Killarney is your quintessential Irish town. It’s quaint and picturesque and renowned for its hospitality. It’s also a magnet for any and all travellers to the Emerald Isle.
But with a town that has more tourists than locals at any given time, knowing where to stay here isn’t always easy.
All is well, dear traveller, as our expert travel team have come up with this detailed list of neighborhoods, so you can choose your spot based on what you’re into.
It should be easy to pick your place, so you can get on with planning where you’ll be getting your first pint of Guinness from. It’s true what they say: it really does taste better in Ireland!
Before long you’ll have the town on lock, knowing exactly where to stay in Killarney!
- Where to Stay in Killarney
- Killarney’s Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Killarney
- Killarney’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in…
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Killarney
- What To Pack For Killarney
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Killarney
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Killarney, Ireland
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Not worried about the neighbourhood and just looking for a fit for you? Check out our favourite spots in Killarney overall!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Killarney Lodge | Best Hotel in Killarney
Killarney Lodge provides comfortable 4-star accommodation in Killarney. It is close to the area’s tourist hot spots and is within walking distance of Killarney Railway Station. This lodge, rated 10.0 on travel sites, offers free wifi in public areas, as well as a garden for guests to unwind in.
Cosy and Clean Private Bedroom in West Killarney | Best Airbnb in Killarney
Located in the west side of High Street, this quiet bedroom is ideal for first time visitors to Killarney. You’ll be sharing the bedroom and will have access to a fridge with basic kitchen amenities as well as bathroom essentials. Only a two minutes walk from the main avenue, the perfection is perfect to explore the areas and tourist sights.
The Gardens | Best Hostel in Killarney
The Gardens is a 3 minute walk from Killarney town centre. It is nestled away in its own private walled garden.it is located only a 5 minute walk from the bus and rail station. They offer guests comfort and a good breakfast to start their day.
Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is from a good dorm room with good people. Book one of these sweet hostels in Killarney and get ready for the time of your life!
Killarney’s Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Killarney
West Side of High Street
With the classic Irish way of placing an area based on its location, we reckon West side of High Street is the best place to stay in Killarney when it’s your first time here.
Deerpark
Deerpark is east of the city centre and just north of Park Road. It’s the name of the retail park in the area, but for our purposes is the accommodation and attractions around there too.
East Side of High Street
On the other side of the main strip running through town, the East side of High Street is the best place to stay in Killarney if it’s nightlife you’re after. Irish nightlife involves a lot of pubs with live music. Experiencing a singalong in a local bar with volunteer musicians is fantastic, and joining in is even better.
Aghadoe
Aghadoe is part of the parish of Killarney but actually sits slightly separately, on the road running north of the main town. It’s a stunning village, famous for its views over the lake, national park and Killarney town.
Beaufort
Beaufort is similarly distant from Killarney town, lying 10km to the west, on the other side of the lake. It’s our runaway pick for the best area to stay in Killarney with kids.
Located in the southwestern corner of Ireland, in County Kerry, Killarney is a dream for those seeking ‘the real Ireland’. If you want to experience a traditional area of Ireland, come here.
It has its origins in nearby religious settlements from about 1500 years ago, and retains a strong Catholic flavour, to this day.
More recent history saw it as a key staging point in the 20th century Irish War of Independence.
The brightly coloured shop fronts and charming facades of the main street are a call back to former times, though the interior and services are completely modern.
Despite its modest size of only 14,500 people, there are more hotel beds in this town than in any other in Ireland, except Dublin. Now that’s capitalising on what you have!
Killarney sits at the entrance to the Ring of Kerry, an incredibly scenic loop around the Iveragh Peninsula. It’s this proximity that accounts for its popularity, over and above the charms of the town itself, of course!
There are parts of Killarney, and its outlying villages, that cater to different tastes and styles of travel.
To the east, you’ve got the camping area, with holiday parks for families and groups. To the west is The Demesne, a great open parkland for rambling that links to Ross Castle. Up north are the minor villages, and the pathway to the Ring. And south are the luxury accommodations, where guests can fancy themselves nobility for a night.
Whether you’re a high-roller or a backpacker, a family group or a bunch of friends, Killarney has a place for you to stay!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Killarney’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in…
Some of our picks have you smack bang in the centre, while some will have you further out. Either way, you probably want a rental car while you’re here or you’ll miss out on some great mini trips!
#1 West Side of High Street – Where to Stay in Killarney Your First Time
With the classic Irish way of placing an area based on its location, we reckon West side of High Street is the best place to stay in Killarney when it’s your first time here.
