The Courses
Killarney Golf Club, located on Lough Leane in Killarney is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Ireland. With 3 courses (Two 18-Hole & one 9-hole) and a golf academy, Killarney has everything for the discerning golfer.
There’s no questioning that the Killen Course is the flagship course of the Killarney Golf Club. The course stretches 6593 metres and proves a challenge for long hitters with water hazards seeming problematic on almost every hole. The lakes of Killarney and soaring Mc Gillycuddy Reeks act as a striking backdrop to any game, the view from hole ten is the most notable as you virtually play onto the lake.
The course has hosted several high-profile competitions including the 1991, 1992, 2010 and 2011 Irish Opens as well as the 1996 Curtis Cup and 2002 European Solheim Cup.
Mahony’s Point also offers spectacular views of the famous Killarney lakes overlooked by the McGillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. The final three holes are breathtaking as you play towards the lake with the 18th described as “one of the most memorable holes in golf”, a par three of nearly 200 yards that requires a huge carry across the corner of the lake. Discover for yourself why the 18th is the most photographed hole in the world and has become known as ‘Heaven’s Reflex’.
If you’re looking for somewhere to wind down after your round of golf, there’s nowhere better than the Clubhouse Horseshoe Bar. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic 280º views and take in the majestic lakes and mountains. You are guaranteed a warm welcome from the bar manager and staff, who will gladly share stories from the club over the years.
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Where to Stay
Killarney has countless, top quality hotels, all a short walk from the town centre. Whether you are looking for a luxurious 5* Hotel, a comfortable 4* Hotel, a friendly 3* Hotel or a welcoming Guest House, Killarney has plenty to offer. For 5* you can choose the centrally located Killarney Park Hotel while the Hotel Europe and Aghadoe Heights are both located outside the town.
If 4* would be your preference your options include the Great Southern Hotel, Randles Court Hotel or Killarney Plaza. 3* Hotel or Guest House selection can be made at McSweeney Arms Hotel, Eviston House Hotel, Fairview Guest House or the Killarney Lodge, all of which are only a short walk from the town centre.
Where to Eat and Drink
Killarney has about 50 pubs, so it’s no wonder that this little town in the south-west of Ireland is one of the top destinations in the country! This is quite a number considering that Killarney is a small town, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. From traditional Irish pubs to lively disco bars, Killarney is sure to not disappoint. Some of the best would be The Danny Mann for Craic agus Ceol (Fun and Music), K-Town Bar for Live Music, The Grand Hotel Bar & Nightclub for great bands and late night fun, Buckley’s for Real Traditional Music, Murphy’s for Drink, Food & Entertainment and Tatler Jacks for some live sport.
The selection of top restaurants would rival the bars, with options from Pub Grub to al-a-carte to fine dining, there is an option for every taste.
What to See and Do
The town lies adjacent to the boundary of the National Park on its north-eastern edge. Its name comes from “Chill Airne”, meaning “church of the sloe”, the original site of which is thought to be the location of the present-day St. Mary’s Church of Ireland. The spectacular scenery of the area, particularly the lakes has been the basis of a tourism industry that has been operating in Killarney for nearly 200 years.
The most impressive building in the town is the Cathedral, which was designed by Pugin and finally completed in the 1920’s after some eighty years of construction work.
Other popular attractions in the area would be Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion completed in 1843 located close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake and set beneath the impressive backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains. The garden’s surrounding the house are famed for their beauty and can be visited at any time.
Close to the house are the Muckross Traditional Farms, a working farm project that has recreated the Irish rural life of the 1930’s, prior to electrification. Another top attraction in the town would be Ross Castle, a restored 15th Century Castle, located on the banks of the Lower Lake. From here you can take a boat tour of the lakes which gives you a unique view of lakeshore and the islands including Innisfallen Island which is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey .
The prime attraction for sightseeing in the region is the world renowned Ring of Kerry, with Killarney regarded as the ideal starting point. The Ring is a 179-km-long circular tourist route that you are best to travel anti-clockwise from Killarney. It follows the N70 to Killorglin, then around the Iveragh Peninsula, to Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare – before returning to Killarney on the N71.
