Killarney is located in County Kerry in the south west of Ireland and is often referred to as the country’s adventure capital. It offers visitors a variety of year-round tours and activity options to cater for visitors with a wide range of interests.
Killarney was also recently voted the cleanest, most litter-free town in the country, and is known for its rich city and national parks, scenic chain of lakes, impressive waterfalls, and important historical attractions.
Bus and boat tours abound, and leisure activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing.
Here are the 15 best tours in Killarney.
1. Dingle and Slea Head Full Day Tour
Dingle and Slea Head, a narrow strip of land west of Killarney that stretches into the Irish Sea, are popular attractions, including long beaches and some of the most rugged coastlines in the region.
On this full-day tour from Killarney, guests will experience many of the region’s most impressive sights on a guided tour.
The peninsula is known for its idyllic sea views, magnificent islands and quaint fishing villages.
Participants can expect to learn about the local culture and try out their language, while having ample opportunity to admire the splendor of the area and take a few photos.
View prices and reviews
2. 1 Hour Killarney Carriage Tour
Unless you like sore thumbs, the abundance of horses and carriages around Killarney is best known as a station wagon.
They are a popular form of transportation and are perfect for those looking to explore this historic town in a unique and exhilarating way.
This one-hour tour includes an overview of the city’s layout, as well as history, culture, legends and folklore, providing first-time visitors with an invaluable crash course in all things Killarney.
Highlights include stunning views of Ross Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral and Lake Lane.
Guests have the option to visit Ross Castle, but the entrance fee is not included.
View prices and reviews
3. Lake Kerry Ring of Killarney Scenic Coach Tour
From trained sheepdog demonstrations and swamp villages to stunning views of the National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this Ring of Kerry and Lake Killarney coach tour covers just about every base.
This is a 6-hour tour that departs midday from Killarney and is perfect for late sleepers and those interested in getting the most value out of a limited holiday.
Key attractions on this tour include Killarney National Park, Dingle Bay and the majestic Evra Peninsula, to name a few.
Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to attend annual events such as the Ice Hockey Expo in August.
View prices and reviews
4. Multi-day Dingle and Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula is a fascinating place, characterized by rugged hills, weathered beaches and sheer cliffs that plunge into the sea.
In good weather, the Blasket Islands can be seen from Slea Head, the westernmost point of the African continent.
The area is rich in history and culture and is one of the important strongholds of the Irish language, making it a great place to enjoy a unique experience and more cultural immersion than other tours.
While most tours end after one day, the next day continues for a few hours, visiting the regional copper mines and Ross Castle.
View prices and reviews
5. Killarney Kayaking and Innisfallon Island Tour
Adventurous and outdoor lovers don’t have to settle for boring coach trips and the like when visiting Killarney.
The area is known for its rugged beauty, and tour providers offer a variety of exhilarating options, such as a kayak tour of Innisfallen Island.
If you’re wondering if sea kayaking is a little too much, you’ll be happy to learn that Innisfallen is a lake island, which means relatively calm waters, not to mention some of the most impressive sights in the area.
This 6th-century monastery was built by a leper and is home to a variety of wildlife, making this three-hour tour truly unforgettable.
View prices and reviews
6. Visit the Jaunting Car Tour of a craft brewery
What could be more Irish than driving around the countryside, visiting breweries and drinking some of the Emerald Isle’s most famous beers?
Not much, according to those who took advantage of this popular three-hour tour.
The tour begins at the Great Southern Hotel and leaves town quickly from the rearview mirror as guests and their guide travel to Killarney National Park, St. Mary’s Cathedral and past the highest mountain in the country.
After the sightseeing, it’s time to head to Killarney Brewery to taste the many amazing craft beers before heading back to town.
View prices and reviews
7. Jaunting Car and Lake Cruise Combo Tour
With copper mines dating back 4,000 years, a rich variety of wildlife and natural attractions, and a 6th-century abbey, Killarney and its surroundings have absolutely no shortage of things to see and do.
This two-hour car and lake cruise combo tour is a whirlwind tour at an affordable price, offered twice a day.
Whether you’re traveling by car or boat, you’ll benefit from your guide’s commentary and learn the history of what you’re seeing.
Other highlights include herds of red deer, St Mary’s Cathedral, Ross Castle and views of the island nation’s highest mountain.
