Killarney - Tourism

Tourism

Tourism is by far the largest industry in Killarney. With the exception of Dublin, there are more hotel beds in Killarney than in any other Irish town or city. The tourist population is increasingly diverse, but most of the tourists come from the US, Ireland, the UK, Germany and other European countries.

In the summer months, Killarney is busy with tourists perusing the town's numerous shops and tourist attractions. Many shops are tourist-oriented, with many gift shops around the town. The town centre also offers a wide range of hotels, pubs and restaurants. Killarney is also famous for its jaunting cars (horse drawn carts) operated by local jarvies.

Killarney SummerFest is a highlight of the year in the town, featuring outdoor and indoor concerts from major Irish and international acts. Previous acts include Bryan Adams, Snow Patrol, The Cranberries, The Corrs, Westlife, Tom Jones, Kris Kristofferson, David Gray, Pink, Shane Ward and KT Tunstall. In 2009, the SummerFest played host to the only Irish concert for 2009 of the Pussycat Dolls supported by Industry. Other events during the SummerFest 2009 included outdoor theatre, art exhibitions, children's events, and the annual SummerFest Black Tie Ball. Sporting events during the festival included the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, the Killarney Regatta, the 5 km SummerFest Fun Run and the Killarney Races.