College Street, Killarney, Ireland | (251) 219-4428
Beautifully-preserved Georgian townhouse hotel
Located in town
center minutes from station
Period-style rooms with golf-putting sets and turndown service
Excellent dining
in atmospheric restaurant
Bar-bistro with
food menu and whiskey tasting
Afternoon tea available
Free access to
nearby spa and leisure facilities
Free parking at nearby
public car park
Free Wi-Fi
Some traffic
noise in road-facing rooms
Some rooms have
poor views of AC units
Breakfast not included in
rateNo on-site spa or fitness center
Wi-Fi can be patchy
Housed in a 19th-century building, the Killarney
Royal is a superbly-presented upscale hotel with elegant period interiors. The town center location is great, with
plenty in the immediate surroundings to explore and easy access to transport. Rooms are
pleasant and well-finished with spacious, marble-topped bathrooms -- though soundproofing can be an issue. Dining
is excellent and atmospheric, and there's a decent breakfast service, although
it's not included. There's no on-site spa or fitness center, but guests are welcome to use facilities at the nearby Malton Hotel; its rates are similar, so travelers could comparison shop the two properties.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Family-run Georgian townhouse with elegant period interiors
The delicate plaster molding and intricate wrought-iron balconies on a pretty Georgian
facade sets the tone for this elegant period boutique hotel. Run
by a local family that have been in the business for over three generations,
the hotel has loads of 19th century charm that's been lovingly and meticulously
maintained throughout. Public spaces are scattered with genuine antiques, intriguing
curios, and gilt-framed etchings creating a sense of history while tasseled
drapery, cut-glass chandeliers, and fresh flowers foster an upscale ambience. Despite this, the vibe is anything but stuffy, with friendly staff
and a welcoming vibe -- "home" is a theme that runs through the hotel, from home-baking to plush homey furnishings.
Location
Town center setting close to bus and train stations
The hotel is
located in the heart of Killarney on College Street -- one of the town's main
streets -- surrounded by a mix of bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops. With
Killarney bus and rail station just a few minutes' walk away, it makes an
excellent base for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside including
the lush wooded mountains, lakes, and valleys of Killarney National Park a
30-minute trip away. The Ring of Kerry carriageway and tourist route is a short three-minute drive meaning easy access by car around some of
Kerry's most picturesque landscape.
Rooms
Classically-styled rooms with period feel and marble bathrooms
Each of the 29
guest rooms has been individually designed, though all are styled with a period feel blending antique
furnishings, heavy tasseled drapery, and patterned wallpaper. But modern touches exist, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles for tea/coffee, and safes. And unlike plenty of similar hotels, rooms are air-conditioned. All rooms include the playful addition of a golf-putting practice set. Bathrooms are also spacious with marble vanities, eco-friendly
toiletries, and wall-mounted telephones and hairdryers. Front-facing rooms
overlook the road, so some traffic noise is inevitable, while others have uninspiring views over air-conditioning units. Staff provide a traditional turndown service with fresh ice and water.
Features
Hearty breakfasts, excellent dining, whiskey tastings, and spa facilities next door
A cooked-to-order
breakfast is available each morning together with a selection of scones,
croissants, and pastries until midday (though it's not included in the room
rate). The hotel's head chef has been with the Killarney Royal for almost 30
years and rustles up an excellent menu of fine dining for lunch and dinner --
there's a choice of the Royal Restaurant for more intimate, candle-lit meals or the Royal Bar Bistro for drinks and informal fare. There's also whiskey
tastings in the bar and a lovely traditional afternoon tea complete with three-tiered cake stand stuffed with goodies. Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the hotel --
though it can be patchy -- while a public car park behind the hotel is free to guests.
Hotel residents also have free access to spa and leisure facilities in the
Malton Hotel across the road.