View prices and reviews
8. Kerry Hill Coloane Full-Day Bus Tour from Killarney
Featuring culture, history, geography and stories from the past, this full-day bus tour gives interested visitors the opportunity to see, experience and learn about the many things that make the Iveragh Peninsula an incredible place.
The Kerry Ring Road is arguably Ireland’s most scenic byway, with much of it meandering along the banks of the River Laune to the coast and eventually into the mountains.
Since it’s a full day tour, you’ll have plenty of time to stop at the attractions, enjoy refreshments and take a few photos.
The tour includes a guide and round-trip transportation from Killarney.
View prices and reviews
9. 2-Hour Kayak and Ross Castle Tour
You’ll get a wetsuit, buoyancy device, kayak and paddle before starting this 2-hour kayak tour.
You’ll also learn how to paddle and drive like a pro before heading to Ross Island.
The first part of the tour is the easiest, allowing participants to ease into the adventure before the big fun begins.
From the water, guests will see countless islands, caves, Ireland’s oldest national park, centuries-old stone bridges and the majestic peaks of McGillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain in the country.
Tours include experienced local guides and are offered several times a day.
View prices and reviews
10. Killarney 1-Hour Lakes: Cruise
While the scenery from the shore is stunning, Killarney’s lakes are truly the best experience on a cruise.
Even for those without the strongest sea legs, this is a suitable excursion, as the lake is usually calm and only lasts about an hour.
Lough Leane is Killarney’s largest lake. In the comfort of an enclosed glass cabin, guests will escape the elements while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the area.
It is common to see a variety of animals and many awe-inspiring landscapes, and tours are available in English, French and German.
View prices and reviews
11. Dunlow Gap and Killarney Lake Cruise
For those who like to settle for the status quo, an overly structured trip can be a bit dull.
Thankfully, this combo tour offers a variety of options so each guest can make the most of their time without worrying about the others.
Options include a short car tour via a six-mile pass, or for those with more energy, the same route can be followed on a guided hike.
There is also a very popular boat tour that includes up-close views of the National Park and Ross Castle.
Tours depart from a central location in Killarney.
View prices and reviews
12. Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Killarney
This guided tour departs from Killarney and explores the Ring of Kerry, often regarded as one of Ireland’s richest cultural, historical and natural regions.
It is full of towering mountains, ancient stone forts, windswept shores, and breathtaking views of islands, bays and the Atlantic Ocean.
Mainstays of the tour include the Skellig Rocks, early Christian churches and the quaint and historic village of Killorglin, best known for one of the oldest festivals in the world.
Tours include an on-site English speaking guide and transportation from a central location.
Lunch will be charged extra.
View prices and reviews
13. Between Dunloe guided boat, Jaunting Car and bus tours
Including boats, coaches and buses, this Dunlo Canyon tour covers all transportation angles. At five hours, it’s a great way to see the region’s wealth of sights and attractions in a relatively short amount of time.
The tour focuses on the Lake District of Killarney, including iconic sights such as Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Dunlow Gorge and Ross Castle.
Most attractions are just a short drive from Killarney city centre, meaning you can waste less time travelling and more time enjoying what you see in the first place.
After lunch, it’s time to start a boat tour of Killarney’s lakes before returning to the central drop-off point.
View prices and reviews
14. Carrauntoohil Guided Walk
Much of Killarney’s rugged beauty can be easily explored on foot. For those new to the area, a guided hike may be the best option.
The McGillycuddy Reeks range is very close to Killarney city centre. On this 8.5-hour tour, healthy travelers spend nearly all of their time hiking and experiencing nature.
If you have it, it’s best to wear extra layers of clothing and sturdy waterproof shoes. After a three-hour hike to Carrauntoohil Cross, it’s time to relax with lunch and take in the stunning views.
It’s the highest point in Ireland, so grab a few pictures before heading down to the cafe at the bottom for a drink and camaraderie.
View prices and reviews
15. South West Ireland: 4 days from Galway to Kerry
Are there four days left?
Want to see Ireland from start to finish?
If so, a four-day trip from Galway to Kerry might just be the thing to make your holiday dreams come true.
While the tour will not start or end in Killarney, on the third day guests will explore the town and along the way Slea Head and the Gaelic fishing village of Dingle.
Other tour highlights include Dublin, Connemara and Galway, and this excursion feels decidedly well-rounded compared to most tours that are more limited in scope.
An evening will be spent in Killarney, during which guests can enjoy great music, drinks and traditional singing and dancing.
Check Prices and Reviews Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Killarney, Ireland
Lowest Price Guarantee
