Killarney is a top destination for anyone who loves Ireland. It has everything you could want: stunning scenery, rich history, and lively culture!
While there are plenty of things to do during the day, we recommend experiencing the city after dark! Here are some of the best nightlife activities in Killarney that you can try on your next visit.
What are some things to do in Killarney at night?
Some things to do in Killarney at night are to watch live music or a Celtic show, join a pub crawl or a traditional music session, or learn about the spooky stories or the past with a tour.
You can also relax at a spa or a fine restaurant, admire the illuminated castle, catch a movie, or go stargazing.
Enjoy a Pint of Guinness at Murphy’s Bar
Website: http://www.murphysofkillarney.com/
Address: 18 College Street, Killarney, Kerry
Phone: (064) 663 1294
Email: [email protected]
If you want to experience a true Irish pub, you should visit Murphy’s Bar in Killarney. It’s a historic place that has been serving customers since 1955.
You can enjoy a delicious meal of traditional or seafood dishes, and finish it with a homemade dessert or a cheeseboard. Of course, you can’t miss the best part: a pint of Guinness that tastes like heaven.
Murphy’s Bar has a cozy and friendly atmosphere, with wooden beams, stained glass and old photos. It also has a restaurant and a guest house for your convenience.
Murphy’s Bar is the perfect place to relax and have fun with live music and great company.
Pro Tip:
- Murphy’s is also a great spot for sports fans, as they host golf and darts tournaments and show the Killarney Races.
- You can also stay at Murphy’s guest accommodation, which offers spacious rooms and easy access to the town centre and the national park.
- Don’t miss the live traditional music on Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 9:30 PM.
Watch a live music performance at the INEC Killarney
Website: https://www.inec.ie/
Address: INEC Box Office, Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Phone: 00 353 (0)64 66 71555
Email: [email protected]
Killarney is home to Ireland’s National Event Centre (INEC), the country’s largest and most versatile venue for shows, concerts, conferences and more.
Whether you want to enjoy some live music, comedy, dance or drama, or attend a business meeting, exhibition or banquet, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget at INEC.
The centre has a 2,500-seat auditorium, 4,500 sq metres of space, and 500 hotel rooms on site. Plus, there are 2,000 more hotel rooms within a one-mile radius.
Pro Tip:
- Check the parking options and directions on the INEC website before you go. A large car park is on-site, but it can get busy during peak times.
- Bring a jacket or sweater, as the auditorium can get chilly during some shows.
Experience the Irish culture and history at the Celtic Steps Show
Website: https://celticsteps.ie/
Address: Race Course, Ross Road, Killarney
Phone: +353 64 6618933
Email: [email protected]
Celtic Steps Show is a spectacular performance of music and dance that will take you on a journey through the centuries. It features some of the country’s best Irish musicians and dancers, who’ll showcase their skills and passion on stage.
From the ancient legends of the druids and the warriors to the modern struggles and triumphs of the Irish people, you’ll witness the stories that shaped this land and its people.
You’ll hear the haunting melodies of the uilleann pipes, the lively tunes of the fiddle and the flute, and the powerful rhythms of the bodhrán and the guitar.
You’ll see the graceful movements of the soft shoe dance, the complex shoe dance’s energetic steps, and the group dance’s stunning formations.
Pro Tip:
- You can choose any seat you like, but they are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To get a good seat in the theatre, you should aim to be there between 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM.
Relax and Unwind at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Website: https://www.aghadoeheights.com/
Address: Lakes of Killarney, Killarney
Phone: +353 64 6631766
Email: [email protected]
Killarney is a scenic destination that attracts many visitors with its parkland, mountains, lakes, and hills. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of nature with your camera.
If you’re looking for a luxury spa hotel in Killarney with a view, you might want to consider Aghadoe Heights, which is located near the town centre.
This five-star hotel boasts amazing views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Mcgillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland.
You can admire the majestic landscape of County Kerry from dawn to dusk at Aghadoe Heights Hotel. But this luxury spa hotel has more to offer than just views, so read on to find out more.
Pro Tip:
Aghadoe Heights is a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy a relaxing getaway, so make sure you book early to secure your spot at this amazing place.
Learn about the Spooky Stories with The Original Killarney Ghost Tour
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054556954968
Address: East Avenue Road, Killarney
Phone: +353 87 161 0093
Do you enjoy a good scare and have a fascination with the dark and mysterious side of history? Then you should join The Original Killarney Ghost Tour, a thrilling experience that will take you to the most haunted places in the town.
You’ll hear spine-chilling stories and legends about ghosts, witches, curses, and murders that have left their mark on Killarney. You’ll also learn about the ancient Celtic beliefs and rituals that shaped the culture and folklore of Ireland.
The tour is led by a professional storyteller who will entertain and educate you with his captivating narration. The Original Killarney Ghost Tour is not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare to explore the spooky secrets of this beautiful town.
Pro Tip:
Some aspects of the tour may be challenging for those who are easily disgusted, so it’s recommended that you avoid bringing very young kids.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Bricín Craft Shop & Restaurant
Website: https://bricin.ie/
Address: 26 High Street, Killarney
Phone: +353 64 6634902
Email: [email protected]
Bricín is a charming restaurant and craft shop that offers a unique blend of Irish culture, history, and cuisine. The name Bricín means ‘little trout’ in Gaelic, and it’s also the name of a scenic stone bridge in Killarney National Park.
The craft shop showcases a variety of Irish crafts, from pottery and books to jewelry and clothing. The restaurant serves delicious dishes made with local produce, such as crab claws, beef, fish, duck, and chicken.
