visiting the festival

Instead of reproducing invaluable work, we’ll direct you to the replete OFFICIAL KILLARNEY WEBSITE

It’s full to brimming with all the wonderful things you can do whilst on a festival visit. No-one will tell if you miss an odd screening to take in some of the singular vistas that Killarney is known for. We say that. But we will judge you…harshly!

KIFF RECOMMENDS …

However,  as well as devouring film, we’ve keen appetites for other tasty morsels to be found in and about Killarney.  We also have some accommodation advice. Keep scrolling for some recommendations.

HOTELS

  • Randles Hotel  – Supporters of KIFF, this 4-star hotel is known for its superb comfort and elegance.
  • The Great Southern Hotel – Queen Victoria visited this beloved icon in 1861, thus putting Killarney on the map as a tourist town. It is ideally next to the train station.
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel – KIFF supporter, this deluxe 4-star is within spittin’ distance of cinema.
  • Killarney Towers Hotel – Offers 4-star comfort surrounded by a backdrop of outdoor adventure.
  • Killarney Avenue Hotel – A family owned 4 Star Hotel located across from the Golden Gates of the Killarney National Park.
  • Dromhall Hotel
  • The Lake Hotel – Another supporter of KIFF, this 4-star hotel boasts an unbelievable lakeside location.
  • The Ross – A cool, design-led, family-owned boutique hotel that offers sustainable packages.

See below for B&Bs & Hostel information also

HOTELS

  • Randles Hotel  – Supporters of KIFF, this 4-star hotel is known for its superb comfort and elegance.
  • The Great Southern Hotel – Queen Victoria visited this beloved icon in 1861, thus putting Killarney on the map as a tourist town. It is ideally next to the train station.
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel – KIFF supporter, this deluxe 4-star is within spittin’ distance of cinema.
  • Killarney Towers Hotel – Offers 4-star comfort surrounded by a backdrop of outdoor adventure.
  • Killarney Avenue Hotel – A family owned 4 Star Hotel located across from the Golden Gates of the Killarney National Park.
  • Dromhall Hotel
  • The Lake Hotel – Another supporter of KIFF, this 4-star hotel boasts an unbelievable lakeside location.
  • The Ross – A cool, design-led, family-owned boutique hotel that offers sustainable packages.

See below for B&Bs & Hostel information also

posh nosh

  • Kayne’s Bar – at Dromhall Hotel – A popular spot known for its steak, seafood and seasonal dishes.
  • Checkers Restaurant at Randles Hotel – Irish produce in an ambience of Irish rural splendour.
  • Café Du Parc, Killarney – Known for its Funky Brunch at the weekends.
  • The Porterhouse Killarney – A family-run restaurant in the heart of Killarney town with casual quaint interiors featuring comfortable booths throughout.
  • Treyvauds – A family-run restaurant specialising in international cuisine.
  • Bricín Restaurant – Established 26 years ago by two brothers with a love of Irish cuisine and culture.
  • The Cellar at The Ross – They’ve an excellent range of natural and biodynamic wines.
  • The Mad Monk – Superb award-winning Kerry seafood from the the much-lauded Quinlan’s group.
  • Murphy Brownes Restaurant – No 1 in Killarney on Trip Advisor. Seriously good.

Proper coffee, like.

Toothsome Fayre w/ Pint

Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder – An inviting combination of exciting food and beverages. 
Hannigans Bar and Restaurant – This gem is directly opposite cinema. Known for its incredible service.
Scotts – Good bar food, good company and a great pint. 
JM Reidy’s  – Food only till 6 pm but plenty of liquid food to be had thereafter…
Fáilte Bar and Restaurant – Quality pub grub and atmosphere to match. 
Killarney Brewing Company – Delicious, hand-crafted Killarney brews and wood-fired oven-baked pizza.
Kaynes Bar & Brasserie – offers a friendly and relaxing atmosphere; a popular choice for locals.

QUICK BITES

  • Tango Street Food – At Tango they serve authentic, nutritious and tasty gourmet food that will transport you to Buenos Aires without a 14 hour flight!
  • The Curious Cat – A popular cafe with great vegetarian options.
  • Milanos – The well-known pizza chain is a stone’s throw from KIFF venues and always reliable.
  • Khao Asian Street Food  – Who doesn’t love a good Thai dish with an ice cold beer?
  • Kayne’s Bar & Bistro – offers a friendly and relaxing atmosphere; a popular choice for locals.
  • Eleven77 Food Bus – an exciting take-out menu from an innovative team.

quality PUBS

JM Reidy’s  – Basically we love this place, for eating and drinking, morning, noon and night. 
Courtneys – One of the oldest and most celebrated pubs in Killarney. Beautiful wooden interiors. 
The Laurels Pub – Beloved Killarney pub, owned by the O’Leary family for over a century!
Murphy’s Bar – Great Guiness and you’re likely to find a session. 

KIFF recommends quality pub landscape

late nights

JM Reidy’s  – Yes, we know. We may have mentioned this lot before but it really is a quality stopping place.
Social 15  – Killarney’s newest nightlife venue.
Killarney Grand – Live music 7 nights a week, kicking off at 9pm with trad music sessions.
The Liquid Lounge  – Aimed at the over 30s, with resident pianist and comfy seats.
Fáilte – A session or two has taken place here over the years… 
Dunloe & Tatler Jack’s – Local musicians play every weekend. 

KIFF recommends night clubs landscape

b & B

Slieve Bloom Manor – Highly-acclaimed, family-run, eco B & B
Ardree House B&B – Superbly situated, close to all that Killarney has to offer, including KIFF venues.
The Gardens – This unassuming B & B is very central but nestled away in its own secluded gardens.
Killarney Lodge  – Superb location, exceptional service and charming ambience, not to mention the finest home baking!
Cherry Tree Guesthouse – Cherry Tree Accommodation is a room-only accommodation, located on Killarney’s golden mile.

KIFF recommends B&B landscape

air b n b

Priory Glamping Pod – This is an en-suite pod for two, set in a  leafy backdrop but very near KIFF venues.
Charming Terrace House – This 3-bed is an absolute delight. It would suit a family or gang of pals.
Town-centre apartment – Highly rated and deservedly so. This is a newly renovated one bedroom gem.

hostels

The Black Sheep Hostel  – a multi-award-winning eco-hostel in a recently renovated, 19th century townhouse.