Things to do in Killarney
At Robeen House we have handpicked some of the best things to do in Killarney to enhance your stay with us in Robeen House. Cycle, jaunt, walk, or run and experience what one of Ireland's most popular destinations has to offer you.
Muckross House & Gardens
This is one of Killarney’s premier attractions, boasting amazing Victorian House & Gardens nestled in the National Park. There are daily tours in the peak months or simply wander around the extensive grounds and gardens.
Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey is a fantastic walk you can cycle or take a Traditional Jaunting Car. Muckross Abbey Killarney is one of the major ecclesiastical sites found in the Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland. It was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary for the Observantine Franciscans by Donal McCarthy Mor.
It has had a violent history and has been damaged and reconstructed many times. The friars were often persecuted and subjected to raids by marauding groups. Today the Abbey is largely roofless although, apart from this, is generally quite well preserved. Its most striking feature is a central courtyard, which contains a large yew tree and is surrounded by a vaulted cloister. Some say that Yew tree is the oldest living thing in Ireland at over 500 years?
It became the burial place for prominent County Kerry poets O’Donoghue, O’Rathaille, and O’Suilleabhain.
Torc Waterfall & Mountain:
Torc Waterfall is best seen after heavy rainfall and is one of Killarney’s most popular tourist attractions. Located just 7km outside the Killarney – Torc Waterfall also offers spectacular views of the Killarney lakes. Torc Mountain located nearby is also well worth a trip. A moderate enough mountain climb, it takes roughly 2 hours to complete. The reward for reaching the top is the amazing of Killarney from the top
Gap of Dunloe
The stunning Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass carved by Glacial Ice, it offers amazing views of hills, valleys and lakes. One of Killarney’s most iconic attractions, visitors flock each year due to its geological significance, a wealth of legends, and potential for hiking and climbing.
Killarney National Park
Famous for its spectacular wildlife, breath taking-views, cycle paths, & walkways the Killarney National Park is a must – if you are visiting Killarney. Killarney National Park also contains several features of Irish importance, for instance, the native oakwoods and yew woods together with an abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs and a profusion of bryophytes and lichens which thrive in the mild Killarney climate. Killarney National Park is also home to native red deer unique in Ireland with a presence in the country that dates back to the last Ice Age
Ross Castle
This picturesque and noble ruin, now fully restored to its former glory, was the stronghold of the O’Donoghue’s. It stands on the shores of Killarney’s largest lake and looks out at the legendary monastery on Innisfallen island where Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, is said to have studied. Tours of the castle are available during the summer months.
Lake Cruise
Jump aboard the M.V. Pride of the Lakes – the perfect way to discover the hidden gems on the lakes of Killarney. This enclosed, heated vessel departs from Ross Castle daily during the summer months.
Day Trips
Want to sit back and let somebody else do the driving? Explore all that Kerry has to offer with one of the many scenic guided coach trips including Ring of Kerry, Dingle & Slea Head and the Killarney Highlights Tours.
Horse Riding and
Pony Trekking
All levels of riding experience are catered for in these scenic guided tours of the famous National Park with local riding stables.
You make holidays in Ireland and visit Killarney and the Ring of Kerry. It is an unforgettable break to go horse riding through the Killarney National Park.
Open all year from 8am daily, Killarney Riding Stables offers Hacking, Trekking and Trail Riding into the 'Killarney National Park' for one, two and three hours. The trails go into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, (the largest of the three lakes in Killarney). Taking in stunning views of mountains, lake, flora and fauna. All groups are guided and all levels of experience catered for.
Innisfallen Island and Monastery
No trip to Killarney is complete without a visit to this serene and beautiful island sanctuary. Founded in the early to mid 7th century, the Inisfallen Island monastery is situated on the largest of the Lough Leane islands and is just a short trip away from the Killarney Valley. While the early church buildings and dwellings are long gone, visitors to the island can still see ruins of a church as well as an Augustinian priory building. You can book a boat trip to Inisfallen Island from Ross Castle Pier, Reen Pier or directly from our hotels. A significant centre of learning in the early Christian Ireland, the Inisfallen island monastery is considered to be one of the oldest universities in Europe. Many of Ireland’s greatest figures were educated there, including our most famous King - Brian Boru. It is also the place of origin for the historically-significant Annals of Inisfallen which provide a contemporary history of Munster. Throughout its Millenium-long existence, the monastery was repeatedly attacked until its ultimate desertion as a place of worship and education under Cromwell in the mid 17th century. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Inisfallen’s natural charms inspired a raft of romantic poets and writers including Thomas Moore who famously celebrated it in his classic poem "Sweet Inisfallen".
St Marys Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral towers amongst the clouds with a backdrop of Killarney’s glorious lakes and mountains.
Visitors are welcome to attend mass and/ or to explore this wonderful church at leisure.
Shopping and Dining
Killarney has shopping for everybody - From the large high street names to family-run businesses, and fascinating small gift shops sitting comfortably side-by-side, the quality is high and the choice wide-ranging. Killarney boasts an excellent range of shopping amenities from traditional craft shops and gift shops to chic fashion shops, music shops to outdoor stores and much much more. Killarney offers its visitors a great shopping experience. Delicious home or farm-prepared artisan foods are a Kerry speciality. Throughout the region artisan producers sell their goods directly at local Kerry Farmers' & Country Markets. Killarney's shopping area's cater for all tastes and needs. With the amazing array of shops, you can take home more than just good memories. After a busy day of shopping, there are plenty of tea shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs for a drink, meal or snack.