ADVENTURE IN KILLARNEY

The Ross is at the heart of the playground that is Killarney National Park – and there is so much adventure that awaits you. Whether you’re the novice climber, occasional high thrills seeker or the daredevil intrepid mountaineer, Killarney and its incredible environs has something for everyone. From rock climbing in the Gap of Dunloe to biking around the lakes, morning yoga in The Killarney Park or kayaking at sunset around Ross Castle, there is an astonishing choice of activity breaks in Killarney.

Here are some of our Top Tips for exploring Killarney or print off our Off The Beaten Track guide below.

• Hire a Bike: Bike hire in Killarney town is simple and quick and with the Killarney National Park on our doorstep, you don’t need to cycle far before your adventure begins. Cruise around the Muckross and Dinis loop, stopping for a coffee and a scone at the gorgeous setting of Dinis Cottage.
• Sunset Kayaks: Take a dusky paddle around the ancient ruins of Ross Castle and enjoy Killarney from the water. Kayaks can be hired from Outdoors Ireland.
• Horse Riding in Killarney: This is a fantastic way for the whole family to explore the Killarney National Park. Horse riding can be booked through Killarney Riding Stables.
• Killarney’s Oldest Pubs: Enjoy a pint of the black stuff in some of Killarney’s oldest pubs. Buckley’s Bar on College Street and O’Connor’s on High Street are two favourites.
• Torc Mountain: A trip up Torc Mountain is always a winner because it is a relatively easy climb, with the most rewarding views. For those seeking bigger challenges we can recommend Mangerton and of course Ireland’s highest peak Carrantuohill.
• Ice Cream Break: Killarney has some amazing ice cream parlours and we can recommend a scoop of Rocky Road from Gaelic Gelato or the Honeycomb Crunch from Macs. Both are only a stroll from The Ross.
• Irish Whiskey Tasting at The Killarney Park: Our fabulous five star big sister, The Killarney Park, is just across the road from us. Whiskey tasting can be booked via The Ross and is a great way to get to know your Irish whiskeys. Why not follow it with a game of snooker in the billiards room?
• GAA: Deeply embedded into the Irish culture is the love for GAA (Gaelic Football and Hurling). One of the best ways to immerse yourself into the local culture is to head over to a local club match. Witness the blood, sweat and tears of our national game.
• Reidy’s Sweet Shop: Buy a bag of old fashioned hard boiled sweets at Reidy’s – located in main street.
• Golf: Hit the fairways at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. Host to the Irish Open on several occasions. The club has two championship courses to choose from.
• For the Kiddies: Take a family stroll down to the playground opposite the Cathedral. They will be entertained for hours and you can grab a coffee at Deenagh Cottage.
• Live Music Bands: Every night of the week, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday, the crowd and craic is always massive. (pending Covid-19 restrictions, please check with The Grand)
• Innisfallen Island: Convince a boatman to take you to Innisfallen Island… take a walk around this little island and try to imagine what it was like when inhabited in the 8th century with monks and their students, the future High Kings of Ireland.
• Climb Carrantuohill: The highest mountain in Ireland and stand on the ceiling of this great country.
• Boxty’s at Bricin: Boxty’s are a traditional potato dish and nobody offers a range and variety like Bricin. Have a chat with Johnny Maguire, one of the owners and definitely one of Killarney’s greatest characters.
• Rock Climbing: Try some rock climbing in The Gap of Dunloe. Chat to our reception team about putting you in touch with a guide.
• Muckross Abbey: We recommend dusk time to add to the haunting feeling of this ancient abbey. Ask reception for a flash light… and don’t forget to look for the staircases within.
• Yoga: Take a yoga class with Elaine from Nave Yoga, In summer, she moves her classes outdoors to the National Park so you can listen to the birds while practicing your moves.
• Cocktails at The Lane: It would be crazy to leave this off the list, because they are just too darn good to ignore. Join the locals in The Lane for some over the top delicious cocktails.
• Local Beer: Sample some local beer at Killarney Brewing Company on the Muckross Road and take a tour of the brewery.
• Jogging: Grab your running shoes and take an early morning jog into the National Park. It’s right across the road from the hotel, check out the herds of Irish Red Deer quietly grazing in the surrounding lands. We have jogging maps at reception.

Check out our Off The Beaten Track guide below!