather-appropriate. We also packed a pair of quick-dry leggings for park hikes. Matt also really likes these travel pants from Chubbies that are great for travel, dressing up, and hiking.Umbrella & Rain Hat
A compact travel umbrella and a waterproof hat (or hood) are great for sudden downpours.
🎒 Day Bag Must-Haves:
Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
Lightweight daypack for hikes or day trips
Small portable charger (for road trip navigation/photos)
🌍 Bonus Travel Gear:
Type G adapter – Ireland uses UK-style plugs (this adapter worked great)
Moisture-wicking socks – Especially useful if you're hiking in the National Park
Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Yes, even in Ireland! UV rays sneak through clouds
Recommended Visit Time
3 days (72 hours) is perfect to explore the best of Killarney and drive the Ring of Kerry at a relaxed pace. If you love hiking, photography, or just soaking up nature, you could easily stretch this to 4–5 days or pair this with staying along the Ring of Kery such as in Portmagee. If you are interested in visiting the Skellig Michael islands (yes, the ones from Star Wars!), we would recommend speniding a night in Portmagee. We were interested in visiting the island but the seas were too rough that day for the boats. So, unfortunately, we were unable to go - but gives us another reason to come back to visit this beautiful destination again. If visiting Skelling Micheal is on your bucket list, just be flexibile and consider spending a night in Portmagee in case the boats are unable to go out one day. Besides the Ring of Kerry, you could also consider visiting the Dingle Peninsula (the peninsula across from the Ring of Kerry) for more amazing views. Lastly, you could consider taking a day trip to Cork and to visit the Blarney Stone or spending a day or two in Cork. There are a lot of amazing things to see in this area of Ireland.
A Red Deer at night
Helpful Hints for Visiting Killarney
Fun Fact: Killarney is home to Ireland’s oldest national park, and it includes the only herd of native Red Deer in the country.
Interesting Fact: Killarney hosted Queen Victoria in 1861 — sparking a tourism boom that’s never stopped.
Getting Around: A rental car is ideal, especially for the Ring of Kerry. Just prepare for narrow roads and left-side driving! Alternatively, you can take the city bus to get around locally, but to see the Ring of Kerry you will either want to drive or take a tour. For getting around locally (around Killarney) you can also take uber.
Safety Tips: This is one of the safest places in Ireland — just use standard common sense and be careful on country roads.
Population: Killarney’s population is around 15,000, but it swells with travelers during peak months.
SIM cards & WiFi: Irish SIMs are widely available at Dublin or Shannon airports. You can also easily find WiFI at restaurants and pubs throughout the Ring of Kerry and Killarney. We recommend using airalo if your phone allows for eSIMs (Feel free to use our referral code: MATTHE6398 for $3 off). Remember to download offline Google Maps if driving around in case you lose service!
Entrance Requirements: Ireland is part of the EU. U.S. visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Cash or Card? Cards are widely accepted, but keep some euros handy for small vendors and remote viewpoints.
Tap Water? Yes, perfectly safe! Bring a refillable bottle
Reservations for Restaurants? Not always necessary, but book ahead for popular spots during weekends.
Plug Type: Type G (UK-style). Don’t forget your adapter!
Top Things to Do in Killarney (Our Favorites)
🧭 Everything here is within 15 minutes of The Lake Hotel!
Ross Castle – A restored 15th-century castle on the edge of Lough Leane. This is a must do and is a wonderful castle to wander through. Arrive early for calm lake views! You can even take a small boat or paddleboat out on the lake.
Muckross Abbey – Atmospheric ruins with towering yew trees. The ruins are beautiful to wander through, you can really feel the history of this place.
Muckross House & Gardens – A 19th-century estate with gorgeous lake views and landscaped gardens. We highly recommend touring the beautifully decorated house. The views from both the house and the gardens are beautiful.
Castlelough Castle – This castle is located right on the Lake Hotel property. It is a small castle, but is romantic and peaceful.
Torc Waterfall – A lovely forest walk leads to this dramatic, mossy cascade. This easy hike is definitley worth it!
