Killarney

Private car transfer
from Dublin to Killarney

Door-to-door
in 3 h 40 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Dublin.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 40 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Killarney.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 309 km
  • 3 h 40 min

Overview: car trip from Dublin to Killarney

Plan your private car trip from Dublin to Killarney if you are into exploring Ireland from its east to the southwest. Going through the heart of the country, the distance spans approximately 186 miles (about 300 km) which takes around 3-4 hours by car. Heading west from Ireland’s buzzing capital, you’ll pass through several counties, offering views of the rolling fields of the Irish Midlands.

The route offers beautiful stops along the way which you shouldn’t miss. The first one of them can be Nenagh Castle built in the 13th century by Theobald FitzWalter. Don’t skip climbing the 101-step stairs for incredible views of the area. Put Limerick, a Norman city that houses the highest Gothic church tower in Ireland, as your next stop in your itinerary. After that, stop by Crag Cave, the 10th longest cave system in Ireland, decorated with lights, pathways, and a music system.

About Killarney

Killarney is renowned for its incredible natural beauty located among lakes and mountains. St. Mary’s Cathedral, Muckross House, and Ross Castle are just a few of the attractions that make this area a must-visit.

Killarney's history began with medieval religious sites that were established in the area, including a monastery founded by St. Finian the Leper on nearby Innisfallen Island in 640. It's successfully managed to preserve its historical sites, atmosphere, and ancient nature and maintain an aura of early Irish history. The town itself is a welcoming spot with plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, serving as a great base for exploring the wider Kerry region.

Killarney is especially famous for its natural heritage that expands among lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and vast forests. Killarney National Park is a magnificent showcase of Irish nature with world-famous lakes, the heritage sites of Reenadinna Woods, and numerous trails for nature enthusiasts. Learn more about Killarney here.

From Dublin to Killarney: travel tips

Daytrip’s door-to-door private car service from Dublin to Killarney is specifically tailored according to your preferences to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. While your driver will make sure everything goes smoothly, with the following tips you can also ensure you have a comfortable journey without any problem.

Pack essentials

Bring along your neck pillow, a blanket, or your favorite snacks to make the journey more enjoyable. Be prepared for changing weather conditions by packing rain gear and layers. Even if it starts sunny in Dublin, it might be rainy by the time you reach Killarney. Check the official Irish weather website Met Eireann frequently!

Stay connected

Ensure your phone is charged and you have a way to charge while you travel. This is important for taking photos, using maps, or researching spots spontaneously along your route.

Explore along the way

Use your road trip as an opportunity to explore local attractions, cuisine, and shops during your stops. Ireland is known for its hospitality, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with your driver or at a local café or shop!

How to get from Dublin to Killarney

There are several different options for traveling from Dublin to Killarney. Which you choose depends on your priorities whether it is comfort, time, or cost. Here are the ways to get to Killarney:

Dublin to Killarney by private car service

The time it takes to get from Dublin to Killarney is approximately three to four hours, depending on traffic and exact starting/ending points. Traveling with Daytrip is the most comfortable, convenient, and flexible option since you can travel door-to-door on your own schedule. You can plan your itinerary, book your trip online, and pick out which sightseeing stops you want to visit to enrich your time in Ireland.

Dublin to Killarney by train

Getting to Killarney by train takes around three to three and a half hours to the nearest station, plus additional time for transfers or getting to your final destination in Killarney. Irish Rail operates services from Dublin Heuston Station to Killarney with a change at Mallow Station.

Though Irish trains are comfortable and offer scenic views, train schedules can be less flexible than traveling with a private car, and you may need additional transportation to reach your accommodation from the train station in Killarney.

Dublin to Killarney by bus

Depending on the service, taking a bus to Killarney takes four to five hours of your time. Direct bus services are available from Dublin to Killarney, operated by companies like Bus Éireann or private operators. Buses can be a cost-effective option but might take longer than driving or the train, especially with variable traffic conditions. Comfort and amenities vary by service.

Things to do when you get to Killarney

Traveling from Dublin to Killarney means landing in a town full of history and natural beauty. Here are some of the things you need to do before you leave Killarney.

