Killorglin

Killorglin is a destination in Munster, Ireland.

Killorglin is a market town on the River Laune in County Kerry, best known for hosting the Puck Fair, one of Ireland's oldest fairs. The three-day festival (August) features a wild mountain goat crowned as king, street markets, music, and revelry. The town sits at the junction of the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara routes, making it a convenient stopping point.

The most practical way to reach Killorglin is by car, with good road connections from the surrounding area. Regional bus services may also serve the town, though schedules can be limited on weekends. The nearest airport is typically Shannon (SNN) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), depending on the specific location.

Killorglin is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended.

Killorglin village has a typical 19th century layout, with colourful low-rise along the narrow main street; the main road now makes a zigzag to bypass this. The statue of King Puck, a wild billy-goat and Lord of Misrule, stands by the bridge over River Laune. St James Church (Roman Catholic) was built in neo-Gothic style 1888-1891 but the money ran out so they never added the spire. The monument nearby at the top of Market St is to the Blennerhassett family, English gentry who acquired lands here during the Tudor Plantations of Munster. They married into the Conway family and came to own the castle, which is now just a single crumbling wall. Their main family line has died out but the name lives on, for example Frank Blennerhassett (1916-1993) was the judge who chaired the UK government committee on alcohol and driving, and John Blennerhassett (1930-2013) was a Kerry politician.

Ballykissane is the pier at the outlet of River Leane, which drains the Killarney lakes. A monument commemorates the first fatal cock-up of the omnishambles of the Easter Rising of 1916. A group of republicans were driving to Caherciveen to seize the radio station and set up a link with Roger Casement,

Golf:

Killorglin Golf Club , one km northeast of the village on N70, is 6467 yards, par 72. Dooks Golf Club is a links course west on the coast. It's 6511 yards, par 71, and a visitor round is €100-150.

Cappanlea is an activities centre on Lough Caragh. It's mostly about groups and instructor training, but those wannabe instructors need real tyros to demonstrate their skills with, so individuals are welcome by booking. Wide range of water-based and outdoor activities.

Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic driving route all the way down the west coast from Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. The local section is self-evident: from the north round Dingle Peninsula and Valentia Island and back to Castlemaine, then round Iveragh Peninsula through Killorglin, Caherciveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel and Kenmare, thence south to Beara Peninsula and County Cork. The Iveragh loop on N70 is also the Ring of Kerry, which from Kenmare circles back to Killarney.

Biddy's Day is celebrated on Imbolc , a Celtic festival at start of spring that's become Christianised as St Brigid's Day, 1 Feb. Costumed groups carry a Brídeóg effigy from house to house and pub to pub - a blessing for the year, an

Bianconi Inn ,

Annadale Rd, Killorglin ,

☏

+353 66 976 1146 .

Smart restaurant and bar, named for the fellow from Clonmel who set up a stagecoach network across Ireland, "one penny-farthing a mile". Food is served M-Sa from noon. They also have rooms.

B&B double €120 .   ( updated May 2021 )

Sol y Sombra ,

Bridge St, Killorglin V93 WR28 ,

☏

+353 66 976 2347 .

Tapas restaurant in a renovated 19th century church.   ( updated May 2021 )

Others along the main strip in Killorglin include Kingdom1795 , Sethu Curry House , and several takeaways.

Jack's Coastguard Restaurant ,

Cromane Lower V93 Y42F ,

☏

+353 66 976 9102 .

Restaurant W-Su 5-9:30PM, bar food daily 1-3PM .

Looks like a folksy pub from outside, but this is fine smart dining on great seafood.   ( updated May 2021 )

Pubs along the main strip in Killorglin include JD Falvey's, O'Shea's, Sheahan's, Paud O'Neill's and Bunker's Bar.

Red Fox Inn is next to Kerry Bog Village and is open daily 9AM-10PM.

Castlemaine on N70 to Tralee does not of course produce Castlemaine XXXX beer, that's from Milton in Brisbane , Queensland, but it's referenced in the folk song "The Wild Colonial Boy". He was Jack Donohue (1806-1830), transported from Ireland to Australia for theft, escaping to become a bush bandit, arrested but again escaping to lead a gang of armed robbers, and killed in a shoot-out with police.

Coffey's River's Edge B&B ,

The Bridge, Killorglin V93 E095 ,

☏

+353 66 976 1750 .

Smart friendly B&B in village centre.

B&B double €110 .   ( updated May 2021 )

Killorglin B&Bs also include Laune Bridge House , Grove Lodge , Aloha House, Torine House , Lakemount House and Westfield House .

Glenbeigh B&Bs along N70 include Glencurrah House, Towers Hotel , Emirview House and Forest View House .

Glenross Caravan & Camping Park ,

Glenbeigh V93 HF64 ,

☏

+353 66 976 5481 .

Clean spacious site along the main road open Jun-Sep.

Pitch €36 .   ( updated May 2021 )

Ard na Sidhe ,

Caragh Lake V93 HV57 ,

☏

+353 66 976 9105 .

Simply gorgeous hotel in a Victorian mansion. Great dining. Open Apr-Sep, no dogs.

B&B double €250 .   ( updated May 2020 )

Connect

Killorglin has 4G from all Irish carriers. As of Aug 2021, 5G has not reached this area.

Aldi west side of Killorglin is open M-F 9AM-10PM, Sa Su 9AM-9PM.

There are ATMs on the main strip outside Bank of Ireland and AIB.

Killarney is set by a lake with great views of Ireland's highest mountains.

Tralee the county town is a pleasant place and transport hub.

Caherciveen west is your next stop on the Ring of Kerry round Iveragh Peninsula.

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