St. Mary’s Cathedral – A Gothic Revival church in the heart of town.
St. Mary’s Church of Ireland – Smaller and equally charming.
Killarney National Park – You could spend days hiking, biking, and soaking it all in. Take some time to enjoy this beautiful nature park.
Shopping – Don’t leave without Irish wool: sweaters, scarves, slippers, and soaps are all worth packing extra room for.
If you are looking for an easier way to get around to see all of the sights and you don’t have a car - consider taking the Killarney hop-on hop-off bus to see all of the major sights!
Ring of Kerry: Scenic Stops & Hidden Gems
The full loop takes 6–8 hours if done leisurely. Start early and drive counterclockwise for better views and most importantly to beat the large tour buses. Or consider taking a tour!
Here were our favorite stops:
Portmagee – We loved this beautiful colorful village with quanit shops, gorgeous vies, and a wonderful town to explore. Portmagee is also the gateway to Skellig Michael (note: book months in advance).
Killkeehagh & Gortaforia Viewpoints – Have your camera ready and be sure to stop at these stunning roadside pullovers.
Cahergal Stone Fort – These ancient, circular stone walls were such a cool surprise and offered stunning 360° views.
Kerry Cliffs – Our top favorite! These cliffs are less crowded than the Cliffs of Moher but are equally jaw-dropping. These cliffs are stunning to wander around. Most of the big bus tours are unable to make it back to this area, so consider going on a smaller van tour or drive on your own to visit these majestic cliffs.
Beehive Village – Located right next to the Kerry Cliffs, step into the past visiting these unique stone huts.
Rossbeigh Strand or Inch Beach –Be sure to check out these beautiful beaches with long stretches of sand with mountain backdrops.
St. Finian’s Bay – This beautiful bay and village is ideal for wild beach vibes and a chocolate stop at Skelligs Chocolate.
Waterville-Spunkane – We loved this cozy and quaint coastal village situated right along the water. This is a beautiful time to stroll around and grab some delicious seafood at a local pub.
Viewpoints near Coomatloukane – This stop offers beautiful coastal scenes with views toward Scariff Island.
Brackaharagh Beach – This little beach is a hidden gem! It is almost always empty and so peaceful.
Sneem – A postcard-perfect village with colorful cottages and nice pubs. We really enjoyed our short stop here and wanderig through this beautiful village.
Ladies View (Derrycunih) – This is a must. The Ladies View is one of Ireland’s most iconic viewpoints and is a fantastic picture spot!
Sample 72-Hour Itinerary
Day 1: Captivating Killarney
Morning: First go for a morning hike to see Torc Waterfall followed by a visit to Ross Castle. Take a row boat or paddle boat onto the lake for a relaxing nature experience with plenty of great views of the castle.
Afternoon: Explore Muckross House, Abbey & Gardens - wander the path along the lake taking in the beautiful scenery
Evening: Dinner at Castelough Bistro and watch the sunset over the lake.
Day 2: Drive the Ring of Kerry or take a tour around the Ring of Kerry
Morning: Slowly head to Portmagee stopping along the way for some amazing viewpoints. After Portmagee stop and explore Cahergal Fort & beaches.
Afternoon: After the forts - head to the Kerry Cliffs. If you did not grab lunch in Portmagee, grab a light lunch over at Waterville-Spunkane
Evening: Stop in Sneem for pub dinner, stop at Ladies View on the way back before returning to Killarney
Ladies View
Day 3: National Park & Local Favorites
Morning: Head to the Gap of Dunloe for a morning hike
Afternoon: Head to downtown Killarney to wander around and sight see St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s church. Next shop for gifts and do some wool shopping. Grab lunch at Killarney Brewing Co.
Evening: If this your last night - then head back and enjoy the Lake Hotel property and grab a tea and some dessert. If this is your last day - then you can book an afternoon or evening train back to Dublin or for another leg of your journey.
More Ideas & Optional Experiences
Skellig Michael – An epic boat trip to the Star Wars filming location (book way in advance).