Step into a fairytale at Ross Castle

Ross Castle was built in the 15th century and preserves the history of numerous clans that lived here and its military history. It rests by the edge of Lough Leane, one of the three Killarney Lakes, and is surrounded by mountains and hills. The picture-perfect countryside around this semi-ruined castle makes this a trip into a fantasy book. There is a famous legend that O'Donoghue, the castle's founder, disappeared into the lakes and his spirit lies under the water. So beware of magic!

Explore the Killarney National Park

From Ross Castle, continue into the trails, greenery, and views the national park offers. Explore it on foot or by bike to cover even more ground. Follow the trail towards the Killarney Lakes and reach Muckross House and Gardens. After enjoying the 19th-century mansion and the royal beauty of the gardens, proceed to Torc Waterfall. Be ready with your camera to capture the mesmerizing atmosphere around the waterfall.

Catch some fresh seafood

Don’t leave Killarney without feasting in at least two seafood restaurants. The way Irish cuisine deals with seafood is different from what you might have tried somewhere else. Try their crab bake, fish burger, fish tacos, and prawns. Some of the best restaurants you can explore in Killarney are Bricin, Mad Monk, and Quinland’s Seafood Bar.

When is the best time to visit Killarney

The best time to plan your visit from Dublin to Killarney is from May to June for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. July and August offer the warmest weather, perfect for exploring natural attractions but expect peak tourist crowds and higher prices. September to October provides a quieter experience with mild weather and beautiful autumn foliage.

The off-peak season from November to April has cooler, wetter conditions and fewer tourists, suitable for those seeking solitude and lower accommodation rates.

Each season offers a unique experience: late spring to early summer for serene outdoor adventures, summer for lively atmospheres and optimal exploration, and early autumn for colorful landscapes with fewer visitors. Choose based on your preference for weather, activities, and crowd levels.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Dublin to Killarney

From Dublin Airport to Killarney, the most direct and convenient way is to book a private, door-to-door car transfer with Daytrip. Other options include driving or taking a bus to Heuston Station in Dublin and then catching a train to Killarney. Direct buses from Dublin Airport to Killarney are available, though less frequent.
The best driving route from Dublin to Killarney is via the M7 and N21, passing through Limerick. This route offers a mix of motorway and national roads, showcasing Ireland's countryside, towns, and villages, making for a scenic and straightforward journey.
Yes, there is a direct train to Killarney from Dublin. Departing from Heuston Station, the journey takes approximately 3-3.5 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic route across the Irish landscape to the heart of Kerry.
You need at least 2 days in Killarney. One day for the town and one day for the countryside. And that gives you 6 hearty meals. Of course, because the Killarney National Park is so large, you'll want to spend longer if you want to explore the lake country to the fullest.
Only if you want to immerse yourself in Irish history, culture, and the beautiful countryside. Killarney’s town has historic monuments and pubs that come to life with live music, while the 24,700-acre (10,000-hectare) Killarney National Park is a delight for walking or biking.
Between Dublin and Killarney, two of the most popular places to stop are Castletown House, for its incomparable Palladium architecture, and Crag Cave for the stupendous cave formations with Tolkein-inspired names.

Visit these sights on the way

Castletown House

Castletown House

The first and largest manor of its kind in Ireland, this elegant estate immerses visitors in the beauty of days gone by. Principal Palladium 

Kildare Village

Kildare Village

This outlet shopping center in the heart of Ireland’s horse-racing mecca offers deals on designer goods all year round. Race to the Bottom 

Irish National Stud and Gardens

Irish National Stud and Gardens

Surrounded by serene gardens, the legacy of Irish horse racing lives on at the only stud farm open to the public. Horsiculture 

Nenagh Castle

Nenagh Castle

This ruined medieval castle boasts Ireland’s finest cylindrical keep. The Best Around 

Limerick

Limerick

With historic charms it just can’t hide; best known as a poem most raunchy; but with castles, churches, and coffee; this city must be tried.  There was a City Shannonside 

Crag Cave

Crag Cave

Many of striking formations in this show cave are named after locations or characters from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. The Middle of the Earth 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 652 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Dublin to Killarney
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Dublin to Killarney

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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