An Spéir Bhean
An Spéir Bhean, Fair Hill, County Kerry, Ireland- Sculpture
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Distinctive Architecture and Effortless Service:
Great Southern Killarney stands out with its unique architecture that has been charming guests for over 160 years. Our dedicated staff ensures your stay is seamless, providing genuine hospitality that will make you feel right at home.
Relaxing Atmosphere and Afternoon Tea:
Unwind in our cozy entrance hall next to the crackling open fire before sinking into a plush velvet sofa for a delightful afternoon tea experience. Let time slow down as you bask in the natural light filtering through the tall windows, explore the expansive gardens, and find tranquility on a secluded bench.
Expansive Gardens in the Heart of Town:
Escape the hustle and bustle as you wander through 6 acres of picturesque gardens nestled in the center of the lively town. Great Southern Killarney offers a serene oasis, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of a Victorian landmark that has epitomized luxury since 1854.
Experience timeless elegance and warm Irish hospitality at Great Southern Killarney - book your stay now.
Check-in from
03:00 PM
Check-out by
12:00 PM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide)
Room details
46 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
38 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
96 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
In-room amenities
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
344 sq feet
Layout - 2 bedrooms and living room
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, 24-hour room service, and free bottled water
Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower (deep soaking bathtub available in some rooms)
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and phone; rollaway/extra beds available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Accessibility - Roll-in shower
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults
Room details
32 m2
In-room amenities
1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
215.3 sq feet
Layout - 2 bedrooms and living room
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and 24-hour room service
Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower (deep soaking bathtub available in some rooms)
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and phone; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
King bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
20 m2
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
32 sqm
In-room amenities
1 King Bed
279.9 sq feet
Layout - 2 bedrooms and living room
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, 24-hour room service, and free bottled water
Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower (deep soaking bathtub available in some rooms)
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and phone; cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
King bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
26 m2
In-room amenities
2 Twin Beds
285 sq feet
Layout - 2 bedrooms and living room
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, 24-hour room service, and free bottled water
Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower (deep soaking bathtub available in some rooms)
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and phone; cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-99 cm wide)
Room details
26 m2
In-room amenities
1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
215-sq-foot room with garden views
Layout - 2 bedrooms and living room
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and 24-hour room service
Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower (deep soaking bathtub available in some rooms)
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and phone; cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
King bed (151-180 cm wide), Twin bed (90-99 cm wide)
Room details
20 m2
Garden View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide)
Room details
46 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
27 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
27 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults
Beds
Large bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
46 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
27 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
41 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
2 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
37 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide), 2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
32 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
46 sqm
In-room amenities
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
I loved the property in general, the location to town (so walkable), the location for transport -- we arrived by train and it was a breeze. Breakfast is amazing and our room was outstanding. I also really liked the bar area at night -- fantastic bar tenders and a beautiful space with a fire place.
I was not expecting so many tourists (the lobby was full each morning with bus tour people) but it didn't really make a difference in our experience.
No a lot.
The room, the breakfast and over the top receptionist.
Great location and a grand old hotel
My room was on the ground floor and made it less private
Friendly staff. Very welcoming
Nil
Room was large and clean and comfortable. Very well located for easy access by car and also to the centre of town. Staff were friendly. Breakfast options were excellent.
Very busy at breakfast at times - a lot of tour groups staying it seemed so if you arrived aligned with their departure time they were all getting breakfast at the same time. That said it remained efficient and friendly.
Perfect location and plenty of facilities. Beautiful grounds and parking spaces.
The hotel and staff are amazing. The rooms are pretty would have like more comfy beds
Nothing, everything was superb
Tolle Lage, schöne Zimmer, Hotel mit Geschichte. Ganz tolles Essen im Restaurant ! Service sehr gut, hilfsbereit.
Ich fand die Aufmerksamkeit des Service angenehm aber diese seltsam und surreal wirkende antrainierte Freundlichkeit fand ich etwas verstörend. Der Pianospieler im Foyer nervt allerdings richtig.
The employees were amazing. Room was very comfortable. Breakfast yummy!!
Everything h was great
We stayed in the Kennedy suite! Excellent kingside comfortable bed! Excellent tea/coffee tray! Luxurious dressing gowns and slippers! Breakfast had excellent menu choices and buffet options extremely good
The steps at the swimming pool to the ladies changing rooms extremely wet and slippery! Changing rooms need to be on same level as pool/ sauna / steam room as limited ability persons would find this challenging ☹️An eco bag for wet swimwear to take back to your room would be an acceptable advantage to me!
