Celebrated mainly for its stunning lakes and Killarney National Park, the small town of Killarney in southwest Ireland, County Kerry, is favoured by lovers of the outdoors. The walking and cycling here are great and there are many cultural attractions of note, including ancient castles, monasteries, churches and cathedrals.

Despite its diminutive size, Killarney has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and an undeniably charming atmosphere, best experienced in one of the many town centre or country pubs for some traditional “diddly eye” music and a pint of Guinness.

The main attraction, however, is Killarney National Park, which is just south of town along Muckross Road and features the fine Muckross House and Gardens at its main entrance. The national park displays some of Ireland’s finest scenery and boasts the highest mountains in the country, McGillycuddy's Reeks.

Muckross House and Gardens, the “jewel of Killarney”, is a big attraction in itself; a well-kept mansion-cum-folk museum which teaches all about the way of life here in Victorian times. Period furniture, décor and costumed artisans abound while extensive gardens feature many flowering plants and water features.

The town is easy enough to get about on foot and has a lovely setting not far from the three nearby lakes (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake). St Mary’s Cathedral is a must-see and there is some good shopping, while Innisfallen Lake is where tourists can rent a row boat and pop over to the famous 7thcentury Innisfallen Abbey.

For the active, Killarney comes with excellent walking, hiking and cycling. There are four well-established walks in Killarney National Park taking in McGillycuddy's Reeks mountains, and a popular trail to the small town of Kenmare to the south of Killarney. Cyclists should also head to Killarney National Park for pretty lakeside trails and the famed Gap of Dunloe day ride.

If you have come to Killarney with the intention of hiring a car, you simply must check out the Ring of Kerry drive. This fantastic jaunt loops around the coastal part of County Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, taking in dazzling countryside and coastline, and many charming villages. Torc Falls and Crag Cave are two other nearby must-see Killarney attractions.

Killarney’s accommodation choice ranges from cosy, family-run bed and breakfasts to three- and four-star hotels in and around the town. Self-catering apartments and cottages equipped with cooking facilities are also available here. The majority of hotels can be found in the town centre, particularly along High Street, College Street, and Muckross Road, while Killarney National Park and the area near Killarney Lower Lake are also quite popular.

Many bed and breakfasts tend to close for the slow winter season so if you are here in the low season expecting a good deal, be sure to book ahead. Booking Killarney hotels online is the best way to pick up a bargain at any time of the year.

Kerry Airport is just to the north of Killarney and is the main gateway, receiving flights with major airlines from London, Frankfurt and several other European centres, as well as from all over Ireland. Cork International Airport is an alternative should you not be able to fly to Kerry, while those already in Ireland can get here by train and Bus Eirann. Major roads lead in from Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

Killarney’s climate is temperate with long summer days and short, cold and wet winter days. Its positioning in the southwest of Ireland sees slightly warmer temperatures, although somewhat wetter days than most other parts of the country. Regular Atlantic Ocean winds also bring temperatures down.

Spring and summer (May to September) are the best times to visit Killarney weather wise. These are the warmest and driest parts of the year, although it does get very crowded with tourists in July and August, the peak season. The months of May and June are slightly quieter and cheaper. Winters are cold, wet and foggy with frequent fierce winds.