Jaunting Car Ride – Take a traditional horse-drawn cart through the park.
Boat Cruise on the Lakes – Relaxing and scenic.
Gap of Dunloe – Take a tour like this one or go out on your own to hike or bike through this dramatic mountain pass.
Killarney Falconry – A memorable experience with birds of prey.
Dingle & Slea Head Peninsula - Head to the beautiful dingle peninsula with gorgeous beaches and dramatic cliffs
Where to Stay in Killarney:
This family-owned lakeside hotel was the heart of our trip. Picture sipping morning coffee while watching wild Red Deer roam across the lawn with the ruins of Castlelough Castle just steps away. The views of Lough Lein and the surrounding mountains were just amazing. We absolutely loved the huge interiors and plush rooms with gorgeous views of the lake. We would wake up in the morning or stay up at night and listen to the Red Deer calling and wandering around the property. It was a really cool experience! One of our favorite things about this hotel is that it felt private and secluded while still being very close to the town. There are also fantastic amenities, such as renting bikes to take along the myriad of paths around the hotel, as well as a wonderful restaurant and bar. We can’t recommend this hotel enough.
Great for: Couples, families, and nature lovers who want that luxury feel with some quiet away from the town and of course surrounded by Red Deer.
Tip: Ask for a lakeview room for the full experience.
This 5-star family-owned luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Killarney town, making it perfect for travelers who want to be close to restaurants, shops, and nightlife — while still enjoying tranquility and lush garden surroundings. The staff is famously warm, the spa is world-class, and the cozy fireplaces throughout give it that classic Irish elegance. This is one that we strongly considered staying in. Choose this hotel if you’d prefer to be right in the center of everything.
Great for: Couples, spa lovers, and anyone seeking luxury with a local touch.
Tip: Book a Garden Deluxe Room for private views and quiet mornings.
For a romantic, historic escape just a few minutes outside of town, Cahernane House is a stunning 19th-century manor house that blends antique charm with boutique luxury. Surrounded by Killarney National Park, it’s ideal for travelers who want countryside peace without sacrificing comfort. Enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room, or stroll through the deer-dotted grounds at sunset. This was another one that we strongly considered but was sold out during the dates we wanted to stay.
Great for: Couples, history buffs, and nature lovers who still want a touch of luxury.
Tip: The Coach House Suites are newly renovated and beautifully designed.
Where to Eat & Drink
Killarney Brewing Company – Craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and a lively atmosphere. This is a really cool brewpub worth checking out!
Castlelough Restaurant & Lakeside Bistro (at The Lake Hotel) – Incredible lake views and delicious Irish fare. Try the fish chowder! This was definitely one of our favorite meals with gorgeous views.
Murphy Brownes – Irish classics in a cozy setting.
Quinlan’s Seafood Bar – Casual spot for fresh-caught fish & chips.
Miss Courtney’s Tearooms – Vintage-style café perfect for brunch or tea.
Be sure to reserve ahead at Castelough Bistro on weekends or holidays.
Killarney Brewing Company
Final Thoughts
Killarney and the Ring of Kerry feel like experiencing a fairytale — with misty lakes, jaw dropping cliff views, castle ruins, endless green hills, and cozy pubs around every bend. Staying at The Lake Hotel in early fall added an unforgettable touch of magic, with deer in the morning and castles by sunset - it was a special treat because Ash’s father absolutely loves deer. It made it a special family moment that we won’t forget.
So whether you're looking to hike through Ireland’s oldest national park, drive one of Europe’s most scenic routes, or just cozy up in a wool sweater and watch the world go by — this trip is everything an Irish escape should be.
Planning your own Irish adventure? Let this be your sign — Killarney and the Ring of Kerry are calling. 🍀
If you are interested in learning more about Dublin - be sure to check out our 72 hour Dublin itinerary!
View from the Kerry Cliffs
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!
✨ Ready to plan your own Killarney and Ring of Kerry escape?
Check prices for Killarney hotels or browse tours from Killarney to get started!