Wonderful feel. Great restaurant and comfortable bar area. Great room with plenty of space and a nice bathroom.
I either needed to shave my or wear a swim cap to go into the swimming pool.
Exceptional service in a Grand Hotel.
Small grip. Would have liked baked beans at the breakfast buffet.
Breakfast was good lovely dining area
Water boiler was broke and no hot water on the morning that we stayed , these things can happen but it should have been fixed before guests got up , hotels of this size and rating must have emergency back up etc
I booked two rooms for my family: one suite and one superior room with a balcony. However, when we checked in, we were given two standard rooms instead. We then had to wait for about an hour while the manager tried to sort out the situation, which no one seemed to fully understand. Eventually, we were given the suite, but for the second room we had to spend the first night in a standard room before being moved to the superior room with a balcony that we had actually booked. The situation at checkout was equally frustrating. The hotel refused to provide us with an invoice, claiming that because the accommodation had been paid through Booking.com, they had no record of the payment and could not issue one. However, no invoice was available through Booking.com either. I therefore had to call Booking.com customer service, who contacted the hotel directly. Initially, the hotel gave them the same explanation. However, while they were still on the phone with the Booking.com agent, the hotel suddenly managed to send me the invoice — which clearly showed that they had access to it all along. Between the incorrect rooms at check-in, the time wasted resolving the issue, having to change rooms after the first night, and the unnecessary struggle simply to obtain an invoice, this was certainly not the level of service I would expect from a 5-star hotel.
The most hospitable hotel at which I have ever stayed. It is in the best location in Killarney— directly across from the train station-so great for first time visitors. It’s also in the ideal spot —close enough but not directly in the busyness of town. The hotel itself is beyond beautiful. All of the staff were amazing —knew us by name the first day and proactively assisted in anyway. The grounds are beautiful. This is the top place on Killarney and overall Ireland.
The Great Southern is an approachable luxurious experience with its ideal central (but still very private) location, its historical environment, wonderful breakfast and professional and thoughtful staff. Some small missteps I made in my booking were expertly modified to our delight by Erin O’Shea (front desk manager) and Keira and agents at the front desk. Others at reception area ( concierge Sean; assistance with our suitcases), housekeeping and well coordinated dining effort (receptionist , servers) were all welcoming and helpful. Access to all the nearby Kerry highlights was well positioned and transportation (train; bus; tours) were remarkable few meters away. It was our second stay in short period of time and we look forward to returning and heartily recommend it
Everything about this hotel says 5*. The location could not be better so close to the town and right on the door step of the train station. Such a calming and relaxing atmosphere exists throughout the hotel with a feeling that everything is under control and nothing is too much trouble. The rooms were very clean, comfortable and had all the little extras that make a stay special - especially the bottle of proper milk for the tea/coffee. The service throughout the whole hotel was second to none and it is evident that all staff are trained to a very high standard. We had a wonderful stay and will definitely be back. Special word of praise for Ciara on reception who was most welcoming and also to the staff on breakfast rota. Without hesitation I would recommend this hotel 100%. It ticks all the boxes!
Enjoyed the facilities, most especially the restaurant, bar and lounges
The room and furnishings were tired. If they had been as nice as the bath room I would have no complaints.
Absolutely fabulous afternoon tea to celebrate a birthday. The food and atmosphere were just lovely. The staff, especially Bibi, were so friendly and chatty but at all times professional. Highly highly recommend a visit to this beautiful hotel.
Mike went above and beyond to accommodate a group of 18 of us at short notice made experience v special. Noreen
Myself and my wife recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at the Great Southern Hotel Killarney. We had a private meal for family and friends (20 people) in the Picture Room and it was a wonderful experience. The professional approach by all the staff was exemplary with special mention of Ciara from the events team. Her advice and professional approach was key in helping us select the Great Southern hotel and having a wonderful event. Special mention to Cryson our waiter who was excellent. The beautiful architecture and style of the hotel, the main dining room and the Picture Room made the event an enjoyable experience. The food, the service, the specially prepared cake and the personalised menu were excellent. I have confidence in suggesting the Great Southern for a wonderful celebratory event. Kevin & Noreen
Brilliant location, and quiet despite being beside train station. Staff were all so friendly. We had a lovely room, very clean and comfortable. Breakfast was beautiful each morning. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Staff. So warm, wholesome and helpful. Very cosy comfortable hotel.
