Private car transfer from Galway to Killarney

As you stumble out of an Irish pub with live folk music fading in the distance, you'll speed from the lively streets of Galway to unspoiled nature in a matter of minutes. Narrow roads lined by traditional villages and surrounded by fields of sheep make you feel as if you've just driven through a time warp. The enchanting geological wonders remain as they would've been described on page one of the book of Genesis.

You'll find it challenging to believe this is the main road to such a sought-after town. But once the flags and banners hanging between the colored buildings stand before you, you'll know you've landed in the historical lanes of Killarney.

This bucket-list experience may be an action-packed road trip. But keeping your eyes on the road among the jaw-dropping Irish countryside while remembering the drive on the left side of the road will spoil the venture. So keep reading to uncover how to travel from Galway to Killarney in 2024 and tips to help enhance the occasion!

Killarney’s remote location in Ireland's extreme southwest is why so many people visit. Exposed rock formations and dazzling lakes wedged between the Shehy Mountain range make this a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

History of Killarney

St. Finian the Leper founded a permanent settlement here in 640 AD, but it took several centuries before the site transformed into a village. After the Normans invaded in the 12th century, they built many military structures. Most notably, the O'Donoghue clan ordered the construction of Ross Castle in the 15th century.

The Desmond Rebellion was the most notable period in the city's history. This series of uprisings spread across Munster, and after the locals failed to prevent more English influence, the O'Donoghue clan lost control of the castle. Fortunately, most of the town remained intact, and by the 19th century, Muscross House Estate established itself as one of the English empire's most beautiful developments.

Modern Killarney

Today, Killarney is one of the few towns where you can experience true Irish culture. Traditional bars, decorated with wooden beams and local flags, scattered themselves from north to south and east to west. The city's charm radiates from the colorful buildings, and several boutique stores selling handmade goods offer the ideal souvenir as a reminder of this unique setting.

Although Killarney is like stepping into a time machine, its mindset isn't stuck in the past. The town has a modern rail system to Cork City, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the top-class Ring of Kerry route. It's also home to Ireland's first national park, and it even has a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing seasonal goods made from locally grown products!

• Languages: English and Irish
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT
• Climate: mild oceanic
• Plug type: G

Prepare for the rain

The Republic of Ireland is notorious for rain and overcast. Unfortunately, the west of the island sees the most rainfall. Due to the mountainous terrain, relief rain is not uncommon. So pack waterproof clothing and an umbrella, even if the sun is splitting the rocks in Galway.

Explore the outdoors

You can't visit Florida without soaking up the sun on the sand. So don't visit Ireland and miss out on exploring the outdoors. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, but if you prefer an alternative experience, head underground and roam the labyrinth of Crag Caves!

Research Killarney

With four hours to kill, the drive from Galway to Killarney is the ideal time to research Killarney. Whether searching for hidden gems or researching the tipping cultures, you'll add fun and peace of mind to your venture. Of course, if you're riding with Daytrio, you can just ask your driver!

Also, don't forget to check out events such as festivals or Gaelic football matches, where you can mix with fans and indulge in plenty of thrills, spills, and laughter.

A bus from Galway to Killarney

The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Galway to Killarney. However, Citylink seized links between the cities in 2016. So no direct modes of transportation are available.

Instead, you can catch a coach from Galway Bus Station to Limerick Bus Station. Then, you'll switch to a new carriage heading for Killarney Bus Station with the national bus provider, Bus Eireann.

You can purchase a ticket through their website or at the station. But make sure to bring cash if you're buying tickets in person, as many machines don't have card facilities.

• Lowest/highest price: €26.40-€37.60
• Average bus duration: 5 hours and 35 minutes
• First/last departure: 7:05 AM–3:05 PM

A train from Galway to Killarney

Despite being more expensive than the bus, the train is the most popular way for locals and tourists to travel from Galway to Killarney. Many backpackers travel on this route when utilizing the interrail pass, and many residents commuting to larger cities for work often make the services crowded.