This has you in the middle of town and within walking distance of…well… everything. See, Killarney is small. It’s about one mile right from the main road running down the west of the town, to the highway running past the east.
The streets and lanes all around here are decorated in Celtic fashion, and you can find upscale food and shopping places behind old-timey signage. Here, you’ll also find some of the best cottages in Killarney.
High Street is awash with restaurants, pubs and cafes catering to the transient crowds and their hunger for Irish Stew!
Being on the West side of High Street grants you easy access to The Demesne as well. This makes it an easy stroll to Ross Castle, the 15th century tower house and keeps sitting solidly on the lakeside of Lough Leane.
St Mary’s Cathedral is also in the west, the 19th century gothic church with magnificent stained-glass windows and some resident churchyard rabbits.
And the visitor centre is here too, to help you plan your time in Kerry.
Things to See and Do in West side of High Street
- Walk around the main town centre, admiring how they’ve combined old and new.
- Take a wander through The Demesne, down to the lakefront.
- Visit Ross Castle, the seat of the O’Donoghue clan.
- Attend mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, or visit at other times to admire the architecture and stained-glass.
- Attend a concert at St Mary’s Church of Ireland (not to be confused with the above), a venue known for its amazing acoustics.
Brook Lodge Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in West Side of High Street
Providing a shuttle to Kerry Airport, as well as free wireless internet, Brook Lodge Hotel is a convenient place to stay in Killarney. It is ideally positioned for those wishing to discover the area’s attractions. Brook provides a golf course, a 24-hour reception and room service.
Windway House B&B | Best Hotel in West Side of High Street
The bed & breakfast offers comfortable accommodation, as well as a safe, a library and a tour desk. There is off-site parking for guests travelling with a car. The spacious rooms at Windway House B&B have a private bathroom, wireless internet access and heating.
Cosy and Clean Private Bedroom in West Killarney | Best Airbnb in West side of High Street
Located in the west side of High Street, this quiet bedroom is ideal for first time visitors to Killarney. You’ll be sharing the bedroom and will have access to a fridge with basic kitchen amenities as well as bathroom essentials. Only a two minutes walk from the main avenue, the perfection is perfect to explore the areas and tourist sights.
Neptune’s Town Hostel | Best Hostel West Side of High Street
Neptune’s Hostel is located right in the town centre, up a little lane called Bishop’s Lane. An easy walk to all the main street has to offer. Family owned and run, it has been open for 20 years and is recommended by Lonely Planet.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI#2 Deerpark – Where to Stay in Killarney On a Budget
Deerpark is east of the city centre and just north of Park Road. It’s the name of the retail park in the area, but for our purposes is the accommodation and attractions around there too.
We’ve chosen Deerpark as the best place to stay if you’re travelling on a budget because – why else? – it’s cheap!
The accommodation here runs at a reduced rate from the town centre, though there are a number of upscale options if you so wish.
The size of Killarney also means that being out here will be no bother to you, as you can just stroll on into the town centre for anything you may wish.
In Deerpark, you can visit the Irish Franciscans monastery, still active, and admire the ornately carved wooden altars.
You’ll also find a bunch of chain stores with familiar names for fueling up both you and your car. Its proximity to the retail park means you won’t want for anything in terms of supplies for your continued road trip!
And while it may not have the rolling greens of other areas, you can tee off at the PItch and Putt just north of the shops!
Things to See and Do in Deerpark
- Visit the Irish Franciscans Monastery.
- Catch a game of Gaelic Football at Dr Crokes GAA Club.
- Practise your swing at Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club.
- Stock up on goods at the retail park.
- Use it as your base for getting into Killarney proper!
Killarney Railway Hostel | Best Hostel in Deerpark
Within the hostel, they have both dormitory-style accommodation and private en suite rooms. The family en suite room consists of one double bed and two single beds. Facilities include free light breakfast, free Wi-Fi, Internet access, a fully-equipped kitchen and dining room,
Comfortable Private Room in Remote House by Nature | Best Airbnb in Deerpark
This quiet and rural house, surrounded by fields, is ideal for those visiting Killarney on a budget. Surrounded with nature, it’s also perfect if you want to hike, or just spend some time in the mountains. The bedroom consists of a double bed and there’s also a private bathroom with a spa bath and a shower. The house also has a large garden with views overlooking the mountains.
Carranross House B&B | Best Hotel in Deerpark
Located in Killarney, Carranross House is a short drive from Aghadoe and the Muckross House. It is conveniently positioned for guests wishing to discover the area’s attractions. A gym is available to guests wanting to keep active while travelling.
