ireland

Kerry

Killarney lakes, the Ring of Kerry, and the Atlantic at its most theatrical.

4-6 nights recommendedMay-September (long days, mildest weather)Plan this chapter →

County Kerry is the Atlantic edge of Europe: a 200-kilometre peninsula of mountains, lakes, and surf-pounded coast that hands you a different landscape every twenty minutes. Killarney National Park's lakes hold an island monastery still standing after a thousand years; the Ring of Kerry curls around the Iveragh peninsula past Skellig Michael; and at the Dingle peninsula's western tip you're closer to Newfoundland than to Dublin. The Europe Hotel sits on Lough Leane at the gateway to all of it. Its rooms looking straight at the MacGillycuddy's Reeks across the water.

We also arrange Muckross House and Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, and the Ladies View along the Ring of Kerry, with Kerry (KIR) the gateway.

Ideal for

Nature Lovers · Romantic Getaways · Slow Travelers · Drive-Tour Travelers

Kerry, Killarney lakes, the Ring of Kerry, and the Atlantic at its most theatrical.
Plate IKerry. Courtesy of The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney
01
The Stay

Lakefront resorts and country-house hotels with the West of Ireland at the door.

The Europe Hotel & Resort

Five-star lakeside resort facing the MacGillycuddy's Reeks at Killarney.

  • ESPA-trained spa
  • Lake View dining
  • Direct access to Killarney National Park

Sheen Falls Lodge

Country-house retreat on a 300-acre estate above the Sheen Falls.

  • Private waterfall
  • Falls Restaurant
  • Salmon and trout fishing

Park Hotel Kenmare

A turreted Victorian hotel on Kenmare Bay since 1897.

  • Sámas spa
  • Kenmare Bay views
  • Award-winning gardens
A Glimpse Inside

The Europe Hotel & Resort

Courtesy of The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney · Fora Travel

Aerial view of Killarney's lakes and Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountains at dawn

Killarney Lakes

The Europe Hotel terrace at night with Lough Leane and mountain silhouettes lit by stars

Evening Terrace

The Europe Hotel lake-view suite with balcony facing Lough Leane and the Reeks

Lake View Suite

The Europe Hotel terrace dining table set for lunch with Lough Leane and mountains beyond

Terrace Dining

02
The Palate

Atlantic seafood, Kerry lamb, and a quiet emergence as one of Ireland's strongest dining regions.

  • 01A long dinner at The Park Restaurant overlooking Kenmare Bay
  • 02Dingle Peninsula seafood: fresh crab claws at Out of the Blue, Dingle
  • 03Killarney lamb hot pot at the lake-view kitchen of The Europe
  • 04Murphy's ice cream in Dingle: sea salt or Irish coffee, take your pick
03
The Stillness

Lake mist, mountain shadow, and the kind of quiet you can only find at the edge of a continent.

  • 01Dawn over Lough Leane from a lakeside walk
  • 02The Skellig Ring at sunset: the Atlantic hammers granite, no other car in sight
  • 03A pony trap through the Gap of Dunloe with the Reeks ahead
  • 04Slea Head at the western tip of Dingle, the next stop is Boston
Explore More Stays

Luxury Properties in County Kerry

Exceptional properties in County Kerry, selected for their distinction and service

Experiences

Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences in Kerry

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