Killarney is a colourful city in Co. Kerry, Ireland with so much to do and see. It’s got a ton of history and character, and there’s something available there for every type of person, from castles to pubs to hiking and so much more! Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Killarney, Ireland.

Opt For a Bus Tour If You Don’t Have a Car

If you’re short on time and in town during the summer, the Hop-On-Hop off bus is a great way to see all the main sights in town in a quick and convenient way. It’s great if you don’t have a vehicle, as well. You’ll have either a knowledgeable guide available in person or an audio guide, if you’re interested in a more in-depth overview on local history. Be sure to double check the bus schedule before traveling.

Killarney National Park

The Killarney National Park is a gorgeous expanse of pristine greenery, sprinkled with old buildings and ruins hundreds of years old. It’s accessible straight from Killarney town centre, so you won’t even have to go far to enjoy the natural beauty of Co. Kerry. There’s plenty of wildlife all throughout the park, and the trails are great for hikers of all skill levels.

Torc Waterfall

If you’re in Killarney, I’d definitely recommend paying Torc Waterfall a visit. The hop-on-hop-off bus stops here, and you could also get to this beautiful natural sight from town by taxi or rental car in about 10 minutes. My favourite way to visit the waterfall, however, is to make the 1.5 hour hike (or 2h if you’re a slower hiker like me) from Killarney along the Kerry Way. It’s a gorgeous and easy walk that takes you through the National Park with several points of interest along the way.

Muckross Castle

Muckross Castle is one of those places that you’ll go through if you decide to make the hike to Torc Waterfall. It’s also another stop on the local tour bus. It’s a nice, relaxing walk from town along the Kerry way. The castle is small but picturesque, with the lake set behind it that acts as the perfect backdrop for some stunning photos.

Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is another point of interest near to Muckross Castle. You can pay to go on a tour of the inside of the abbey, but, even if you decide not to, the grounds are absolutely lovely to explore and the nearby lake is very photogenic as well.

Go On a Carriage Ride

While at the Abbey, you can opt to go for a horse and carriage ride through the Killarney National Park. These tours can also be picked up in the roundabout in Killarney town centre. You’ll be transported back in time while enjoying a first-hand look at the manicured grounds.

Enjoy Killarney’s Local Shopping

Killarney is a great place to shop if you’re interested in purchasing locally-made crafts and goods. Handmade clothes, jewelry and more are easy to find, and you can definitely find the perfect, one-of-a-kind souvenir. What could be more special than coming home with something you can only get in Killarney!

Spend the Evening at a Pub

And to finish off a long day exploring all this town has to offer, spend your evening at a local pub. Killarney town is an absolute dream in the evening. You’ll hear live music all down the streets coming from various pubs, all of which serve traditional Irish comfort food and, of course, good drinks. You can’t beat it for that quintessential Irish atmosphere.