Until recently, transport in Killarney was not always easy: The town is situated close to one section of Killarney National Park, but popular spots such as Muckross Gardens, Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe were difficult to reach unless you had a car—or a dedication to walking! In the past few years, however, several different options have become available for getting around Killarney. Here’s what we recommend the next time you stay at Killarney’s Holiday Village:
Killarney Shuttle Bus
The hop on/hop off Killarney Shuttle Bus is a handy option for getting around Killarney. The bus leaves hourly from the Bus Eireann depot (Fair Hill) and the Tourist Office (Beech Road), visiting Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Muckross House and Traditional Farms, Torc Waterfall and Ladies View. You can also arrange collection from your hotel. The shuttle bus also makes two daily trips to the Gap of Dunloe, leaving from the bus station, tourist office, and Ross Castle.
Killarney Tour Big Red Bus
You can’t miss the Killarney Big Red Bus. The hop-on/hop-off services starts at 10am from the stop on the East Avenue Road and travels through Killarney town, with an in-bus commentary on local landmarks, before heading for the 13th-century monastic sites of Aghadoe. Then it loops around to Ross Castle on the lake shore, travelling on to Muckross House & Gardens and Torc Waterfall. A ticket is valid for two days.
Jaunting Car
When you think of Killarney, an image of a horse and carriage probably comes to mind. A trip on a jaunting car is virtually a must for anybody visiting Killarney for the first time, so be prepared to embrace the quintessential tourist experience, listening to the (often tall) tales of the jarveys as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park.
Bike
Killarney’s Holiday Village is a stone’s throw from one of the town’s main bike hire providers. Pick up a bike from the Muckross Road depot and you can tour Killarney National Park at your leisure without ever having to cycle on the public roads. Pedal out to Muckross House, just a few minutes from your holiday home by bike, and enjoy a breathtaking 10km cycle around Muckross Lake. The path hugs the lake shore, skirting ancient forests and opening up to stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and the Colleen Bawn rock. Make sure to follow the route anticlockwise, as the path is one-way for bikes.
What is your favourite mode of transport when you are in Killarney?
We’d love to hear from you!
