Best Places to Stop Between Cork City and Killarney
The drive between Cork City and Killarney is around an hour and 15 minutes (87 km ) without stopping. And it follows the N22 for most of the way. It’s a very easy drive for the most part, but the detours I suggest below (Beal na Blath and Gougane Barra) are on two-lane rural roads.
From Cork City, you’ll be following the N40 motorway as far as Macroom, and from there you’ll go onto the N22. And if you’re coming from Cork Airport (the closest airport to Killarney), you’ll also be joining the N40 motorway for the first half.
It’s a very popular route as both Cork City and Killarney are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern Ireland. And although the first section of the drive is pretty much all motorway. After Macroom, it does get very scenic – so take your time along here and pull off when it’s safe to do so and snap some photos.
I would allow at least 8 hours to complete this scenic drive. And as I said, there are a couple of short detours I recommend taking (I promise they’re worth it!)
So, let’s get started, shall we – these are the places I always try to stop at when driving from Cork City to Killarney.
Cork City
Before you head off on your road trip, be sure to spend a few days (or at least a day) in Cork City. Try to tick off the city’s top sights like the world-famous English Market and the Shandon Bells (a local favorite spot). And squeeze in a visit to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, University College Cork, and Blackrock Castle.
All of these are located within the city limits, so you can walk between them.
Where to stay in Cork City: The River Lee Hotel – offering prime views over the River Lee, large bedrooms, and a fantastic on-site restaurant. This is one of the most popular hotels in Cork!
Farran Woods
Farran Woods is a small forest park located on the south shore of Inniscarra Lake and is just a 30-minute drive from the city. It’s a bit of a , and all around the park, you’ll be treated to lovely views of the lake’s reservoir.
If you’re keen to get some adrenalin pumping, then Zipit Forest Adventures, a ziplining experience that offers over 800 meters of ziplines, is a must-do! Take in the epic views as you whizz through the treetops on this awesome aerial trail!
The best time to visit Farran Woods is during the deer rutting (breeding) season in autumn and to see the baby fawns in the spring!
There’s a large kids’ playground, toilet facilities, and an excellent coffee cart next to the car park!
There’s also an easy 1.1 km hike here called the Enclosure Trail, which will take most people about 25 minutes to complete. This trail follows around the perimeter of the deer enclosure, where you can see both red deer and fallow deer, and the duck pond.
You must pay 5 euros to park here (payable by card at the entrance).
Beal na Blath
Béal na Bláth is a site of profound historical significance in Ireland, most notably known as the location where Michael Collins, a leader in the Irish struggle for independence, was ambushed and killed on August 22, 1922.
It’s a short detour off your route, and it’s well signposted. You’re looking at a 25-minute drive from Farran Woods to Beal na Blath.
The ambush at Beal na Blath marked a pivotal moment during the Irish Civil War, a war that started after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Michael Collins, who was the Chairman of the Provisional Government and Commander-in-Chief of the National Army, was a key figure in the treaty negotiations, which ultimately led to the separation of Ireland (into the Republic and Northern Ireland).
His death is etched into the collective memory of the nation. And every year on the anniversary, a memorial event is held at Beal na Blath to honor Collins’ legacy and his contribution to Irish independence.
Gougane Barra (detour)
Now this is a detour off the N71 road to Killarney, from Beal na Blath, you will take the R585 into Gougane Barra (passing lovely Inchigeelagh and Ballingeary on the way). It’s a 45-minute drive between the town, and from Gougane Barra, you’ll take a different route into Macroom, the R618.
Gougane Barra is home to a stunning lake wrapped in lush green hills and thick woodlands – and it’s a dream spot for nature lovers and anyone craving some peace and quiet. The place is famous for the Gougane Barra Forest Park, full of trails that are awesome for walking or cycling and soaking in the scenery.
Right in the heart of Gougane Barra is the charming St. Finbarr’s Oratory, a tiny chapel on an island in the lake. It’s got this magical vibe and a cool backstory. Named after St. Finbarr, Cork’s patron saint, he supposedly set up a monastery here way back in the 6th century.
There’s also a restaurant at the Gougane Barra Hotel here, and Cronin’s Bar and Cafe next door.
Ballingeary
This picturesque small village is a short drive from Gougane Barra enroute to Macroom. And it’s part of the Muskerry Gaeltacht, an area where the Irish language and culture thrive. And its fanously home to Coláiste na Mumhan, a renowned Irish language summer school, which attracts students from all over the country every summer.
