Kerry Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Kerry Airport at Farranfore is about 15-18 km from Killarney, a 15-20 minute drive that leads almost straight to the gates of Killarney National Park: that's why nearly every lodging option clusters in the lake town, the classic starting point for the Ring of Kerry. There are no real alternatives right next to the terminal itself, so the choice is between Killarney's centre, within walking distance of restaurants and pubs, and the heights of Aghadoe just outside town, with views over the lakes instead of the road.

Killarney town centre

City centre · 15-20 minutes by car from the airport (15-18 km); there's no direct train from Farranfore to Killarney, so a car, taxi or local bus is needed.

Best for: For those who want pubs, restaurants and the bus station for the Ring of Kerry within walking distance.

Pros

Pubs, restaurants and the Ring of Kerry tour buses within walking distance of the centre
Entrance to Killarney National Park a few minutes' walk from the main streets

Cons

No direct rail link from Farranfore airport
In summer months the centre gets very touristy, with heavy foot traffic in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Arbutus Hotel: Family-run hotel on College Street since 1926, with some rooms still in the original Celtic Deco style of the nineteen-twenties; traditional in-house pub and breakfast made to order.

See more hotels in this area →

Aghadoe

Neighbourhood · A few minutes' drive from Killarney's centre, about 20 minutes from the airport; a car or taxi is needed, it's not within walking distance of the centre.

Best for: For those who want views over the Killarney lakes and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks without staying right in the centre.

Pros

Views over the Killarney lakes and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains from most rooms
Indoor pool and spa, rare among lodgings in the Killarney area

Cons

Outside the centre: a car is needed for dinner or pubs other than the hotel's own
Prices noticeably higher than in Killarney's centre

Recommended hotels in this area

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa: Five-star hotel on a height overlooking the Killarney lakes and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, about 3 km from the centre; indoor pool, panoramic terrace and two restaurants, including the Lake Room.

See more hotels in this area →