Most people visit Killarney as among the stops in the Ring of Kerry, for its national park or as an endpoint in the Kerry Way walking trail. Its diverse, dramatic landscapes are among the best in Ireland, but that’s not everything this town has to offer.
Killarney also boasts of a number of cafés and restaurants that serve good food that a lot of visitors recommend. It also has a pub scene, with around 50 of them spread all over town, which caters to every type of customer preference.
It’s not easy to pick out just a certain number to recommend, as there are so many choices but for those visiting the town for the first time, here are some of the best pubs in Killarney that you must visit.
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10 Must-Visit Pubs in Killarney, Ireland
1. Courtney’s Bar
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Courtney’s wooden interiors, big open fireplace, and the fact that it’s a family-run establishment give it that cozy, homey feel that’s a hit among its patrons. It’s been around since the 1800s and known for its diverse selection of beers, craft beers, and whiskeys.
This historic pub also boasts of great music sessions. The owner, Brian Murphy also holds whiskey tasting events for connoisseurs of Ireland’s other favorite drink. Perfect for unwinding with a pint or hanging out with friends, Courtney’s is one of the best pubs in the country that’s worth a visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday – 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday – 2:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Sunday – 2:00 PM to 11:oo PM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 64 663 2689
Email: courtneysbar@gmail.com
Address: Plunkett Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
2. John M. Reidy’s
Any list of the Killarmey’s best pubs won’t be complete without mentioning Reidy’s. It is pretty new, just a few years old, but it’s already attracting attention from locals and tourists alike.
This used to be a sweetshop and even if it now has a pub in its place, they kept the old fashioned shopfront with the jars in the display window.
Reidy’s has the charm of an old Irish farmhouse and a hipster bar and boasts of an interior layout that’s best for groups hanging out or people who wanted a sense of privacy as they unwind with their pint.
There are long side rooms and booths for you and your friends, plus a great selection of cocktails along with the usual beer or whiskey for you to enjoy.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Contact Information
Phone: 064 663 2546
Address: 4-5 MAIN ST, KILLARNEY, CO KERRY, IRELAND
3. Killarney Brewing Company
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Killarney Brewing Company isn’t your usual Irish pub with a fine selection of beer and whiskey plus traditional Irish music. Instead, their specialty are craft beers, and there are a variety of brews to choose from.
Be sure to pair it with any variant of their much raved about pizza, and you’ll know why this place is among the best pubs in Killarney. They also have an interesting ‘tour’ on offer for guests, where they show a hilarious video about the beginnings of this one-of-a-kind Irish pub.
Opening Hours
Monday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Tuesday to Saturday – 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Sunday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 64 663 6505
Email: tours@killarneybrewing.com
Address: Muckross Road, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland
4. Murphy’s
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If you’re looking for that trademark Irish hospitality that’s warm, loud, friendly and full of ‘craic’, then Murphy’s is a must-visit. This wee pub may seem cramped but it’s got a lot of character seen in its walls and even the bar counter that you’d just want to stay longer.
From the dollar bills with written notes from happy visitors to the curious other things you’d on the walls, you’re in for a night that’s not just about having a pint or two.
Murphy also has a restaurant on its second floor if you want some hearty pub grub and there’s never a shortage of talented musicians if you’re in the mood for some live music.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday – 9:00 Am to 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: + 353 64-6631294
Email: info@murphysofkillarney.com
Address: Murphy’s, 18 College Street, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland
5. Tatler Jack’s
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Tatler Jack’s surprise the moment you step inside, as you realize how busy it actually is. This long, narrow yet surprisingly spacious pub looks tiny and unassuming from the outside, but literally packs a punch with its friendly atmosphere, superb live music, good food and a fine selection of drinks. This is the quintessential Irish pub, and one of the best in Killarney.
Be sure to check out the cool interiors as you sip from your pint, especially the jerseys lining the wall behind the bar. They are excellent conversation starters as well as a fun way to know kore about the Tatler Jack’s as well as some local history.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Sunday – 12:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: (064) 663 2361
Email: info@tatlerjack.ie
Address: 23-29 Plunkett Street Killarney Co. Kerry. V93 VY2P
6. The Grand
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A popular venue for stag or hen parties, The Grand is without a doubt, among the best Killarney pubs. You can totally hang out here even if you’re not part of a boisterous party, enjoy their wide selection of drinks and pub grub, and party seven nights a week.
There’s either traditional Irish music, a band, or a DJ each night — maybe all of them in one fun-filled night. Whether you’re doing a pub crawl or simply wanted to try out the nightlife in Killarney, be sure to come to The Grand.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday – 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM
Sunday – 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0) 64 6631159
Address: Main Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
7. The Lane Café Bar
The Lone Cafe Bar pretty much has everything — great location right in the heart of town, good food, and creative cocktails, a laidback atmosphere as well as huge windows that are perfect for people-watching.
This sounds more like a place where you’d typically hang out with friends and it truly is. Its location in a town that’s part of the Ring of Kerry makes it a wonderful place to be if you’re going pub hopping.
This pub is more trendy than traditional but it never loses that warmth and appeal, making it one of the best pubs in Killarney.
Contact Information
Phone: 353 (0) 64 6631855
Email: hello@theross.ie
Address: The Ross, Town Centre, Killarney, Co. Kerry
8. The Laurels Pub
Known to be traditional and typically Irish, The Laurels is a great stop if ever you’re looking for the best pubs in Killarney. This place is a must if you’re after something that’s uniquely Irish, and if you want to be somewhere that’s probably as old as most castles in Ireland.
The Laurels Pub may not have been from the middle ages or the Renaissance era, it’s only a hundred years old but got its unique charm nonetheless. Enjoy their wide selection of some of Ireland’s finest drinks, or check out the music. There’s traditional Irish on Wednesdays and live bands during weekends.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM t0 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday – 10:30 AM t0 12:30 AM
Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0)64 6631149
Email: info@thelaurelspub.com
Address: Main St, Co.Kerry, Ireland
9. The Shire
A truly unique pub that’s a definite must-visit in Killarney. The Shire was named after the homeland of the hobbits in Middle Earth, a fictional world created by the late great J. R. R. Tolkien in his fantasy book series Lord of The Rings.
Whether you’re a fan of the books or movies or simply curious, you’re in for a fun treat at The Shire. This place is best known for gourmet burgers, best paired with their diverse selection of beer, whiskey, and cocktails.
Pay attention as most of the items on the bar and menu have names that are referenced from LoTR. Be sure to include The Shire in your itinerary if you’re spending a few mights in Killarney, as it’s often regarded as among the best in town.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday – 8:00 AM t0 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday – 8:00 AM t0 12:00 AM
Sunday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: 064 667 1605
Email: info@theshirekillarney.com
Address: Michael Collins Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 CP26, Ireland
10. Hannigan’s
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An award winner that’s definitely one of the best pubs in Killarney, Hannigan’s also takes pride in its food offerings. Using ingredients that are always fresh and locally sourced, this place is much loved by locals and tourists alike.
They serve both local and international cuisine, as well as desserts like Bailey’s cheesecake. The bar boasts of a fine selection of the usual beer and whiskey, as well as cocktails and spirits.
Hannigan’s is among the best pubs in Killarney that’s great for families and groups, and a must-visit when you’re in town. With its century-old history, cozy interiors, and that unmistakably Irish brand of hospitality, you’ll never go wrong with Hannigan’s.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0) 64-6631816
Email: info@killarneyinternational.com
Address: Kenmare Place, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.
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