Saint Anthony’s Lodge B&B | Best Hotel in Deerpark
Saint Anthony’s Lodge B&B offers 4-star accommodation in Killarney. It is ideally located for guests wanting to visit the area’s popular attractions. The rooms at Lodge offer a coffee maker and all the necessities for an enjoyable stay.
#3 East Side of High Street – Best Area to Stay in Killarney For Nightlife
On the other side of the main strip running through town, the East side of High Street is the best place to stay in Killarney if it’s nightlife you’re after.
Irish nightlife involves a lot of pubs with live music. Experiencing a singalong in a local bar with volunteer musicians is fantastic, and joining in is even better.
If you’re lucky, at the end of the evening will come the tradition of the ‘Lock-In’. This is where they’ll shut the windows, pull the blinds and bolt the door, pretending no-one is inside while carrying on serving drinks as normal. You just can’t peek outside or the jig’ll be up!
High Street itself is the best pick for this, where you can go from place to place, checking the atmosphere ‘till you find one just right.
Don’t be fooled by what you can see through the windows though, there’s often a door through what you thought was the back that opens out onto a bigger, more open beer garden type arrangement!
It’s not all boozy banter either, and there are plenty of restaurants serving great food on this stretch, to be sure!
Things to See and Do in East side of High Street
- Make your own pub-crawl down High Street.
- Join a lock-in, if the locals will have you – you’ve gotta be in the right place at the right time so pick a lively place an hour or so before closing and act cool.
- Find live music and join the revelry of an Irish jig!
- Try any one of the excellent restaurants at the junction of High Street, New and Main.
- Grab a train at the nearby station, to check out neighboring destinations.
McSweeney Arms Hotel | Best Hotel East Side of High Street
McSweeney Arms Hotel is set amongst a variety of dining options and is minutes on foot from Killarney Railway Station. This charming hotel provides a tour desk, luggage storage and an on-site bar, conveniently situated for socialising in the evening.
The Killarney Park | Best Hotel East Side of High Street
This award-winning hotel provides luxury accommodation in Killarney. It features a gym, as well as an indoor pool, outdoor tennis courts and free Wi-Fi. This stylish 5-star hotel provides a sauna, valet parking and an express check-in and check-out feature.
Large Modern House in the Heart of Nightlife | Best Airbnb East Side of High Street
This Airbnb in Ireland is located in the heart of Killarney and consists of two bedrooms each with a double bed, a bathroom with all essentials and an utility room with a washing machine and a dryer, and a fully equipped kitchen. You’ll enjoy outstanding views from Killarney and the surrounding nature. It’s a perfect base to explore the area or to go out as you’re walking distance from all the bars and pubs.
The Shire Accommodation | Best Hostel East Side of High Street
Renowned for their warmth and friendliness, they will ensure your stay in Killarney is pleasant, comfortable and especially memorable. The property was built in 1795 as a home for estate workers of Lord Kenmare, a local landlord.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#4 Aghadoe – Coolest Place to Stay in Killarney
Aghadoe is part of the parish of Killarney but actually sits slightly separately, on the road running north of the main town.
It’s a stunning village, famous for its views over the lake, national park and Killarney town.
Aghadoe is our choice for the coolest area in Killarney to stay just because of that remoteness, and its proximity to lake and land.
You’re on the path to the Ring of Kerry here, so you won’t have to dodge the tour buses on your way to the west. And you’re off the tourist trail, where you may find the streets of your village more authentic than those in the town, partially played up for the visitors.
Aghadoe has an epic past too if you’re a fan of history. The whole area was founded around this little place, where the legendary St Finian built a monastery in the 6th or 7th century. Then the Normans built a castle here after the invasion in 1169.
Oh yeah, and there’s that big beautiful lake you’re right beside. The waters are sparkling and if you’re tough enough to brave those Irish temperatures, well worth a dip. You’ll come out invigorated at least!
Things to See and Do in Aghadoe
- Get the jump on the crowds heading to the Ring of Kerry and be there before anyone else.
- Head to the one pub in the village, the Golden Nugget, for a meal and a drink and chat to some locals.
- Explore the historic sites of Aghadoe, imagining what went before you.
- Take a dip in Lough Leane to rejuvenate your spirits.
- Admire the views over the surrounding areas – you’ll see why it’s called the Emerald Isle!
