Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [243]
Laurels ( 064-663 1149; Main St; mains €16-25; 12-3pm & 6-9.30pm) Tasty but pricey pub grub such as burgers, steaks and pizzas with inventive toppings. Sit in the bar rather than the slightly formal restaurant to enjoy a setting that mixes a traditional feel with good service. Champ (potatoes mashed with spring onions) is a house speciality.
Brícín ( 064-663 4902; 26 High St; mains €18-20; 12.30-3pm & 6-9pm Tue-Sat) Decorated with fittings from a convent, an orphanage and a school, this Celtic deco restaurant doubles as the town museum, with Jonathan Fisher’s 18th-century views of the national park taking pride of place. The McGuire brothers (Johnny up front, Paddy in the kitchen) welcome all with simple and excellent food. Try the house speciality, boxty (potato pancake).
Top End
Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant ( 064-663 2519; 27 High St; mains €18-50; 6-10pm Mon-Sat) Gaby’s is a refined dining experience for those who want superb seafood served in a traditional manner. Peruse the menu by the fire before drifting past the wine cellar to the low-lit dining room, where you’ll savour exquisite Gallic dishes such as lobster in a sauce that includes cognac and cream. Specials are legion depending on what’s fresh. The wine list is long and the advice unerring.
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DRINKING & ENTERTAINMENT
Most pubs put on live music, and most nights are lively here – even Mondays, when many of the town’s hospitality staff are released to the fun side of the bar. Plunkett and College Sts are lined with pubs. The tourist office has a handy night-by-night listing of sessions.
Traditional Pubs
O’Connor’s ( 064-663 0977; High St) Typically, this tiny pub with leaded glass doors is one of Killarney’s most popular haunts. There’s entertainment every night, from trad sessions to stand-up comedy, storytelling and pub theatre.
Killarney Grand ( 064-663 1159; Main St; music 9pm-2.45am) There’s free entry before 11pm to this busy Killarney institution, where trad music gives way to live bands, set dancing on Wednesdays and a nightclub at weekends.
Courtney’s (Yer Man’s; 064-663 2689; Plunkett St) Timeless trad pub with trad sessions many nights year-round. This is where locals come to see their old mates perform.
Hussy’s ( 064-663 5472; High St) Escape the tourist mobs and muse over a pint in this small pub sporting a snug at the entrance and genial drinkers within.
Tatler Jack’s ( 064-663 2361; Plunkett St) Sports photos of proud local teams line the walls at this surprisingly large pub, which features pool tables, the comfiest stools in town and merciless craic.
Bars & Clubs
Granary ( 064-662 0075; Touhills Lane) Hidden down the alley next to the Killarney Grand, this bar–restaurant, with low lighting, exposed stone walls and leather sofas, is favoured by local scenesters. Bands and DJs play at weekends.
McSorley’s ( 064-663 7280; College St) A popular, clubby bar with multicoloured lighting and kilt-clad cover bands.
Cinemas
Killarney Cineplex ( 064-663 7007; Kenmare Pl; adult/child €12/6) This four-screener has current releases.
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SHOPPING
Variety Sounds ( 064-663 5755; College St) An eclectic music shop with a good range of traditional music, instruments, sheet music and hard-to-find CDs.
Killarney Outlet Centre ( 064-663 6744; Fair Hill) This mall in renovated old train sheds has a number of shops including Lowe Alpine and Blarney Woollen Mills, all selling brand-name clothing and other products at discounts.
O’Sullivan’s Outdoor Store ( 064-662 6927; New St) There’s a general selection of activity gear at O’Sullivan’s branches. They cram a vast amount into a small space.
Brícín ( 064-663 4902; 26 High St) Interesting items such as local craftwork seek your attention