Best Hotels in Killarney
Are you searching for a hotel in Killarney, Ireland? Read our guide to the best places to stay in Killarney for all budgets.
Killarney is a small town in County Kerry that evokes many feelings.
It's known as a starting point for the stunning Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe, and the iconic Ring of Kerry.
Plus, the town is surrounded by lakes and mountains waiting to be explored.
Thanks to its amazing location, Killarney became one of the tourist hubs in this area.
As a result, there are many great hotels in Killarney ideal for all travelers.
Depending on your taste and budget, you will find everything from cheap hostels and family-run bed and breakfasts to family-friendly resorts and luxury 5-star hotels here.
We arrived in Killarney after exploring Beara Peninsula and Mizen Head, some of the most amazing places in Ireland's southwest corner.
It was a long journey, so we really appreciated that Killarney has so many great accommodations to choose from, no matter your budget.
So, without further ado, here is our choice of the best hotels in Killarney for every budget.
Best Places to Stay in Killarney
If you're in a rush and don't have much time to read, here is a quick summary of the best hotels in Killarney in each category.
These are our favorite hotels in Killarney.
Best for Backpackers - The Black Sheep Hostel
Best for Families - The Gleneagle Hotel
Best for Couples - Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa
Budget Hotel - Murphys of Killarney
Mid-range Hotel - The Lake Hotel
Boutique Hotel - The Victoria
Luxury Hotel - Muckross Park Hotel and Spa
Glamping - Killarney Glamping at the Grove
If you want to know more, keep on reading. We've compiled a list of the best hotels in Killarney for all budgets and preferences.
Why Visit Killarney
Killarney Town sits on the edge of Killarney National Park.
The oldest national park in Ireland is home to several beautiful places, such as Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Killarney Lakes, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, and much more.
Only a short distance from the town can be found Gap of Dunloe, one of Ireland's most scenic drives.
We've already mentioned that the Ring of Kerry starts here, plus you can easily explore Beara and Dingle from here.
So, if you like mountains, hiking, outdoor activities, scenic drives, and stunning nature, Killarney should be on your Ireland itinerary.
Why Stay in Killarney
We already established that the Killarney area is one of the most amazing places in Ireland.
It's a great base for exploring Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula.
The best part is you can explore Iveragh and Dingle on day trips from Killarney.
This is an excellent option for travelers who prefer to choose from a wide range of hotels only this area offers.
Another huge selling point is that Killarney has one of the widest range of accommodations in Ireland.
Even though Killarney is no Galway or Dublin, you can be sure to find a great place to stay here.
And with so much to see and do in Killarney, it's a fun area to spend a few days.
Where to Stay in Killarney
Killarney is a small town, so the location of your hotel is not that important.
That said, staying at Killarney's town center is ideal for those who prefer convenience.
The accommodations range from cheap hostels to luxury hotels in this area, so everyone can find a place they like.
Furthermore, you will find some great Irish pubs and restaurants here if you want to grab a drink or something to eat after a long day on the road.
Travelers who rely on public transport will appreciate the fact that both train and bus stations are located here.
If you rent a car in Ireland, the location doesn't matter that much as everything you need is within a short drive.
In fact, some of the best Killarney hotels and resorts are located outside the town.
Best Budget Hotels
If you want to save on lodging, consider staying in a budget hotel.
For those who plan to travel around Ireland on a budget, note that accommodation prices are generally higher in Killarney due to increased demand.
The prices skyrocket once the peak season starts, and hotels fill up quickly.
Therefore, you need to book well in advance to save money on accommodation.
It's not ideal, but that's how it is. So here are the best cheap(ish) hotels to stay in Killarney.
Murphys of Killarney | This traditional Irish hotel combines a central location, cozy rooms, a lively pub, good food, and great hospitality. This is one of the best affordable hotels in Killarney.
Killarney Court Hotel | Situated about a 15-minute walk from the town center, this is a lovely, affordable hotel in Killarney. It has clean rooms, an on-site restaurant and pub, a great breakfast, and free parking.
Parkavon Hotel | Situated a 10-minute walk from the city center, Parkavon offers great service and affordable rates. It has clean rooms, a swimming pool, a sauna, and free parking.
