Food in Killarney

Along with being one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever visited, Killarney is also surrounded by stunning scenery with lovely countryside, lakes and a national park all on its doorstep.  For visitors it is a quintessential Irish town with pubs, cafés, bistros and restaurants offering authentic Irish food, atmosphere and music.

Killarney will be our “home base” while we explore the Ring of Kerry.  And although we’ll have less time in town for lunches, there will still be plenty of time to explore food & drink options in the evenings.  

Again my criteria for this list is authentic Irish food at affordable prices based on online reviews, tips from fellow travelers and my own experiences.  

Pubs

1.       Hannigan’s Bar & Restaurant, in Kenmare Place, offers delicious entrees including lemon sole, duck and lamb.

2.       The Danny Mann, on New Street, is known as "Killarney's famous singing pub", offering traditional Irish music and food.  The cottage pie, fish & chips and Guinness stew all get good reviews.

3.       O’Connor’s Traditional Pub, is known for its bangers & mash, Irish stew and steak sandwiches.  They have live Irish music to add to that traditional pub atmosphere.

4.       Tatler Jack, on Plunkett Street, is a sports bar that also offers Irish music every night.  Guests especially recommend the steak sandwich.

5.       Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, on New Street, is clearly known for its whiskey but also offers some great food from pulled pork to fish pie, along with vegetarian and gluten free options.

6.       The Porterhouse, on Plunkett Street, is a gastropub known for its steak, lamb cutlets, salmon and crab claws.  There’s also live music every night.

7.       The Jarvey’s Rest, on Muckross Drive, is a traditional Irish pub offering fish & chips, pork belly and chowder along with Irish music and dancing.

8.       Murphy’s Bar, on College Street, offers great Irish atmosphere and favorites like cottage pie, Irish stew, and fish & chips.  They also have Irish music every night and are popular with both locals and tourists. 

9.       The Laurels Pub, on Main Street, is a great place to go for traditional Irish favorites such as lamb stew, seafood chowder, bacon & cabbage or shepherd’s pie.

Restaurants, Cafés, etc

1.       Bricin Restaurant, on High Street, gets rave reviews for its boxty (an Irish potato pancake), which is filled with chicken & vegetables in a tarragon cream sauce, marinated & curried lamb & vegetables, or sauted vegetables in tomato sauce. 

2.       Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant, on High Street, is a great choice for beef, lamb and (of course) seafood.  The Lobster Gaby is a signature dish of shelled lobster in a cream & cognac sauce.

3.       Cronin’s Restaurant, on College Street, boasts shepherd’s pie, pork steak and a seafood trio.  Their rhubarb crumble is also a dessert not to be missed.

4.       Stonechat Café & Restaurant, on Fleming’s Lane, offers lamb shank, duck spring rolls and Irish stew, as well as, seafood options.  They also offer gluten free meals and desserts.

5.       Mareena’s Simply Food, on East Avenue Road, offers seafood including monkfish, shrimp, scallops, sea bass and lemon sole.  Other talked about entrees include lamb neck, rabbit and sirloin beef steak.

6.       Cellar One, in the Ross Hotel at Towne Centre, is a more modern atmosphere in which to enjoy duck, prawns, lamb or surf & turf.

7.       Jam, on Main Street, is a local favorite that offers a build your own sandwich menu, as well as, traditional meal options from baked fillet of salmon to shepherd’s pie.  They’re also known for their soups, quiches and bakery items.

8.       Laguna Bistro, on New Market Lane, is especially noted for having homemade desserts.  Some highlighted dishes from their reviews are the prawn & carrot salad, the stuffed cabbage and the smoked salmon & prawn tapas.

9.     Lord Kenmare’s Restaurant, in College Street, is highly rated for seafood, steak and lamb dishes, plus a comprehensive wine list.