Great Southern Killarney

The pillared entrance and ivy-clad facade of this classic Victorian railway hotel still convey a sense of occasion and its convenience to Killarney town - and, of course, the station - is unrivalled.

This protected building has gone through several changes of ownership in recent years but now - in the ownership of the Scally family (of Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork, the Killarney Royal Townhouse and, more recentlly, the lovely St Helen's Hotel, Dublin) -  it has regained its confident presence and oride in its much-loved original name.

Also, in 2026, the Great Southern achieved five-star status ansd announced a new brand identity 'Splendour, Untamed', with 'Spendour' referring to the hotel and its heritage, while 'Untamed' sums up the wild landcsape of County Kerry and its invitation to explore and find adventure, including curated experiences offered to guests, such as guided foraging tours and photography walks through Killarney Nations Park, and wellness activities.

This Killarney Hotels fine old inner entrance doors may have gone (hopefully resting somewhere safe until there is a change of heart) but the welcoming open fire at the entrance remains and still draws guests through to the spacious, pillared Grand Foyer. Comfortable seating makes the foyer very welcoming, and the smaller drawing rooms off it have retained their elegant old furnishings. Accommodation includes both modern and traditional rooms - in the newer section of the hotel they are more contemporary, while those in the original building (where the bedroom corridors built wide enough ‘to allow two ladies in hooped dresses to pass comfortably’), still set the tone for generously-proportioned suites and executive rooms, furnished to individual designs. 

Brownes Bar is pleasingly clubby (the famous Malton prints feature), and the great gilt-domed Arbour brasserie is a prime example of Victorian opulence that makes a wonderful contrast to a contemporary offering of classics with the freshness of seasonal local produce.

The six acres of gardens surrounding the hotel make a lovely setting for the gracious old building, and they provide an especially welcome amenity at a town centre centre venue.

So, happily, this pleasant hotel not only remains a destination of choice with plenty of reminders of its glorious heyday - but enjoys reinventing itself to ensure memorable experiences for today's mindful travellers.