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Great Southern Killarney

Great Southern Killarney

Killarney, Ireland

Built in 1854, the family-owned Great Southern Killarney exudes luxury. From the stately portico and delicate creeping ivy to the high ceilings, grand piano and striking floor tiles, you know you are somewhere special.

An air of refined elegance permeates the public rooms with exquisite furnishings, grand fireplaces and rich fabrics to surround you as you enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, fine whiskey or vintage wine. Guest rooms remain true to the hotel's historic nature while still meeting the needs of contemporary visitors with stylish furnishings and modern amenities.

Service is exceptional and facilities are outstanding with an expansive gym, beauty services, children facilities and several dining options. Guests can also stroll in the lush grounds or walk into Killarney in just five minutes. 

OUR OPINION:

A beautiful and luxurious property which exudes the elegance of a country manor while being centrally located in the heart of Killarney.

OUR RATING: First Class

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who's been there
Audley Travel Specialist Lydia

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Rooms

The 172 classically elegant guest rooms are designed to suit a variety of tastes. Decor ranges from an elaborate Victorian style with heavy drapery, ornate wooden headboards, sparkling chandeliers and gilt frames to a sleek, contemporary design in neutral tones. All rooms are spacious and fully equipped with modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. They also feature stylish marble bathrooms with power showers and, in deluxe rooms and suites, separate baths. The suites offer the utmost luxury with four-poster beds and freestanding claw foot bathtubs. Family rooms can accommodate up to four and interconnecting rooms can sleep up to two adults and three children.

Location

The hotel is nestled in six acres of lush grounds scattered with landscaped gardens, secluded alcoves, tennis courts and a children’s playground. Although one of the main appeals is its tranquil nature, the property is only five minutes’ walk from the heart of Killarney town and on the edge of Killarney National Park, a rugged, mountainous park filled with hiking trails and scenic vistas.

Food and drink

A scrumptious breakfast featuring homemade pastries and fresh bread is served daily in the ornate Garden Room, a grand restaurant with a molded domed ceiling and marble columns topped with gilt capitals. At night, it is transformed into an intimate, fine-dining establishment with a set menu. Casual fare can be enjoyed in the comfortable Punchbowl Bar, which continues the hotel's policy of only serving fresh, locally-sourced food with much of the produce coming from the hotel gardens. Delicious appetizers and wine can also be enjoyed in the stylish Killarney Wine Rooms.

Families

The hotel offers numerous activities to keep children occupied during their stay. Facilities include an on-site children’s indoor playroom and outdoor playground. A nutritious and appetizing children’s menu is served in the hotel restaurant and family-fun activities are organized during the summer break and select holidays. Babysitting services are also available on request. 

Facilities and activities

Work out in the well-equipped gym or plunge into the indoor swimming pool with its floor-to-ceiling windows that provide views of the hotel’s lush gardens. Spa amenities include a purifying sauna, steam room and a treatment area that offers a variety of beauty services. Guests can choose from a full range of facials and massages. 

Tour ideas in Killarney

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Great Southern Killarney as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Gap of Dunloe jaunting car and boat trip
      Jaunting car on Gap of Dunloe

      Gap of Dunloe jaunting car and boat trip

      Gap of Dunloe jaunting car and boat trip

      Discover the stunning lakeland scenery of Killarney National Park on this leisurely looped tour up the magnificent Gap of Dunloe, an ancient glacial valley, by horse and carriage then across the inky Killarney lakes in an open boat.

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    • Irish whiskey & farmhouse cheese pairing
      Whiskey glasses

      Irish whiskey & farmhouse cheese pairing

      Irish whiskey & farmhouse cheese pairing

      Discover the secrets behind the making of Irish whiskey on this enjoyable experience that introduces key ingredients and the difference they make to a whiskey's taste and tone. You'll get a tutored tasting as well as pairings with wonderful farmhouse cheeses.

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    • Kayak to Innisfallen Island
      Killarney lake

      Kayak to Innisfallen Island

      Kayak to Innisfallen Island

      Paddle across the inky depths of Lough Leane in a kayak to discover the mysterious ruins of Innisfallen Island, an incredibly romantic spot in the heart of the Killarney lakes where Irish heroes were educated and a herd of deer roam freely.

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    Killarney and nearby places