South West Ireland Travelers Recommend

Killarney is the ideal base for exploring County Kerry, a rugged, rural, and beautiful corner of southwest Ireland. See below for a 3-day itinerary that incorporates visits to three of the county’s scenic highlights: the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, and the sprawling and lake-scattered Killarney National Park.

Day 1: Explore Killarney National Park

On your first day, turn your attention to Killarney National Park, a 24,700-acre (10,000-hectare) expanse encompassing island-dotted lakes, ancient forests, and historical heritage properties. Join a guided highlights tour of key sights such as Ladies’ View lookout, the 19th-century Muckross House mansion, and the 15th-century Ross Castle. For a little more flexibility, use a hop-on hop-off park bus service to plan your own sightseeing itinerary, incorporating shorter guided excursions, such as jaunting car (pony and trap) rides, walking tours, lake cruises, or guided paddles in Lough Leane. 

As the day draws to an end, return to town and head for High Street, where you’ll find a concentrated cluster of restaurants. Menus tend to make use of local produce, with Kerry lamb and beef, and Skellig Coast seafood, commonplace.

Day 2: Drive the Ring of Kerry

This 110-mile (178-kilometer) loop drive hugs the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, west of Killarney. You could drive yourself around the winding, 2-lane circuit, but if you want to tear your eyes away from the road and give in to the attention-grabbing scenery out the window, opt for a guided coach tour instead. Bike tours are an option too.

Alternatively, choose a private tour that allows you to dictate where and when you want to stop, and how active or gentle your experience should be—think an adrenaline-charged coasteering adventure or a quiet stroll along a white-sand beach. Either way, don’t miss Derrynane Beach, Valentia Island, and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Skellig Michael.

If possible, linger until late. Dine in Caherdaniel, Cahersiveen, or Portmagee as darkness falls, then turn your head up to the star-filled night sky. Much of the region is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, and on a clear night the stargazing opportunities are unrivaled in Ireland.  

Day 3: Discover the Dingle Peninsula

Though smaller in size than the Iveragh Peninsula, the Dingle Peninsula is no less spectacular and warrants a full day’s exploration. Embark on a coach tour from Killarney and cruise along the craggy Atlantic coast, pausing at scenic locales such as the edge-of-the-world Slea Head promontory and the village of Dingle, a small yet cosmopolitan town packed with colorful storefronts and characterful pubs. Private guided tours of the peninsula offer customizable itineraries, meaning you call the shots. 

For a different perspective on County Kerry, take a food and drink–themed day tour from Killarney to Dingle, visiting artisan producers such as the Dingle Whiskey Distillery and the Killarney Brewing Company along the way. Back in Killarney, pull up a stool at one of the city’s many traditional pubs, where you can dine, drink, and—depending on the night—listen to live trad music being performed.

Two days in Killarney is enough time to explore both Killarney National Park, a 24,700-acre (10,000-hectare) expanse of lakes, woodlands, and mountains, and the Ring of Kerry, a scenic driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Take advantage of 48 hours in Killarney with the following itinerary. 

Day 1: Killarney National Park

**Morning:**Use a hop-on hop-off bus to reach the Lakes of Killarney—Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake—which together cover about a quarter of Killarney National Park. Then embark on a sightseeing cruise, private boat tour, or kayaking excursion to Innisfallen Island, where the ruins of a 12th-century priory stand.

**Afternoon:**Head for the Gap of Dunloe, a remote and scenic mountain pass. Go as part of a tour that includes a boat transfer and jaunting car (pony and trap) ride, or prebook round-trip transport and walk the valley solo. Adventurous travelers can scale the crags here on a rock-climbing excursion.

**Night:**Back in Killarney town, it’s time to experience the local nightlife. Along High Street and College Street you’ll find a range of traditional Irish pubs, many of which have dining rooms serving comforting pub grub such as lamb stew, bacon and cabbage, and fish and chips. 

Day 2: The Ring of Kerry

**Morning:**Dedicate a full day to this scenic driving route, where every twist and turn of the winding road reveals a new and beautiful beach, mountain, lake, or rugged coastline view. Drive yourself or leave that to a professional with a guided sightseeing tour by coach or bike. 

**Afternoon:**By afternoon you should be about halfway around the loop route, somewhere near the fishing village of Portmagee. Have lunch here, then drive or take the ferry across to Valentia Island, where the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre documents the history of Skellig Michael, a remote island once inhabited by monks.

