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.
  • Gleneagle Conference and Events, Ireland’s 2nd largest Convention Centre has capacity of up to 2,500 attendees and 4,500 sq. foot of event space as well as 500 bedrooms on site.
  • Highest concentration of 4+5* hotel properties in Ireland.

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 2,500 3-5* bedrooms within a 2km 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 VIP whiskey tour or after dinner masterclass with local experts

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

Kilarney Heights Hotel

The Heights Hotel Killarney is a purpose built conference and events venue offering flexible meeting spaces, modern facilities and accommodation under one roof.

Coolclogher House Killarney

Coolclogher House is a historic 1742 private, owner-run country manor in Killarney, offering families and groups an exclusive vacation rental experience defined by comfort, privacy, and timeless elegance.

Randles Hotel

A very warm welcome awaits you at our family owned hotel in the heart of Killarney. Perched on the Muckross Road, we’re located just a stone’s throw from the town centre and The National Park.

Brehon Hotel

Since opening in 2004, The Brehon has prided itself on being one of Killarney’s premier providers of superior, quality and service.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Killarney’s subterranean drinks haven, located beneath College Street. Our underground establishment boasts a stellar lineup of hand-crafted cocktails.

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.

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.

The Tan Yard in Killarney offers a casual yet exquisite dining experience in an amazing interior setting inspired by the historical tan yards of Killarney.

Lakeview House & Estate is a spectacular and very private heritage Mansion and Estate directly on the Lakes of Killarney, overlooking the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range and the Killarney National Park.

Bespoke Activity options

To explore bespoke activity options available in Killarney and the surrounds,
contact our Activity/Incentive Partners:

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.

Getting to Killarney: Air Access

AIRPORT: DISTANCE TO/FROM KILLARNEY

Kerry

Cork

Shannon

17 kms 88 kms 135 kms