McSweeney Arms Hotel | This centrally located family-run hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1950s. It has spacious rooms with comfy beds, friendly staff, and a great ambiance.
Best Mid-range Hotels
When it comes to accommodation, Killarney offers a great variety of mid-range hotels.
These properties usually provide excellent value for money, which is great news for those with bigger budgets - check our post on how to save money for travel.
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa | Killarney Plaza is one of the most classic hotels in the town center. It has gorgeous decor, spacious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, great spa facilities, and an indoor pool.
The Lake Hotel | Nestled on the shores of Loch Lein, is a perfect retreat from the busy streets of Killarney's town center. Apart from the exquisite location, Lake Hotel boasts comfortable rooms, delicious food, a hearty buffet breakfast, live music, and free parking.
Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney Towers is one of the most popular hotels in the town center. Expect spacious rooms, a great leisure center, modern facilities, and tasty food.
The Brehon Hotel and Spa | With spacious rooms, marble bathrooms, a lavish spa, delicious food, and free parking, The Brehon is one of the best mid-range hotels in Killarney.
The Gleneagle Hotel | If you're looking for a family-friendly hotel in Killarney, The Gleneagle is a great choice. It has functional rooms, a 25-meter swimming pool, a 10-meter children's pool, two tennis courts, an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course, great food, and free parking.
Boutique Hotels
Killarney offers a good range of boutique hotels.
We like to stay in these properties because they always provide a unique experience, no matter where you go. Killarney is no exception.
So, if you prefer a more intimate and personalized experience, here are the best boutique hotels in Killarney.
The Victoria | Situated a 20-minute walk from the town center, the Victoria is one of the best boutique hotels in Killarney. It has gorgeous decor, elegant rooms, great food, and welcoming staff.
The Fairview Boutique Hotel | The Fairview is a charming boutique hotel located in Killarney's town center. It boasts stylish rooms (some have a spa bath), friendly staff, and filling breakfasts.
Earls Court House | Set in a quiet location only a 10-minute walk from the town center, Earls Court House is a great place to stay. The hotel combines individually decorated rooms, orthopedic beds, antique furniture, and a great breakfast.
Best Luxury Hotels
As Killarney is one of Ireland's premier destinations, you can be sure to find several luxury hotels within this area.
These properties are ideal for visitors looking for immaculate service and refined experiences.
Here are tips on the best luxury hotels in Killarney.
Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa | Escape the noisy streets of Killarney town with the tranquility of Aghadoe Heights Hotel. The hotel offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, organic treatments, a homely feel, fine cuisine, and free parking.
The Killarney Park | If you're looking for luxury within the town center, Killarney Park is your best bet. This 5-star hotel boasts stylish decor, spacious rooms, fine dining, flawless service, and free parking.
Muckross Park Hotel and Spa | Nestled in Killarney National Park, Muckross Park Hotel combines classical and contemporary styles with gorgeous rooms, impeccable service, and famous Emerald's Isle greenery.
Best Hostels
Unlike some other Irish destinations, Killarney has some really good hostels.
This is great news for all budget-minded travelers looking for a cheap place to stay - check our post on how to find a good hostel.
Accommodation always eats up one of the biggest chunks of your travel budget, so keeping your expenses under control is essential.
Both hostels on our list are within a 5-minute walk from the main bus and train stations.
The Black Sheep Hostel | The Black Sheep is probably the best hostel in Killarney. It has a central location, cozy private rooms, cheap beds in dormitories, a well-equipped kitchen, a shared lounge, and free parking.
Neptune's Hostel | Situated in the town center, this is another popular hostel in Killarney. The hostel has private rooms and dormitories, shared kitchen facilities, luggage storage, and free parking.
Best Glamping Sites
Glamping is a great alternative to traditional accommodations, ideal for those who want to stay close to nature without sacrificing comfort.
So, if you're looking for a getaway from everyday life, the glamping suites and lodges may be an excellent choice.
Killarney Glamping at the Grove | Situated in a quiet location on the town outskirts, Killarney Glamping is a great place to stay. It offers cozy bedrooms with heating, a private bathroom, and a covered outdoor kitchen.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
