Just a 5-minute walk to the cosmopolitan town of Killarney, with its vibrant restaurant scene, bars and shops, the Great Southern Killarney first welcomed guests in 1854. Since then, it has welcomed Queen Victoria, served as a prison of the Free State Army during the 1920s, hosted Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Onassis, and Princess Grace of Monaco, as well as undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme. Surrounded by attractive gardens, the hotel is also just a 5-minute walk from Killarney National Park.

A member of both Preferred Hotels and Resorts, and Historic Hotels Worldwide, this award-winning hotel prides itself on its warm and friendly hospitality. Interiors elegantly combine original Victorian features with modern comforts and amenities. Rooms are bright and spacious, with a soothing neutral palette, large comfortable beds, plush carpets and ensuite bathrooms with hairdryers and White Company bathing products. Standard amenities include Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Irons and fridges are available on request. Trade up to a Deluxe Room for extra space, separate bathtub and shower, along with an in-room fridge. Families can book a range of rooms to suit including interconnected rooms and rooms with bunk beds.

Victorian Junior Suites offer a sitting area for relaxing, dressing area, claw bathtub and shower, robes and slippers, and a golf putter and putting set. Or for an indulgent treat, book one of the Historic Collection Suites. These include The Ambassador Suite, The Kennedy Suite, and The Grace Suite. Full of historic charm and offering wonderful mountain and Killarney views, each of these speciality suites feature antique furnishings, vintage record players and themed records, board games, DVD players and themed DVDs, themed books, and satellite TV channels.

Within the grounds, the Railway Residence is a standalone Victorian property with two separate 2-bedroom apartments. Each sleeps up to four guests in a double and twin bedroom, with a kitchenette and dining area. Alternatively, the property can be used as one 4-bedroom residence, sleeping a large group of up to eight guests.

The hotel serves ‘creative cuisine, classically influenced,’ using the freshest local ingredients from artisan food producers, for a wonderful Irish dining experience. Some of the vegetables and herbs used are grown in the hotel’s gardens. The main restaurant, The Garden Room, hosts breakfast and dinner each day under the spectacular gilded dome of the original Victorian dining room. Afternoon tea can also be booked to enjoy in The Garden Room. For drinks and bar food, Brownes Bar is a wonderful place to unwind in front of a roaring fire in both comfort and style. Guests can also head to the Wine Room for a relaxed wine tasting experience accompanied by sharing platters of cheese, charcuterie, tapenade, and crusty bread. For special occasion meals, the hotel has private dining spaces, which include The Picture Room and The Lake Room.

The onsite Health Club includes an inviting indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, and treatment rooms. There are also tennis courts within the grounds. Families are well catered for with children’s menus, playroom and family fun activities during school holidays, along with a babysitting service.

With Killarney town centre and the Killarney National Park both within easy walking distance, the Great Southern is a superb base for exploring the area and playing golf at the nearby Kerry golf courses. The hotel is located adjacent to the train station, while Kerry Airport is 20-minutes away and Cork Airport an 80-minute drive.