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Great Southern Killarney

Killarney • Town Centre • OPTIMIZE

avg. $264 / night

Includes $14 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Location

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At a glance

An 1853 railway hotel with Victorian grandeur, coffered dining room, and 42 acres of manicured grounds near Killarney's lakes.

Best for: Heritage travelers and architecture enthusiasts

Highlights:

  • 1853 Italianate Georgian Revival landmark by Great Southern Railway
  • Coffered hexagonal dining room with Corinthian capitals and marble columns
  • 42 acres of grounds with horse-drawn carriage routes
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PB hotel design editorial

When the Great Southern Railway extended its line to Killarney in 1853, the company needed accommodation worthy of the Victorian tourist trade that was already turning Kerry's lake district into one of Europe's most visited landscapes. The hotel they commissioned — Great Southern Killarney, which opened the same year — was designed in an Italianate Georgian Revival manner, its rendered facade and pedimented columned entrance portico presenting a civic confidence that still reads clearly from the street today. Ivy climbs the rear wing, softening the building's considerable mass against the eighteen acres of grounds that separate it from the town's more commercial edges. Inside, the interiors hold two distinct registers in productive tension. The set-piece dining room, with its coffered hexagonal ceiling, gilded Corinthian capitals, veined marble columns, and deep crimson upholstered chairs, belongs to a tradition of grand hotel classicism that was already a century old when it was installed. The principal suites carry that same formal vocabulary — mahogany four-poster beds, gold-framed oil paintings of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, heavy silk drapes with bullion fringe — while the more recently refreshed garden-facing rooms take a quieter approach: sage-green panelled walls, navy velvet upholstered headboards, floral linen curtains, and brass bedside fittings that acknowledge contemporary Irish country house taste without abandoning the building's essential character. The 42-acre parkland setting, where horse-drawn carriages still circle the lawns, anchors it all.

Travel notes

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About

Killarney's Premier Historic hotel, Great Southern Killarney has been welcoming visitors since 1854. Great Southern is a Deluxe Victorian hotel located in Killarney town centre yet on its own private gardens of 6 acres. Guest accommodation includes 177 bedrooms; choose from a variety of suites, deluxe and classic rooms. Our restaurants include The Garden Room & Killarney Wine Rooms, unique dining experiences with delicious food & friendly service. Brownes Bar, is a cosy and relaxing bar to enjoy a light snack, drinks or taste some Whiskey. Car Parking is available complimentary on-site. The hotel's leisure facilities include 15 metre swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gymnasium and two outdoor tennis courts. Complimentary WI-FI is provided throughout the hotel.

Amenities

Room service

Fitness center

Suites

Internet

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Wheelchair Access

Pool

Restaurant

Great Southern Killarney Reviews

4,452 reviews

"Great experience when we stayed here. Staff were so nice from start to finish! They left little treats in the room as it was my birthday. Room was lovely, the bed was so comfortable. Very clean. Food is brilliant. Location is perfect. Had the best stay here and will definitely be back!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 30, 2026

"I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day at the Great Southern yesterday. Originally I had booked spa treatments at a hotel I was staying at the previous week. I ended up cancelling that booking to book treatments at the Great Southern's Beauty Room with the wonderful Roksana! I knew that no other experience would compare, so I waited to return from my holiday and had the loveliest day trip. When I arrived at the Beauty Room/ Health Club I was greeted by the lovely Firo. He remembered I was a returning client of Roksana's. He has a wonderful caring energy about him and I felt truly welcomed back to the Great Southern. That same caring energy was immediately felt when I was greeted by Roksana. I received a hot stone massage first. Roksana remembered I had been having foot pain and paid extra attention to my feet and legs which was much appreciated. Roksana's hot stone massage is honestly the best I have ever had! Her massage skills and intuition really provide the highest levels of relaxation. I also received the Great Southern Signature Facial. Not only is the experience totally relaxing but the benefits of Roksana's facial continue for weeks. Roksana's knowledge regarding skincare has been incrediblely helpful. She has advised a skincare routine at home which is making a huge difference in my skin as I am experiencing changes from perimenopause. I can't recommend enough booking treatments with Roksana! It was the best day away! Huge thanks to both Roksana and Firo for continuing to make my experiences at the Great Southern absolutely wonderful!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 29, 2026

"We had a wonderful stay at this hotel and couldn’t be happier with our experience. The staff were incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. The service was excellent throughout our stay, and the breakfast was delicious with a great variety of options. The hotel is also very family-friendly, which made our stay even more enjoyable. We were celebrating our daughter’s graduation, and the team surprised her with a thoughtful gift and delicious chocolates. It was such a sweet and unexpected gesture that made our celebration even more special. Thank you to everyone for your outstanding hospitality. We highly recommend this hotel and look forward to staying here again!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 27, 2026

"We enjoyed every moment of our time in this absolutely fantastic well located hotel. Each member of the staff were outstanding, both friendly & professional. The food was absolutely delicious & the atmosphere was so relaxing & refreshing. We enjoyed the music in the bar & the bar service was also excellent. It was our first time staying in the Great Southern for our holiday break & we would HIGHLY recommend this beautiful hotel. We will be back next year. Kindest Regards, Don & Noreen Griffin Limerick"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 27, 2026

"Absolutely fantastic stay! Where do I begin? First, the location is unbeatable. Perfectly situated in the heart of Killarney, everything is just a short walk from the town centre, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The hotel itself is stunning, both inside and out. The exterior is elegant and impressive, while the interiors strike a perfect balance between luxury and warmth. The rooms and common areas are beautifully appointed, offering a refined, stately atmosphere that still feels welcoming and comfortable. The accommodations are truly first-class, and the staff are exceptional. Every team member was attentive, professional, and genuinely committed to ensuring a memorable stay. The attention to detail throughout the property is remarkable and sets this hotel apart. Breakfast each morning was outstanding, with a wide selection of high-quality options, and Brown's, the hotel's bar and casual dining venue, was equally excellent. Both the food and service exceeded expectations. Overall, an exceptional experience from start to finish. I would not hesitate to stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Killarney."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 27, 2026

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