Where To Stay in Killarney
Killarney is Ireland's most popular tourist town because it is so central for all of Kerry's natural attractions like the Ring Of Kerry & Killarney National Park.
The problem is that there are so many places to stay that you can be overwhelmed by choices. I've narrowed down to the best to help you pick your favorite hotel.
I have picked these places to stay in Killarney based on four things.
- I'm in Killarney often. I explore the hotels, their public areas, their bars, restaurants and how the staff treat guests.
- My friends in Killarney tell me about their experiences in their local hotels.
- My own tour guests stay in Killarney constantly and give me real feedback.
- I follow Irish travel journalists the way some people follow their sports team. These are pros who stay hotels for a living. I note which ones they like.
I've done all the research so you don't have to.
A Few Notes
- Hotels that in the centre are great for walkability, while some hotels are a few minutes drive from town but have better scenic views.
- For hotels in the town, be sure to ask the hotels for clear parking directions.
- My picks are sorted by category with snippets from actual guest reviews.
- Killarney is incredibly busy. Hotels fill up fast especially in summer. Book well ahead to get the best places at the best prices.
Based on all that, here are my best places to stay in Killarney.
Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Killarney
For visitors who want the best of Killarney with five star treatment
By the time you get to Killarney, you've probably been traveling for a few days. It's time to relax and take in the stunning scenery that makes Killarney so popular. Killarney is blessed with some of Ireland's best 5 Star hotels. This is the place to treat yourself and enjoy the hospitality that Ireland is famous for.
The Killarney Park 💚 My Top Luxury Pick 💚
Just about every article about best luxury hotels in Ireland features the Killarney Park. Named one of Ireland's best hotels by the Irish Independent Fab 50 (2025), member of the Leading Hotels of the World, holder of a Michelin Key, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
Yet it still family owned & independent. The family have put their money back in the hotel with a refurbishment of the rooms that now have wallpapers based on National Gallery watercolours of the Kerry scenery. It's also the most central of the five star hotels in Killarney where you can park your car and walk everywhere.
Stop reading and just book the Killarney Park if it's within your means.
"Gorgeous, newly renovated hotel. Air conditioning was amazing, shower was fantastic, the room was beautiful and the bed was extremely comfortable. The breakfast was perfect. Beautifully set up, delicious and world class service."
The Europe Hotel & Resort
Deciding between the luxury hotels in Killarney isn't easy, but golfers may favour The Europe with the Killarney Golf Club right a short pitch away from the hotel.
While horse lovers can ride the hotel's Austrian Haflinger Ponies around the grounds free of charge!
The Europe is right on the shores of Lough Leane. The lake facing rooms have views of the mountains that you have you setting the alarm for sunrise. The ESPA spa wins award in its own right. The Europe is a 5 minute drive to Killarney centre.
"Probably the best hotel in Ireland. It’s more like a 6 star hotel than a 5 star."
Muckross Park Hotel & Spa
The original building is a Victorian hunting lodge complete with dark wood and open fires. You come here as much for the atmosphere as for the rooms. Yew Tree Restaurant wins awards. The spa is always a bonus after a long day of driving.
It's right at the gates of Killarney National Park which means it's a seven minutes drive from the town centre, not walkable, but the hotel is so nice, that's ok. You won't want to leave it anyway.
"The service was exceptional, the best I have ever experienced! The breakfast was unbelievable, so many options and all delicious. The hotel’s spa and vitality pool is opulent. The rooms are large with comfortable beds and quality bedding. All of this and you are located across the street from the national park.We didn’t want to leave!"
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Even though this is a 5 Star hotel, I often see its rates closer to those of 4* hotels, so definitely check out its rates to see if you can get a good deal.
The lower price is not a reflection of any lower standards. This is a superb hotel that is featured in both the Irish Independent Fab 50 & The English Times 100 Great Places to Stay in Ireland.
Treat yourself to Afternoon Tea overlooking Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. You'll need a car but the views & decadence are worth it.
"Everything, yet again our stay was exceptional at a fantastic hotel in a beautiful location with staff that are so friendly, welcoming and providing customer service to the highest of standards."
Midrange Hotels
Excellent quality with reasonable rates
The Great Southern Killarney 💚 My Top Midrange Hotel 💚
The Great Southern brand is known throughout Ireland. They are always central in our cities & town. Staying at one was a sign of grandeur. It still has the doorman in top hat. If you want authentic Irish, this is it. This one opened in 1854 and its grand Victorian bones have everything you need for a classic Killarney stay. There's a reason it's been full for 170 years. Perfect if you arrive by train.
“It was a perfect weekend from start to finish staff were so attentive and friendly and hotel was exquisite decor fab loved every minute"
The Arbutus Hotel
The Arbutus is delightfully old fashioned, that's a compliment, not a criticism. There's no minimalist white linens of a chain hotel here. The rooms are classically decorated and the service is old school too, when guests were revered, not seen as an inconvenience. The Arbutus has been family run for 86 years and it shows. Their own Buckley's Bar will keep you well fed with lovely pints to boot.
They have grá (love) for the Irish language too which this native speaker has a soft touch for.
"The location of the hotel is fabulous and the interior lovely but really it was the staff that made this stay 10/10, so so friendly, warm and welcoming and couldn’t do enough to help and be nice, we really appreciated it"
Affordable
Killarney hotels that won't empty your wallet
Foley's Townhouse 💚 My Top Affordable Pick 💚
As centrally located as could be and extremely highly rated. With 29 rooms, this more of a cozy guesthouse than large impersonal hotel and it run by a 3rd generation of the same family.
"Wonderful stay in a perfect location! Foley’s Townhouse was lovely and very comfortable, but the location was truly the highlight. Everything was within walking distance"
Dromhall Hotel
Always well priced and very highly rated means it's worth the short walk to the town centre. Check if the nearby horse races are on when you're here and go mix with the locals for a superb cultural experience.
"I had an amazing stay in Dromhall hotel. It was perfect. Close to everything, town centre & train station. Hotel is beautiful with recently refurbished rooms. Breakfast was delicious."
Boutique & Guesthouses
You'll feel real Irish hospitality in these smaller places
Killeen House Hotel 💚 My Top Boutique Pick 💚
A Georgina Campbell award is the like winning the Irish Oscars for hospitality. Killeen House was named by them as Ireland's 3-Star Hotel of the Year 2025.
Its gorgeous countryside location is just a 10 minute drive from Killarney. Their Rozzers restaurant onsite is highly regarded and you'll probably just stay close to home.
"The staff were wonderful from the moment we arrived & throughout our stay! The rooms were very spacious and comfortable . The food at the restaurant was excellent!!! We didn’t want to even go eat anywhere else because it was consistently very good! "
Killarney Royal Townhouse
Ireland's Blue Book calls this "Killarney's most charming boutique hotel" and they know their boutiques. This 19th century building is run by a 3rd generation family in the business, which means decisions are made for the long term. Very central to everything in Killarney.
"Fab interior, lovely personal touches to the room. The golf putting set in the room was a big hit. Friendly staff and lovely welcoming idea of a drink when checking in and when checking out a little box with two scones."
