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Where to Stay in Ring of Kerry

Where to Stay in Ring of Kerry

Ring Of Kerry County Kerry, Ireland Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Traditional and Budget-Friendly

  • Hotels

    From budget-friendly to luxurious 5-star properties, concentrated mainly in Killarney and Kenmare. They generally provide amenities like restaurants and bars.

  • Guesthouses & B&Bs

    The most widespread form of accommodation, offering personalized service, a cozy atmosphere, and often a full Irish breakfast. Find them throughout towns and rural areas.

  • Self-Catering

    Includes cottages, apartments, and holiday homes. This option is popular for families or longer stays, allowing flexibility for cooking and more space. Many have laundry facilities.

  • Camping & Glamping

    Designated campsites for tents and caravans, popular during summer. Some glamping options feature comfortable, pre-erected tents or cabins with amenities.

Specialty Stays

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly hostels with dormitories and sometimes private rooms. Mainly located in Killarney. They have a social atmosphere and communal facilities.

  • Farm Stays

    For a distinctive experience, consider a farm stay on a working farm. These often include breakfast and opportunities to experience rural Irish life.

  • House Sitting

    For extended, cost-effective stays, consider house sitting through platforms like TrustedHousesitters, allowing you to care for pets and homes in exchange for free accommodation.

  • Service Apartments

    For longer visits, serviced apartments merge hotel services with the amenities of a home, including kitchens and living areas, available in larger towns.

Neighborhood Guide

Each town along the Ring of Kerry offers a distinct character.

Killarney

Pros
  • Excellent base for exploring.
  • Wide choice of accommodation and dining.
  • Good transport links and organized tours.
  • Lively nightlife. Central to many attractions.
Cons
  • Can be very crowded and more expensive in high season.
  • May feel less authentically rural.
  • Standard city precautions for petty crime in crowded areas.

Kenmare

Pros
  • Good selection of quality restaurants.
  • Scenic setting.
  • Less crowded than Killarney.
  • Good base for exploring both the Ring and Beara Peninsula.
Cons
  • Smaller range of budget accommodation.
  • Fewer public transport connections than Killarney.

Sneem

Pros
  • Very scenic and charming for a quieter stay.
  • Access to nearby beaches and hiking trails.
  • Very safe.
Cons
  • Limited dining and accommodation options.
  • More remote feel.

Choosing Your Base

Lively Atmosphere:

If you prefer a lively atmosphere with many dining and tour options, Killarney a strong candidate.

Quieter Charm:

For a quieter, charming experience with excellent food, Kenmare a strong contender.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices can save money and help you get your preferred accommodation.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (June-August): Book several months in advance, especially in Killarney and for popular B&Bs. Skellig Michael tours book up to a year ahead.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book a few weeks to a month in advance, especially for weekends.
  • Low Season (November-March): More flexibility, but still book a few days to a week ahead, especially for specific preferences or smaller towns.
  • Note: Many smaller B&Bs may close for part of the winter.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Reservation Systems

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com for hotels, guesthouses, and some B&Bs.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo for self-catering cottages and apartments.
  • Local Tourism Websites: Discover Ireland for B&Bs and guesthouses not on major OTAs.
  • Direct Booking: Contacting B&Bs or small hotels directly can sometimes lead to better rates.

Important Policies

Deposit and Cancellation:
  • Policies vary by property.
  • Check requirements and cancellation policies carefully before booking.
  • Many properties offer free cancellation up to a certain point (e.g., 24 or 48 hours before arrival).
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
  • Prices are highest in July and August.
  • Significantly lower in winter.
  • Moderate during the shoulder seasons.
  • Traveling during shoulder seasons offers good weather and better value.

Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates

Common Practice:

Negotiating walk-in rates is not a common practice for established hotels or B&Bs in Ireland.

Limited Possibility:

It might occasionally be possible for very small, independent guesthouses in the very low season.

Expectation:

Do not expect prices to be negotiable; they are usually fixed.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some types of accommodation recommendations, with examples based on budget and type.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Hostel e.g., The Black Sheep Hostel, Killarney

Offers dorms, communal kitchen, and a social atmosphere.

  • Price Range: €30-€50 (dorm bed)
  • Type: Budget
  • Location: Killarney
B&B e.g., Old Weir Lodge, Killarney

Value, comfortable, good breakfast, walkable to town.

  • Price Range: €80-€120 (double)
  • Type: Budget
  • Location: Killarney

Mid-Range & Luxury Options

Guesthouse e.g., Lake Hotel, Killarney

Scenic lake views, good facilities, traditional Irish charm.

  • Price Range: €150-€250 (double)
  • Type: Mid-Range
  • Location: Killarney
Hotel e.g., Park Hotel Kenmare

Historic, elegant, wellness facilities, good dining.

  • Price Range: €200-€350 (double)
  • Type: Mid-Range
  • Location: Kenmare

Family-Friendly Options

  • Hotels and Self-Catering:

    Many properties cater to families, offering family rooms or apartments with separate living spaces.

  • Amenities:

    Properties with swimming pools, playgrounds, or extensive grounds are popular choices for those with children.

  • Space and Flexibility:
  • Holiday Parks:

    Look for holiday parks offering various activities for children.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels in Killarney:

    Provide a social environment, making it easy to meet other travelers.

  • B&Bs:

    Very welcoming for solo travelers; hosts often share local insights and conversation.

  • Central Locations:

    Consider staying in centrally located accommodations for straightforward access to transport and activities.

  • Guided Tours:

    Joining day tours from Killarney can offer social interaction and hassle-free exploration.

Long-Stay Accommodations

Self-Catering Cottages or Apartments

These are ideal for stays of a week or more.

  • Offer amenities like full kitchens.
  • Include laundry facilities.
  • Cost-effective choice for extended visits.
  • Many are available for weekly rentals.
Benefits for Extended Visits

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a home away from home.

  • Greater flexibility with meal preparation.
  • More living space than standard hotel rooms.
  • Integration into local communities.
  • Access to local markets for fresh ingredients.

Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney

A 5-star lakeside property with extensive grounds and luxury amenities.

Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Killarney

A 5-star historic hotel forming part of the Muckross Estate, near Killarney National Park.

Derrynane House area, Caherdaniel

While mainly a museum, accommodations in the surrounding area share historical links with Daniel O'Connell's ancestral home.