Create Timeless Tales and Unlock the Magic of Family Adventures in Killarney!
Welcome to Killarney, a family haven where shared adventures turn into cherished memories. Here, the sound of laughter echoes across our breathtaking landscapes and every moment spent together becomes part of your family’s story.
At the heart of Killarney’s adventures lies our spectacular natural playground. With 26,000 acres of captivating landscapes, your family can hike through ancient woodlands, cycle on scenic trails, or kayak on our shimmering lakes – all under the watchful eye of our majestic mountains and magical forests. Try to catch sight of the red deer in the woodland, or the white-tailed eagles soaring above!
We’ve meticulously curated a range of family-friendly activities and tours. They’re an exciting blend of fun and educational experiences, enabling you to explore our rich heritage and vibrant culture. The northeastern realm of Killarney National Park, known as ‘The Demesne’, offers picturesque family cycling and walking routes. Here, you’ll find the Knockreer Children’s Playground and adjacent playing fields, perfect for a restful picnic, a friendly game, or exploring the old mining trail.
10 reasons to visit Killarney with the Kids this Autumn-Winter.
Killarney is bursting with fun, exciting and affordable activities for children and teenagers to explore nature this Autumn-Winter.
Whether you want to get bewitched at a pumpkin farm, get quackie at Ireland’s first rubber-duck store, go exploring with a digital treasure hunt, head out on the lakes, see some wild deer mating, there are so many activities to keep the whole family entertained. From a wholesome nature break, to an adventure filled weekend, and unique experiences for all the family, Killarney has it all!
Where else will you find a 25,000-acre playground for the kids to explore? The bustling town is unique in that it’s located right beside the UNESCO Killarney National Park which has endless activities and experiences to explore.
Autumn is one of the best times to explore the vibrant tourist town. The change of season gives families the freedom to experience nature at its best with fantastic walking and hiking trails, magical golden sunsets by the lake and a bustling atmosphere in the town centre. We’ve put together our top 10 ideas to keep little ones and teenagers entertained.
Meet the friendly cows of Muckross Creamery whose milk and cream is used to create award-winning ice cream while gaining valuable insights on farming life. 5th generation dairy farmer John Fleming and his family will bring your family up close to the animals so you can experience first hand the process it takes to produce their range of ice-cream. Visit the farm’s pop up ice cream parlour for a large scoop of ice cream, made fresh from the milk of the cows you have seen.
Visit muckrosscreamery.ie
Families will love the ‘Ciar’s Quest’ digital treasure hunt around the Ross Castle area where you can virtually meet and interact with some of Kerry’s iconic wildlife. Download the digital treasure map to locate the hidden wildlife along the 3km trail (buggy friendly).
Visit ciarsquest.ie
Venture through the rambling vines of the Pumpkin Patch to find your Perfect Pumpkin or Ghoulish Gourd. Soak up the atmosphere in their courtyard and feast on Harvest Eats from the eleven77 food truck. With treats, tricks and creatures galore there’s pixies, spooks, adventure and more! Runs Friday- Sunday for the month of October.
Visit killarneypumpkinfarm.ie
Solve the puzzles, and uncover a real detective story – and work as a family to find your escape. With twisted plot turns and unexpected challenges, fun is guaranteed! 7-18 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit www.escapekillarney.ie
Whether you’ve a street skater or a trick skater in the family, pack the skateboards and head to the new Killarney Skate Park. With features for all skill levels from a small quarter pipe for beginners, ramps and a feature bowl for the more advanced, your skaters are bound to be stoked!
Take a stroll to Knockreer House and see wild deer as you enjoy a variety of walks (1km-6km). Enjoy a treat at the thatched roof Deenagh Lodge Tea Rooms run by Down Syndrome Ireland, Along the river, follow the trail of local animals carved in wood that leads to a fully equipped playground with something for all ages including a zip-wire and climbing pyramids.
One of Killarney’s crowning jewels is its lakes so make sure you schedule time for a lake-adventure on your trip. Set sail from the 15th century Ross Castle and cruise Killarney’s beautiful lakes on a covered waterbus. Or take a traditional open boat or kayak to Innisfallen Island – home to a monastery dating back to 640 AD- High King of Ireland Brian Boru was said to have studied on the island. The kids will love exploring the ruins and might even meet some deer in the woods! Pack a picnic and enjoy at one of the three beautiful private beaches on the island.
Visit Ireland’s largest fairy trail at the Dunloe House and Gardens. Lovingly crafted by The Irish Fairy Door Company, the Dunloe House and Gardens is home to the largest fairy trail in Kerry with 20 fairies living in the gardens, each with their own personality.
October is the breeding season for wild deer known as the “rut”. It is one of the highlights of the wildlife calendar as stags roar out to their competitors and battle like gladiators for the right to breed with females. UNESCO Killarney National Park, home to Ireland’s only remaining wild herd of native deer, is one of the best places in Europe to see this amazing spectacle.
The family-run Kennedy’s Pet Farm has pets from fur to feather, indoors and outdoors, ready to be cuddled, fed and admired – pigs, rabbits, ducks, peacocks, alpacas, calves, lambs, goats and kids. With indoor and outdoor play areas the weather kids can enjoy fun with the animals in all weather!
The vibrant town of Killarney is nestled in a valley surrounded by the magnificent McGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. With world famous lakes, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and pristine parklands, the destination has an extraordinary and magical beauty for families to explore and make memories that will last a lifetime.
There’s a diverse range of family friendly accommodation options in Killarney with something for every budget, from camping to self-catering to four- and five-star hotels. Many of the hotels offer kids clubs at weekends and over mid-term, along with access to swimming pools and great children’s menus. And Autumn is also a great time to pick up a special offer.
For more information go to Killarney.ie and follow @ourkillarney on instagram and killarney.ie on Facebook.
Killarney’s heart beats in rhythm with its many family-friendly festivals, infusing the town with an invigorating blend of traditional music, cultural performances, and infectious laughter. Enjoy these celebrations seamlessly woven into our warm, social scene – from welcoming restaurants to the authentic charm of traditional Irish pubs.
And when the day’s adventures are done, retreat to our welcoming accommodations, designed to cater to every family size and budget. From cosy guest houses to luxury hotels, from award-winning campsites to flexible self-catering options, you’ll find the perfect place to rest, rejuvenate and prepare for your next day’s explorations.
So, are you ready to create lasting family memories in the heart of Ireland? Killarney is waiting to welcome you and your loved ones for an unforgettable family adventure!