A trip to Killarney is not a prescriptive one, though it may indeed be just what the doctor ordered so our guide to the best hotels is here to help. Enjoying a break in this vibrant town is an immersive experience, and you can choose from a range of holiday options that best suit you.
If you are an early bird, you may decide on a sunrise dip at Dundag, the hidden lakeshore that the locals try to keep as a secret all for themselves (don’t tell anyone we told you). If you are a night owl, there are more nightlife options than you can shake a blackthorn stick at (you can also check out some of our favourite pubs/bars here).
From serene spa treatments to golfers’ dream courses, and delicious dining options to unique gin tastings, this is a destination that will leave you rested, rejuvenated and ready to book a raucous return trip.
If you need some relaxation, then here are six of the best hotel suggestions for you.
Cahernane House Hotel
The Cahernane House Hotel is a four-star hotel that will allow you to live your Downton dreams, Irish style. Built in 1877, this manor house, formerly the home of the Herbert family, offers an ideal retreat for recharging the batteries. Combining historic charm with a modern twist, it sits close to the National Park, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.
Depending on the time of year that you visit, deer or little lambs may be ambling in the surrounding grounds, and the outdoor tree swing provides the perfect Insta opportunity. But in truth, you may want to turn your phone off completely as you embrace the old-world charm, enjoy the open fires and soak in the mountain views.
And don’t leave without sampling the gin flight in the Cellar Bar, a great regional taste of the Kingdom.
Great Southern Hotel
Staying with the doyennes of Old Killarney, the Great Southern Railways opened this landmark hotel in July 1854. The architect was instructed to build an edifice that would “take the visitor’s breath away” and the high ceilings, stunning interiors and sumptuous décor that you’ll see today remain a testament to that original bold brief which ensures that it remains one of the best hotels in Killarney town.
You’ll feel like royalty at The Great Southern Hotel as a genuine welcome is offered to everyone, warming you like the roaring fire in the foyer. Along with the more formal Garden Room restaurant, Brownes Bar serves high-standard lunch and dinner options, with a focus on creative dishes, locally sourced. And the bar is fully stocked with local brands like Muckross Wild Irish Gin.
The Europe Hotel and Resort
Style, service, and quality form the pillars of this award-winning destination, with a spa that many consider a national treasure and rank among the very best hotels in Killarney. If quiet elegance and deep relaxation are on your wish list, then this five-star hotel may be top of your list.
The Europe Hotel & Resort is situated on the shore of Lough Léin and nestled by Ireland’s highest mountain range, the scenic backdrop here is so breathtaking that it can almost seem like a green screen has somehow been set up to bamboozle you. But make no mistake, as you sip your Muckross Gin on the outdoor terrace, you’ll be refreshed by both our spirit and the spectacular scenery.
And don’t miss a trip to the spa – spread over two levels, it offers a 20m pool, thermal suites and an outdoor vitality pool that is the perfect choice regardless of the weather.
The Brehon Hotel
This four-star hotel, situated on Muckross Road, bears the name of our ancient laws and strives to echo the Irish tradition of hospitality. Built in 2004 by third-generation hoteliers, it offers modern luxury and the ideal location to reset. The award-winning Anú Spa, named for the Celtic Earth Goddess, has a specific focus on well-being and restoration.
The Brehon is a stone’s throw from the INEC so if you are planning on attending an event there, you can spoil yourself with accommodation that makes you leave before the encore.
Treat yourself to their signature Afternoon Tea or check out the cocktail menu in the Brehon Bar, packed full of old favourites and some creative new twists.
Randles Hotel
If you are looking for a gem of a boutique hotel, Randles Hotel (also situated on Muckross Road) is one of the best hotels in Killarney and is a diamond of an accommodation spot. Opening for business in 1992, this family-owned hotel has a real eye for detail and is a five-minute walk from the town centre.
The hotel, constructed in 1906 as a gabled Edwardian mansion, originally served as a Rectory. It successfully manages to honour the old while embracing the new. For example, the inviting porch boasts the original stained glass which sits seamlessly beside contemporary, sumptuous and plush décor.
Wiggs Bar has a really interesting cocktail menu with nods to local history and produce. And we’d highly recommend the Muckross Gin and tonic cheesecake for dessert.
The Castlerosse Hotel
The Castlerosse Hotel will make everyone in your party think that you have chosen this four-star option specifically for them and that’s just one of the reasons why it is amongst the best hotels in Killarney.
Melt your stresses away with an indulgent spa treatment using luxury products from local brand Killarney Organic, or golf lovers can enjoy a stay at one of their 12 self-catering golf lodges. Tucked away at the foot of Ireland’s highest mountain range, the Castlerosse has a nine-hole golf course for guests to play.
The history of the name Castlerosse, and the location of the hotel, is a book in itself involving earldoms, playboys, a London socialite by the name of Delevingne (and great-aunt of supermodel Cara), manor houses and more. And through it all, that sublime panorama of mountains and rippling waters watched history unfold to where we are today.
Enjoy a glass of Muckross Gin at Mulligan’s Bar and Lake View, and learn more about the riveting characters that once gazed upon that very vista.
Sláinte is táinte!
These are just six of the best hotels in Killarney where you will find Muckross Wild Irish Gin pouring. For a full list of stockists, visit our website muckrossirishgin.com or follow us on Insta @muckrossirishgin.
