Excellent Amenities at Killarney Plaza Hotel in Ireland

Killarney Plaza Hotel is set in the heart of Killarney, a town on Ireland’s famed Ring of Kerry, and it’s a stone’s throw from Killarney National Park. This 198-room property is one of the more expensive hotels in the area, but its excellent in-town location, comfortable rooms, parking garage, and “leisure center” with indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and hot tub make it a smart choice for travelers who are looking for a more luxurious experience beyond a budget or moderately priced B&B.

I intentionally booked this hotel toward the end of a nine-day road trip in Ireland (which began with a stay at the ultra-luxe Ashford Castle). By that time, I knew I’d be ready for some pampering after several sightseeing days filled with cliff walks and castle tours. Indeed, not one but two stints in the Killarney Plaza Hotel’s leisure center fit the bill for soothing sore muscles during our one-night stay. Here’s the scoop: 

Killarney Plaza Hotel Guest Rooms

Killarney Plaza Hotel offers a variety of rooms with different bed configurations, as well as suites with a king-sized bed, fireplace, and living area. I booked the least expensive room category: classic twin with two single beds. But on arrival, we were given keys to a family room with a twin and double bed. No problem on our end!

A triple also meant we were welcomed with three cartons of water and three yummy chocolates. I didn’t let anyone at the property know I was a travel writer, so this is an amenity given to all guests — very nice.

We booked the bed and breakfast package, so on our day of departure we filled up at a plentiful buffet spread. It included everything from eggs, bacon, sausage, and beans to cereal, yogurt, porridge, and pastries.

The buffet was served in a nondescript ballroom versus one of the hotel restaurants with a more stylish atmosphere. While we didn’t eat an evening meal at the hotel, I did have a beer one afternoon at The Tan Yard, a sophisticated spot with leather seating and dim lighting. 

Leisure Center at Killarney Plaza Hotel

All guests at Killarney Plaza Hotel have complimentary access to the leisure center for swimming and soaking. It also has a small fitness center. This was a huge selling point for me, and I took advantage of the water-based relaxation area twice: on arrival in the late afternoon and before breakfast on our day of departure. I was actually able to do laps in the pool for a little exercise. 

Note that this isn’t a luxury spa setting. Rather, guests are handed one thin towel on arrival, and there are only open-shelf cubbies in the locker rooms — so it’s best not to bring anything valuable to the below-ground area.

There are no hooks for hanging robes and towels where the pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna are, which I found odd. I tossed my towel and guest-room robe on one of the few chairs near the pool, but I suppose you could also leave a towel and robe in the locker room.

The hotel has a totally separate spa offering massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps. A more unusual treatment involves the Serail mud chamber, where you apply mud to your body in a room that blends dry heat with essential oil–infused steam. 

Killarney Plaza Hotel Location

The Killarney Plaza Hotel is located right on the edge of the town center. It’s steps away from dozens of pubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s also close to tree-filled Killarney Park.

Perhaps most significantly, it’s about 5 miles north of Killarney National Park, which has dozens of hiking and nature trails, plus opportunities for bike tours and boat rides. So, this hotel makes a great home base if you’re interested in exploring urban or natural sights. 

My husband and I traipsed around the grounds of Killarney National Park’s Muckross House before we drove to Killarney Plaza Hotel for the night. The approach to the hotel is a bit tricky, as the building appears quickly after a roundabout exit.

We knew the underground parking garage entrance was behind the hotel, but we weren’t totally certain how to best access it. My husband ended up pulling over in a loading zone on a narrow city street while I checked us into the hotel and got the scoop on parking from the front-desk staff. Not ideal, but it worked. We appreciated having a secure, free place to park our rental car. 

Bottom Line

Killarney Plaza Hotel is a step up from more modest hotels and B&Bs prevalent in the rural parts of southwest Ireland. With free garage parking, welcome treats in the room, the on-site leisure center, and multiple restaurants, this hotel makes a great spot to relax on your Ireland vacation. 

Rates for rooms vary seasonally. You’ll find the highest prices in the summer months when the tourist season peaks. Rates in the off-season winter months can be as low as $133 for a classic twin room. You can also compare rates at an online booking site like Hotels.com or Expedia to see if you can get a better price and make your reservation with them.

Review and photos by Kara Williams.