Munster (The South) - Ireland for Tourists - page 77

Killarney
You can walk from one end of Killarney to the other in about 40 minutes. But packed into
that tiny space is a huge selection of Ireland's liveliest pubs, and the surrounding countryside
includes some extremely beautiful scenery, wildlife, and picturesque castles. Between its
19 th -century architecture and the timeless atmosphere of its storefronts and bars, Killarney
can feel like a slice of a bygone era in Irish history. (This is, in part due to a recent ban on
plastic store signs - half a protection for the town's scenic charm, and half a way of protect-
ing the traditional signmaking craft.)
Eat, Sleep, and Drink
Tiny Killarney (population 14,219) has only a small number of hotels, restaurants, and pubs,
but all of them are excellent. You'd have to go out of your way to have a bad experience
here.
Since the town is so small and easy to walk, it doesn't matter much where you stay - the
choice is really dependent on personal preference. The top end of the spectrum is Aghadoe
Heights Hotel & Spa , a 5-star establishment with spectacular views, fine dining, and plenty
of pampering. At the budget end, you'll find Neptune's Hostel , where backpackers come
not only for the cheap rooms but also the many day tours operated by the hostel's manage-
ment. There's also the charming Sugan Hostel downtown, a Mom & Pop operation whose
owners love to socialize with travelers. In between, there are plenty of small B&B's (includ-
ing the luxury guesthouse at Inveraray Farm ) and mid-range hotels.