Killarney International Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Aghadoe
Situated in Aghadoe on the Ring of Kerry road, adjacent to the national park, this An Oige Youth Hostel is an impressive 18th century mansion on 77 acres of beautiful gardens and forests 5km from Killarney.
Killeen House Hotel | Best Hotel in Aghadoe
Killeen House Hotel provides a unique setting while in Killarney. The charming hotel dates back to the 19th century. This 3-star hotel provides a golf course, laundry facilities and a safe. Staff are available 24/7 and can book tours and tickets.
Loch Lein Country House | Best Hotel in Aghadoe
This relaxed hotel in Killarney offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. Just a short stroll from Fossa, it provides cosy rooms equipped with wireless internet access. This 4-star hotel offers luggage storage, a garden and a safe.
Spacious Cottage near Main Tourist Attractions | Best Airbnb in Aghadoe
This cosy and traditional cottage is well-appointed and ideal as a base for those who want to explore the Kerry area and for sightseeing. It has three bedrooms in total, one with an ensuite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen with a Nespreesso coffee machine and free condiments and essentials, as well as a big living room with a TV. There’s also a big garden.
#5 Beaufort – Best Neighborhood in Killarney For Families
Beaufort is similarly distant from Killarney town, lying 10km to the west, on the other side of the lake. It’s our runaway pick for the best area to stay in Killarney with kids.
The main reason for this is that it’s very close to the lake and the river. There are watersports available that you can take part in as a family, and put a little adventure into the holiday!
You’re also on the Ring of Kerry, so if you’re up early you can get out before the crowds and not have to attempt overtaking a tour bus on the narrow lanes!
The Gap of Dunloe, one of the most iconic spots on the drive, and one sometimes missed if coming through Killarney, is only about two miles south of here too.
There’s a few great historic spots here, with the charmingly tiny St Mary’s Church Beaufort sitting proudly on its gated field. And the more ancient Dunloe Ogham Stones, burial markers inscribed with a medieval alphabet. The sense of time gone by is very real here.
There’s also just fields and quieter paths for wandering through the pretty landscape, a simple pleasure that can’t be beaten!
Things to See and Do in Beaufort
- Go kayaking on Lough Leane and try not to take a dip in the cold water.
- Take a dip in the cold water of Lough Leane, on purpose!
- Check out the Gap of Dunloe, while no one else is around yet.
- Imagine the history and significance surrounding the Dunloe Ogham Stones.
- Play a round at the welcoming Beaufort Golf Club.
Spacious and Extremely Clean House in Low Country | Best Airbnb in Beaufort
This cosy, spacious and clean house is ideal for families visiting Killarney and wanting to explore the surroundings. Located only 20 minutes drive away from Hilton Head Island Beach, it’s in a very quiet and peaceful neighborhood close to everything and ideal to visit the low country aerta. It comes with all the basic equipment and appliances you will need to have a very comfortable stay.
Inveray Farm | Best Hostel in Beaufort
Inveraray Farm is a family-run bed and breakfast in picturesque Beaufort. Just a short drive from Killarney, and located just off the Ring of Kerry, it’s the perfect base to explore this beautiful county.
The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens | Best Hotel in Beaufort
Situated in Beaufort, The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is an easy drive from Killarney and provides an indoor pool, a rooftop terrace and a sauna. This 5-star accommodation features a gym, as well as a kids club (perfect for families) and a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
The Purple Heather B&B | Best Hotel in Beaufort
The Purple Heather B&B is ideally positioned in a peaceful setting in Beaufort, just a short car ride from Ross Castle. It also offers a ticket service, luggage storage and free Wi-Fi. This 3-star B&B has an on-site restaurant, for your convenience.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Killarney
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Killarney and where to stay.
What To Pack For Killarney
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Killarney
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Killarney, Ireland
Killarney is one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland and home to friendly and welcoming people. It’s a stop on your great Irish road trip that you’ll be genuinely pleased you made.
There are all sorts of different ways to approach your stay here so why not venture even further afield? You may even end up camped out at Muckross House, the idyllic 19th century manor house!
Staying at our best overall hotel, Killarney Lodge, will actually have you not far from there, ideally located to explore Killarney and its noble past.
That’s it from us. You’ve now got all the knowledge we have on the town, surrounds and where to stay in Killarney.
Oh, and if someone asks you, “What’s the craic?” the proper response is “Grand, you?” Took me years to get that one right!
“By all the shamrocks in old Killarney, ‘tis a joy to know you and that’s no blarney.” – Irish saying
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Ireland.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Killarney.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Ireland instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