The house specialty is the Killarney boxty, a potato pancake with different fillings, such as chicken or ratatouille. Bricín also has a selection of homemade desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pro Tip:
To share the joy with someone special, you can order a voucher online and have it delivered for free anywhere in the country.
Admire the Illuminated Ross Castle at Night
Website: https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/ross-castle/
Address: Ross Castle, Ross Road, Killarney
Phone: 064 663 5851
Email: [email protected]
A 15th-century tower house called Ross Castle stands on the edge of Lough Leane. It was built by the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór, who’s said to still live under the waters of the lake and bring good luck to those who see him on the first of May.
The castle was the last stronghold in Munster to resist the forces of Oliver Cromwell, and it only surrendered when a ship was brought to the lake, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.
Today, the castle is open to the public and offers guided tours of its interior, which contains 16th and 17th century furniture.
It offers a stunning view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, especially at night when the stars reflect on the water, creating a beautiful but imperfect mirror image.
Pro Tip:
The only way to see the inside of the castle is by joining a guided tour. The tours are limited to 15 people per group and are offered on a first-come, first first-served basis.
Join a Pub Crawl and Discover the Nightlife of Killarney
A pub crawl is a great way to discover the culture and history of Killarney, as each pub has its own story and character. You’ll also get to see some of the most beautiful and historic sights of the town, such as the cathedral, the castle, and the park.
Some of the pubs you can visit on a pub crawl are:
- The Laurels – A traditional pub with a cozy fireplace and a large selection of whiskeys.
- Courtney’s – A modern and stylish pub with a spacious beer garden and a DJ booth.
- The Shire – A themed pub inspired by The Lord of the Rings, with a hobbit hole, a Gandalf statue, and a ring menu.
- Murphy’s – A classic Irish pub with a friendly staff, a dart board, and a jukebox.
Pro Tip:
- Bring some cash with you, as some pubs may not accept cards or have a minimum spend requirement.
- Pace yourself and drink plenty of water. You don’t want to miss out on the fun or get too drunk to remember it.
Embark on a Journey to the Past at Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey is a historic site in Killarney that dates back to 1448. It has witnessed many tragedies over the centuries, from raids and fires to Cromwell’s brutal oppression.
Some people believe that the Abbey is haunted by the spirits of the friars who lived and died there.
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, joining a nighttime tour of the Abbey offers the opportunity to hear some chilling tales of its past. You might even sense some ghostly presence in the dark.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the chance to see the Abbey in daylight as well, when you can appreciate its remarkable preservation and architecture.
Go for a Stroll on the Streets of Killarney
The length of day and night depends on how far you are from the equator. The equator has an equal day and night of twelve hours each. The poles have extreme day and nights of six months each.
Most people in the world live closer to the equator than Killarney, where they would be amazed by the daylight during the summer.
In Killarney, there are no real nights from mid-May to mid-July, with only seven hours of twilight between late sunsets and early sunrises. This makes the summer nights in Killarney ideal for walking and exploring.
Pro Tip:
If you want to experience the longest day of the year in Killarney, plan your trip around June 21st, when the sun rises at 5:07 am and sets at 10:02 pm.
Join a Traditional Music Session at the Killarney Grand
Website: https://www.killarneygrand.com/
Address: Main St, Killarney
Phone: (064) 663 1159
Email: [email protected]
One of the best places to experience the lively atmosphere of Killarney is the Killarney Grand, a hotel that prides itself on being a party destination.
The Grand offers a diverse range of entertainment options, catering to both those seeking traditional Irish music and those looking to groove to modern beats.
Every evening from 9 pm to 11 pm, the Grand hosts a traditional Irish music session, where you can hear talented musicians play and sing classic songs. You might even join in the chorus if you know the words.
After the trad session, the Grand transforms into a modern music venue, where you can listen to fresh and innovative sounds inspired by the Irish musical heritage.
Pro Tip:
For a cozy and friendly place to stay after enjoying a trad session in Killarney, you might want to check out the Kilalrney Grand bnb. It’s a charming bed and breakfast that offers comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts, and a warm welcome.
Catch a Movie at the Cinema Killarney
Website: https://www.cinemakillarney.com/
Address: East Avenue Road, Killarney
Cinema Killarney is a modern and comfortable theater that offers a wide range of films for all tastes and ages.
With state-of-the-art sound and projection, you can enjoy the latest blockbusters, classic favorites, or independent gems on the big screen.
Cinema Killarney also has a cozy café and bar where you can grab a snack or a drink before or after the show. You can also book tickets online or by phone and take advantage of the loyalty program and special offers.
Pro Tip:
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the latest releases, you should always check their website’s What’s On section for the most up-to-date movie list and schedule.
Discover the Magic of Stargazing near Killarney
Website: https://www.kerrydarkskytourism.com/
Address: Cools, Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry
Phone: +353 (0)87 2582835
Email: [email protected]
A great activity for night time in Killarney is to admire the stars.
The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, which is part of the Ring of Kerry, is not far from Killarney and it is one of the rare places in the world where you can still see the Milky Way.
The reserve protects the natural beauty of the night sky from light pollution and offers a stunning view of the stars.
You won’t be able to see the stars from Killarney town, but you can easily reach the Dark-Sky Reserve by car or bike. It’s a wonderful way to spend a night in Killarney and enjoy the wonders of the universe.
Pro Tip:
The best time to visit the reserve is when the moon is not too bright, as it can interfere with the view of the constellations, the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy and other celestial objects.