No direct train operates from Galway to Killarney. After purchasing your ticket from Galway Ceannt to Killarney, you'll swap services at least twice at Limerick Colbert and Mallow. Change your location settings to the Republic of Ireland and book early for the lowest fares.

• Lowest/average price: €20-€33
• Fastest/average duration: 4 hours, 26 minutes; 5 hours, 14 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:25 AM–7:50 PM

A tour from Galway to Killarney

A tour is the most expensive and least popular method of travel from Galway to Killarney. Only a handful of tour companies operate on this route, usually during the busy summer. Also, this is only a return day trip, so if you plan on staying in Killarney, you'll still pay the full fare.

However, if you want a laid-back experience where stops such as the Cliffs of Moher are pre-planned, this could be a worthwhile experience.

• Lowest/average cost: €900–€1500 per vehicle (up to seven people)
• Average duration: 8.5 hours
• Departure times: 7 AM–9 AM

Daytrip from Galway to Killarney

Daytrip's door-to-door car service is the only direct way to get from Galway to Killarney without returning on the same day. Since you'll travel in a modern, private car, this is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.

Your professional driver will manage any luggage you may be traveling with. So you won't have to hurdle bags on and off while transferring on public transportation. Finally, you won't have to search for a storage facility while you explore the stunning sights en route.

Although we are a door-to-door service, we allow you to stop and admire the Emerald Isle's top landmarks. Unmissable sights include Athenry Castle, the historic city of Limerick, and, of course, the UNESCO World Heritage Cliffs of Moher!

• Seats from: €82
• Door-to-door Duration: 2 hours, 40 minutes
• English-speaking driver
• Equipped for children and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Lose yourself in Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is a jewel of Ireland, covering over 26,000 acres of stunning landscapes. The park is home to the famous Lakes of Killarney, lush woodlands, and the rugged terrain of the McGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, including Ireland's highest point, Carrauntoohil.

If you're traveling as a family, you can enjoy scenic walks, cycle paths, and sought-after boat tours. While wandering the walkways, look for highlights, including Muckross House, a Victorian mansion, and the tranquil Muckross Abbey, a Franciscan friary founded in the 15th century.

Listen to live folk music

In Killarney, you have no choice but to visit a traditional Irish pub and listen to authentic folk music. From the moment you step inside a dark tavern, you'll feel the vibrant energy emitting from the band and locals joining, whether singing or dancing.

Live music and a pint of beer go together like fine wine and cheese. So, if it's a sunny day, sit outside in a beer garden with the locals' choice of cider. Or, on a cold winter evening, opt for a tall glass of Guinness. And since you're in County Kerry, it would be rude not to sample a small glass of dingle whiskey from the nearby distillery!

Explore Ross Castle

First, you must trek the postcard gardens with fragrant wildflowers and woody aromas from the tree-lined paths. You can hire a romantic horse and cart to the setting, or if you walk, make sure you have waterproof shoes as the paths often flood even in the summer.

Once you arrive, Ross Castle’s 15th-century tower looms over its glimmering lake and breathtaking surroundings. The interior may not be as lavish as other medieval castles in Europe. But it offers an in-depth insight into the lives of Irish royalty in previous centuries.

Take a day trip to Skellig Michael

Star Wars fans might already recognize one of Europe’s most iconic movie settings. It's the spot where the blockbuster film introduced Luke Skywalker back to the audience during Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

But whether you're a movie fan or not, this magical attraction 60 miles west of Killarney will leave you speechless. Ancient monasteries and settlements pepper themselves throughout the jagged landscape, and you can explore every nook and cranny after a short boat tour from the mainland!

From April to mid-June, the average daily high temperature is almost 59° Fahrenheit. Since natural wonders surround Killarney, the weather is warm enough to spend time outdoors but not too overpowering while hiking.

Many events start to spring up during this period. Farmers markets draw people from the surrounding towns and villages into Killarney on weekends, creating a buzzing atmosphere. It's also the beginning of the highly anticipated Munster Gaelic football championship, which you can watch live in Fitzgerald Stadium or with the locals in an Irish bar!