**Night:**Stick around for a seafood dinner in Cahersiveen, then head out to stargaze. Parts of the Iveragh Peninsula have been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. While you can bring a telescope if you have one, it’s possible to see loads of twinkling stars with the naked eye. 

With three days in Cork, you have plenty of time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, discover its most famous sights, delve into local culture, and head out into the countryside. Here are a few ways to experience the best of Ireland’s second city in 72 hours.

Day 1: Cork Sights

Start your visit by getting your bearings and checking off top sights such as the English Market and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Pedal along riverside paths on a guided bicycle tour; follow your stomach on a foodie walking tour; or explore at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off bus tour covers more ground in less time while allowing you the freedom to create your own itinerary, and you can board and disembark where you wish.

Afterward, toast your first day in Cork with a glass of Irish whiskey and a tour of the distillery at the Jameson Experience.

Day 2: Blarney and Cobh

Two of the most important towns in County Cork, Cobh and Blarney are both within easy reach of the city. Guided tours from Cork let you skip the hassle of driving, and usually include admission to landmarks such as Blarney Castle—don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone. After a stop in Blarney, most tours continue on to the historic town of Cobh on Cork Harbour, from which millions of Irish people emigrated between 1840 and 1950. You’ll learn about how Cobh was the final stop of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, and you’ll likely visit sights such as St. Colman's Cathedral, with some free time to explore independently.

Day 3: Wild Landscapes

For your final day, arrange for a private, customizable tour to take you anywhere near Cork that interests you. Walk around small towns or big cities—or go hiking, cycling, or kayaking in the surrounding countryside.

Alternatively, join a guided tour heading far west to the Cliffs of Moher. Leave Cork early in the morning to allow plenty of time to admire the sea cliffs, the views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the wild, rocky landscape of the Burren. Some tours stop by Limerick and the medieval Bunratty Castle.

Back in the city, relax and enjoy the vibe of the Grand Parade, one of Cork’s most famous streets, where you’ll find plenty of dining and drinking options.

A lively university town, Cork is home to a busy port and a youthful, cosmopolitan vibe. And two days there give you time to see the top sights, taste some of the country’s best whiskey, get out into nature, and even board the Titanic. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Ireland’s second city.

Day 1

**Morning:**Get your bearings and do some sightseeing on either a self-guided audio walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Both options allow you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and the bus tour stops at attractions outside the city, such as Blarney Castle and Cobh.

**Afternoon:**If you’ve taken the tour bus to Cobh, or can make your own way there (it’s around 30 minutes from Cork by car), check out the Titanic Experience. Housed in the original White Star Line ticket office, where passengers boarded the RMS Titanic, interactive exhibits let you experience a bit of what the ship’s fateful journey might have felt like.

**Night:**Head over to the Jameson Experience for a guided tour of the distillery. Learn about the distillation process, and visit the restored 19th-century warehouse, where Jameson’s best-selling Irish whiskey is aged in oak casks. Stick around for post-tour drinks at the bar or dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Day 2

**Morning:**Either set out on a full-day guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher (about a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest), or stay in the city. If you’ve opted for the latter, join a morning food-themed walking tour to visit Cork’s best cheesemongers, delicatessens, bakeries, and markets—with tastings included.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon in Kinsale, south of Cork. Take to the waters on a kayaking trip—or try your hand at traditional pottery making at a studio deep in the countryside. 

**Night:**Back in the city, conclude your visit by soaking up the atmosphere of the Grand Parade, one of Cork’s most famous streets. You’ll find plenty of restaurants for dinner and traditional pubs for drinks and live music.

A short hop from Shannon Airport, Killarney in southwest Ireland serves as the jumping-off point for the scenic, sprawling, and lake-dotted Killarney National Park—which, if you have only one day to explore the region, is where you’ll want to focus your attention. Here are some ideas on the best way to spend 24 hours in Killarney. 

Morning: Historic Houses and Castles

Get off to an early start at Killarney National Park’s two biggest crowd-pullers: the 19th-century Muckross House mansion and the 15th-century Ross Castle. These heritage properties are situated in the eastern part of the park, about 15 minutes from town by car. If you don’t have access to a car, a hop-on hop-off bus gets you to both. For a more traditional method of transport, clip-clop your way past Ross Castle on a jaunting car (pony and trap), or—if you don’t mind working up a sweat—on a bike.

