Killarney

Killarney is a town in County Kerry, Ireland. It lies in the southwest of the country on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane and is a gateway to the Ring of Kerry and the nearby Killarney National Park. The town sits in a landscape of lakes and mountains that has made it a popular destination since the 18th century. The name derives from the Irish Cill Airne, commonly interpreted as “church of the sloes.”

Killarney National Park, established in 1932, protects woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, including Ireland’s only surviving native red deer herd. Within or near the town are notable sites such as Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Torc Waterfall. The Lakes of Killarney—Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake—form a linked system that is a focal point for boat trips and scenic viewing.

The local economy centers on tourism, hospitality, and related services, with hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops serving both visitors and residents. The town is also a base for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating, and for exploring surrounding countryside.

Transportation access includes road connections to Tralee and Cork and Killarney railway station on the Limerick–Tralee line. The town serves as a common starting point for guided tours of the Ring of Kerry and other local scenic routes, contributing to its role as a regional tourism hub.