Holiday Inn Killarney

The Holiday Inn Killarney is a pleasant property that happens to be the only chain hotel in town. It opened in 1998 and is a family-friendly property with a range of facilities for those traveling with children like babysitting services, high chairs, and children’s menus. Aside from families, the hotel attracts a mix of business guests and tour parties, though plenty of couples pass through as well. Some parts of the property have a definite chain-hotel feel about them, such as the fairly bland couches lined up on the royal blue carpet in the lobby, and the corridors with dark red carpet and orange walls, all of which looks rather dated. Other parts of the hotel have plenty of charm and character, though, such as the bar with its rustic terra-cotta tiled floor, wooden furnishings, and leather bar stools. There are also interesting pieces of art throughout the hotel as well, many done by local artists. 

Situated just outside of central Killarney, the hotel is part of the famous “Ring of Kerry,” on the Muckross to Kenmare Road. It's surrounded by guest houses, hotels, and private residences, though traffic on the road outside can be heavy at times. The hotel is located within a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the town center, where there are a range of shops, pubs, and restaurants. There are a large number of attractions within a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk too, including Saint Mary's Cathedral, Muckross House, Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Dingle Peninsula, and many stunning beaches. It’s also a great base from which to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. The National Events Centre is also just a five-minute walk from the hotel, where a wide range of shows, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences are held all year round. Kerry Airport is a half-hour trip by car. 

The Holiday Inn offers spacious Twin, Double, and Family Rooms. They have simple, basic decor with blond wood furniture and framed landscape prints on the beige walls. It's not the most modern look, but is pleasant enough and there are pops of color like orange and brown in the soft furnishings. Amenities are fairly typical for this chain, and include a flat screen TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, work desk, and free Wi-Fi. Twin Rooms have two double beds, Doubles have an additional sofa bed, and Family Rooms have a large separate living room with spacious dining and seating areas. All rooms are set at the rear of the hotel so noise is not an issue for guests. They have either courtyard or mountain views. Basic black-and-white tiled bathrooms are fairly compact and have a shower/tub combo and generous granite vanities. A hairdryer and toiletries are provided. 

Food is available in both the hotel's restaurant, Library Point, and Saddler's Bar. The restaurant serves a daily Irish and continental breakfast and is also open for dinner, though reviews are mixed. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but children do eat for free. There is a bar menu available all day in the pub for more casual meals, along with a pool table and live Irish music on the weekends (more often in the summer months). Twenty-four-hour room service is also offered. The hotel has its own leisure center, which includes a sauna, swimming pool, steam room, and fitness center with a small selection of reasonably modern weight machines and limited cardio equipment. Free parking, a free daily newspaper, and free Wi-Fi are available at the hotel too.