Guide to Killarney for Luxury Self-Catering Holidays

Killarney National Park for Luxury Self-Catering Cottage Holidays

Towards the south west of the town of Killarney within county Kerry there is a large expanse of beautiful rugged mountainous country. A stay in this stunning place could be just excellent for those looking to get away from it all on a luxury cottage holiday. Within this area of breathtaking mountains, world famous lakes and stunning woodland lies the Killarney National Park. The highest mountain range in Ireland is also found within this beautiful landscape, the McGillycuddy's Reeks rises to a height of over 1000m and is definitely a sight to behold. The National Park's main focal point is the Muckross House and Gardens; a 19th century mansion with all the furnishings and artefacts to match, this country house is a major visitor attraction for holidaymakers visiting Killarney. With access to the entire south west of Ireland, Killarney is one of the country's premier holiday destinations and a great base for exploring the area. Brimming full of history, heritage and activities, Killarney is a welcoming and enthusiastic town to visit.

Discover Luxury cottages in County Kerry

Top Tips on Quality Food and Dining in Killarney

County Kerry and the Killarney area is home to some special local produce that you may want to experience whilst enjoying a cottage stay. Whether you're buying gifts to take home to loved ones or just stocking up the kitchen for the week. Some of the popular and well known goods produced in Killarney are Skellig's Chocolate Company, which has been producing award winning home made chocolates for more than 10 years, Valentia Island Home made Ice-cream and Glor Foods Killarney who locally produced peanut butter. To get your hands on more locally produced goods, maybe so you can take advantage of your luxury kitchen in your accommodation; all you need to do is visit one of Kerry Counties Farmers' Markets in Ardfert, Dingle or Sneem, plus many more towns across the county.

On the other hand if cooking is not your idea of fun whilst on a cottage holiday then maybe you'd prefer to enjoy dining out at one of the local restaurants, bistros or cafes. Some of the great restaurants in the county just waiting for you to experience their delicious dishes are Rozzers Restaurant, Murphy's of Killarney, The Smokehouse, Silver Fox Restaurant or Lord Kenmares. You can also enjoy a light meal, snack or afternoon tea at a local tea room, caf or bistro such as Lir Caf, Nosh and Coffee and Sceal Eile.

Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest in Killarney

As well as great foods and restaurants for you to get your teeth stuck into whilst enjoying your luxurious holiday home stay, there is also plenty of exciting and interesting attractions and places of interest for you to enjoy. The area is also a popular place to enjoy some great tours, experience everything there is to see and take in all the sights. Some of the great tours on offer include taking a jaunting car ride (local unique horse drawn carriage) around some of the local beauty spots with the company of your Jarvey (Driver) who will be happy to enlighten you with old stories of the areas past. You can also take a boat tour of the famous and enchanting Killarney Lakes, take a coach tour of the local highlights such as Aghadoe, Muchross and Ross Castle or visit the inspiring Gap of Dunloe where you will enjoy a varied and exciting tour of the attractions with the Gap by boat, foot, horse back and coach. Finally there is the most popular and famous tour, the Ring of Kerry, taking in the most breathtaking sights of Kerry in its 110 mile round trip. The ring of Kerry should provide you with a spectacular over view of this truly beautiful area of Ireland.

As well as Killarney's fantastic tour options you can also explore all of the major attractions involved in these tours at your own pace and in your own time. Some great historical places of interest that visitors may decide to see include Muckross Abbey, Dinis Cottage, Ross Castle and Kate Kearney Cottage. If you're looking for some attractions to keep your whole family entertained then Coolwood Wildlife Park, Crag Cave and Crazy Play, Kennedy's Animal Pet farm and Playground and Ross Castle will provide your children with plenty to do and explore.

Recommended Activities to Enjoy on a Luxury Cottage Break in Killarney

With the National Park so close it's no wonder that some people would rather enjoy the beautiful fresh air of Killarney than visit its attractions. That's why Killarney also has a fantastic range of inspiring, exciting, exhilarating and enjoyable activities for its visitors to get stuck into whilst in county Kerry. Enjoy horse riding, cycling, fishing, mountain climbing, shooting and much more. There is also a great collection of water sports including kite surfing, wind surfing, surfing, kayaking and canoeing, just don't expect warm waters! The two nearest beaches to Killarrney with the opportunity to take part in any of these water activities are Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula and Rossbeigh near the Glenbeigh on the ring of Kerry. There are also many more spectacular fine sandy beaches.

Add an extra touch of luxury...

To make your holiday even more memorable and special why not discover Ireland from an unusual view and take a helicopter ride over the stunning Killarney National Park. Take in the stunning sights and appreciate the beautiful country of Ireland from your amazing bird's eye perspective. You could also take the opportunity to experience this stunning area by hot air balloon or on a relaxing and tranquil boat tour.

More Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest in Killarney:

There are lots of beautiful sights to discover on a luxury cottage break in Killarney. A few of these include Torc Waterfall, Inisfallen Island, Ladies View, Aghadoe Church and Round Tower, Killarney House, Lord Brandon's Cottage, Ross Island, Iveragh Peninsula, Blarney Castle, Milstreet country park, Moll's Gap and Crag Cave. We recommend on arrival popping in to the local tourist information office to get the best out of your holiday in Killarney. It is also usually advisable to thoroughly research the destination and decide on where you want to stay before booking a luxury cottage in Killarney.

Take it easy in Killarney