Afternoon: Soaking Up the Scenery

Having explored the historical houses this morning, devote the afternoon to soaking up the scenery. Take a sightseeing cruise or go kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney, admiring views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks range. Opt for a private lake cruise to disembark at Innisfallen Island, where you can view the remains of a old monastery. 

Alternatively, explore on foot. Join a guided walking tour or trek solo along the Gap of Dunloe, a picturesque glacial valley propelled into the spotlight after a visit from Queen Victoria in 1861. Some guided afternoon tours combine lake cruises with free time at the Gap of Dunloe. 

Night: Dining and Drinking

Back in town, it’s time to kick your feet up for a night of dining and drinking. Sample Irish delicacies such as boxty (potato cakes) and lake-caught fish at a local restaurant, then head to one of Killarney’s many pubs for a post-dinner pint or two. With any luck, you may even get to witness a traditional Irish music session. Killarney Brewing Company, which produces small-batch beers inspired by Irish legends, is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.

Often overlooked in favor of the country’s more famous capital, Cork is a lively university town that’s home to a busy port, interesting architecture, and a youthful, cosmopolitan vibe. What’s more: it’s possible to see the best of it in a day. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Ireland’s second city.

Morning: Get a Taste of Local Food Culture

The south of Ireland is known for its cuisine, and Cork is a foodie town. The English Market, with its ornate Victorian-style vaulted ceilings and columns, is one of the city’s top landmarks and a good place to pass some time browsing the vendors selling local produce. Pick up some snacks or a take-out meal for a picnic in nearby Bishop Lucey Park.

For a closer look at Cork’s cheesemongers, delicatessens, bakeries, and markets, join a food-themed walking tour. An enjoyable way to discover lesser-known parts of the city, these tours typically include food and drink tastings.

Afternoon: See the Top Sights

Now that you’re fueled up with some authentic Irish fare, it’s time to check out the city’s main sights. If you want to learn more about Cork’s history, but prefer to go at your own pace, a self-guided audio walking tour is the perfect option. After booking, just download the audio file and map, then set out for a stroll.

Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off bus tour covers more ground in less time while still allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace.The bus stops at attractions such as Blarney Castle and Cobh, and you can board and disembark where you wish.

Night: Sample Some Whiskey

Round out your day in Cork with a true taste of Irish culture and history at the Jameson Experience. Tours of the distillery are typically an hour long. Learn about the distillation process, and visit the restored 19th-century warehouse, where Jameson’s best-selling Irish whiskey is aged in oak casks. At the end, you’ll have an opportunity to sample some of the finished product. 

After the tour, continue drinking at the distillery’s on-site bar and restaurant. Or, head back into the city center for dinner at one of the restaurants or traditional pubs clustered around the Grand Parade.

Snaking through a glacier-carved valley in Ireland’s County Kerry, the narrow Gap of Dunloe is surrounded by pretty lakes and high mountain peaks. For hikers, cyclists, horse riders, and photo-seeking tourists, the mountain pass’s dramatic scenery makes it a must-visit. Here’s what you need to know about touring from Killarney.

Highlights

• Travel along the mountain pass on foot or by traditional jaunting car (pony and cart).

• Marvel at the majestic peaks of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Purple Mountain, and Bull Mountain.

• Pass by five scenic lakes along the winding pathway. 

• Pause at Wishing Bridge, a gray-stone arch bridge located around the halfway point of the pass.

• Some tours from Killarney include a boat ride to or from the Gap of Dunloe via Gearhameen River.

• Combine a trip to the Gap of Dunloe with a visit to nearby Killarney National Park to view sights such as Ross Castle, Muckross House, and the Lakes of Killarney. 

Things to Know

• The Gap of Dunloe is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Killarney town center. The drive takes about 30 minutes. 

• Gap of Dunloe tours from Killarney typically last between five and six hours. 

• The gap itself stretches for just under seven miles (11 kilometers), running between Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the north end to Lord Brandon’s Cottage at the south end. A one-way hike should take about 90 minutes.

• The narrow road through the gap is paved, though it can be uneven in parts. Those who aren’t able to hike can opt to go by jaunting car instead. 

• Wear sensible shoes and layers, and bring a camera and water.