Hotel Killarney is a big, busy, family minded hotel on the Cork Road, on the eastern edge of town, and it is rated four stars. With around 188 rooms it is one of the larger places to stay in Killarney, and it is built around the idea that a wet Kerry afternoon should not spoil a holiday. There is an 18 metre indoor heated pool, a toddler pool, a spa tub, sauna and steam room, and a leisure club called Club Vitae with a gym. For children there is an indoor sports hall with a playground, a 14 hole crazy golf course, an arcade room, a free children club with supervised activities and a teens zone. The rooms are straightforward and comfortable rather than fancy. Superior Doubles and Twins are around 280 square feet, there are triples, and the family suites sleep four or five, with a king bed, twin beds and a sofa bed, including a two bedroom layout. Rooms have a large flat screen television, a kettle and tea and coffee, and a desk.
Location and getting around
The hotel is a short drive from the heart of town and from Killarney National Park, which is only a few minutes away by car, and the Kerry Way trail is close as well. You can walk to the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre in a couple of minutes, but the town centre pubs and restaurants are a taxi ride or a longer walk, so most guests treat it as a drive in base.
Parking is free, and there is an electric car charging point, which is a real help if you are collecting a hire car for the Ring of Kerry and Dingle. Day tours generally collect in town, so ask the front desk where to be picked up.
Eating and evenings
The Strawberry Tree Restaurant serves a three course Irish menu, and there is a lobby bar for casual food and daily specials, with other venues for steaks and burgers. Live music most nights keeps the bar lively, which families and groups enjoy, though light sleepers should ask for a room away from the public areas. Guests often single out the breakfast.
Who it suits and what to know: this is the best fit for families, multi generation groups and anyone who wants a pool and activities on site without paying luxury prices. Couples after a quiet retreat will do better at one of the park or country house hotels.
Rates are good for the facilities and rise in summer and on holiday weekends. Extra beds are not offered, so check the family suites when you book, confirm what breakfast is included in your rate, and check when you book whether the pool and leisure facilities have limited hours.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor heated pool
- ✓Spa tub, sauna and steam room
- ✓Club Vitae gym
- ✓Children club and teens zone
- ✓Indoor sports hall and playground
- ✓Crazy golf
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Live music most nights
Good questions
Is Hotel Killarney good for families?+
Yes. It has an indoor pool, a toddler pool, a children club, an indoor playground, crazy golf and family suites that sleep four or five.
Can I walk into town from the hotel?+
It is a short drive or taxi ride to the centre rather than a quick stroll, so most guests drive or take a taxi in the evening.
Is parking free?+
Yes, self parking is free and there is an electric car charging point. Check availability when you book.