Macroom
Macroom is a charming market town, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. Situated on the banks of the River Sullane, Macroom boasts quite a picturesque setting. It’s a working town, and its historical roots are evident in its architecture, with notable landmarks such as Macroom Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. There are also several shops, restaurants, and even a hotel here (the Castle Hotel Macroom).
If you need a caffeine fix, which you likely do by now – we recommend getting yourself into Rich Uncle Ted off Holland Lane.
Ballyvourney
Nestled in the valley of the River Sullane, Ballyvourney is another village that’s part of the scenic Muskerry Gaeltacht region, where the Irish language is still widely spoken and cherished. This quaint village is steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to early Christian times, most notably associated with St. Gobnait, a revered Irish saint. Her legacy is celebrated annually with the Feast of St. Gobnait, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike to the area.
Kennedy’s Pet Farm
This next suggested stop is the perfect stop-off for animal lovers or families looking for a fun way to break up the journey. Tucked away in the beautiful Irish countryside (just over 10 minutes from Killarney), the farm lets you hang out with all sorts of animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and ponies.
Here you can feed and pet the animals and get a real feel for farm life. There are also some lovely walking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds.
Killarney Town
I think most tourists have heard of Killarney, no? This lively, colorful town is one of the most-visited towns in all of Ireland and for good reason. It’s picture-perfect, has loads of great bars and restaurants, and heaps of great locally-run stores too. Being from neighboring Cork, we visit Killarney regularly, and honestly, I never get tired of it.
Make sure you don’t miss St Mary’s Cathedral, famous for its stunning interior, and the historic Killarney House and Gardens.
For food here, you can’t go wrong with The Laurels Pub & Restaurant, which offers hearty Irish dishes in a cozy pub setting. And for live music in the evening, head to J.M. Reidy’s or Danny Mann’s – two of our favorite pubs in town.
Killarney National Park
We’ve visited this stunning park countless times over the years. And I’ll be completely honest, even though it’s insanely popular with tourists, it’s still one of my favorite places to visit in all of Ireland.
Killarney National Park, although huge (it’s a whopping 25,000 acres), is very easy to walk around, and there’s so much to do here, from visiting Muckross House to hiking to Torc Waterfall, that I recommend spending one full day here! That way, you’ll have enough time to go on a hike (we recommend the 3 km Knockreer circular walk) and visit the Park’s top attractions like Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross Abbey. As well as grab a coffee or lunch at the on-site Garden Restaurant, which is located at the main entrance.
Map your route:
Where to Stay in Killarney
- The Lake Hotel – Around 5 km from the national park and just 2 km from town, this refined manor dates back to the year 1820. However, this 4-star hotel, which sits right on the lake, has been modernized inside and boasts regal room,s some of which have balconies. Rates start from €250 per night.
- Castlerosse Park Resort – Boasting stunning mountain and lake views, this 4-star property is located 6 km from the national park. The property features an indoor swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and a fitness center. It’s reasonably priced at around €150 per night.
- Muckross Park Hotel & Spa – This amazing 5-star hotel is one of the closest hotels to the park entrance. And it’s easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Killarney. The rooms here are all individually designed and feature plush furnishings fit for royalty. Here, you’ll also find an award-winning spa and two restaurants. Expect to pay around €300 a night here.
- Killarney Oaks Hotel – Situated just over 5 km from the park entrance, this modern 4-star hotel is a budget-friendly option. With rates starting from €150 per night. The hotels looks out onto the Mangerton mountain and the national park. The rooms here are both luxurious and stylish.
Renting a Car in Ireland
When it comes to driving in Ireland, choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs. If you’re planning to explore rural areas or rugged landscapes, consider renting a compact or four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will handle narrow, winding roads more efficiently. Be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
- Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around €300 per week for a manual (stick shift) economy car; this will rise to around €350 during the peak months of June, July and August.
- Try to rent your vehicle from major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Limerick. That’s because car hire companies in smaller cities tend to have fewer and more expensive options.
- Book as small a car as you can manage!
- We highly recommend selecting fully comprehensive car insurance. The roads and car parking spaces in Ireland are narrow, so it will quell your fears of getting a bump or scratch. Check if your credit card insurance covers this (some do!)
Slainte!
As always, if you have any questions for me about this drive – please let me know in the comment section below.