N/A
Very classical and clean
Excellent hotel, great lobby spaces, great rooms, great shower pressure, excellent breakfast.
Just some nitpicky stuff, like shower a little tight, a little dated some places.
Our wedding day was without a doubt the best day of our lives, and we truly owe so much of that to this incredible venue and the amazing team behind it. From the moment we first viewed the venue, we knew it was something truly special. The venue itself is absolutely stunning, with beautiful surroundings, a wonderful atmosphere, and the perfect setting for such an important and memorable occasion. Every detail helped create the most magical backdrop for the happiest day of our lives. The planning process was effortless from start to finish, and that was entirely thanks to the exceptional team. Brianán was incredible throughout the entire journey of planning and Jillian and Stephen really brought the experience to a new level also. They were always approachable, accommodating, professional and genuinely invested in making sure our wedding day was everything we had dreamed of. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and their care, patience and attention to detail gave us complete confidence every step of the way. The meal tasting was such a fantastic experience and made us even more excited for the big day. Deciding which meals would make the menu was most certainly the most difficult decision of the process due to the quality of each dish. The food was absolutely outstanding, beautifully presented and exceeded all of our expectations. Every course was incredible, and our guests are still talking about how delicious the meal was and how impressed they were with the quality of the food and service. One thing that meant so much to us was how accessible and welcoming the venue was for all of our family members. The team went above and beyond to ensure that everyone felt comfortable, included and cared for throughout the day. Their kindness, understanding and willingness to accommodate individual needs made such a difference and allowed our loved ones to fully enjoy and be part of every special moment, which in turn allowed us to soak up every minute. On the wedding day itself, everything was seamless. Stephen, Jillian, Shauna and the entire team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything ran perfectly, while also making us and our guests feel so looked after. Their professionalism, warmth and genuine care were evident in every interaction, and they allowed us to relax, enjoy the moment and take in every second of our special day. We honestly could not imagine a better venue. It exceeded every expectation we had and made our wedding day even more magical than we ever thought possible. We are so grateful to Stephen, Jillian, Brianán, Shauna and the whole team for creating memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. What also stands out for us is the care the day before and after our wedding. When dropping decorations back we were met so warmly, with huge smiles and excitement despite another wedding being prepared for. The care of the staff never felt fake but so genuine and for them to take time out of what I know is a very busy time to sit and chat with us about our day just shows the level of professional awareness the staff have. Also, the private area for breakfast the following morning is just the icing on the cake. An area to meet our guests without impacting the other hotel guests is just amazing as it allows you to remain in your special bubble that little bit longer . All of this and the room service, the thoughtful gifts and the staff meeting us again at breakfast just demonstrates the value this establishment places on its guests. If you are looking for a venue with breathtaking surroundings, exceptional food, outstanding service and a team who truly care about making your wedding unforgettable, look no further. We would choose this venue again in a heartbeat. Thank you for giving us the most perfect day we could ever have wished for — it was everything we dreamed of and so much more.
The people were great! Bill’s dad was so hospitable and also offered us a little memento to take home for a friend of ours. The accommodations were amazing! Location - hands down best in the town.
Very little. If I could suggest anything it would be having A/C in the units, but even then, then fan in the room was sufficient.
Location, comfort and friendly staff
Difficult to fault
The room was lovely, but a bit warm without air conditioning.
The spa in the afternoon was not relaxing because of children screaming and the restroom was wet and needs an update. however, the next day my spa treatment was wonderful.
Very friendly staff
No central air conditioning
Location & the cleanliness
The room was not sound proof as we could hear the people in the next floor up .
The property was well located and the food and staff were first class!
There were no issues at the property
The staff were so friendly, breakfast was lovely.
The pool facilities were not clean
Service is great. Bellmen and concierge are lovely. Nice rooms. Very pretty lobby. Breakfast included and about what you would expect for an included breakfast. Close walk to town. Do t miss a walk in the national park. It is so pretty to walk along the stream to the lake. Was not able to take advantage of spa or gym.
From the time of arrival, to check-in and to the room, the staff where so helpful, friendly and very professional. They made us feel so welcoming. We had 2 rooms and the Deluxe room was nice an big and a good size. The superior double room was small but suit a couple. The only thing was there was no arm chair for my dad to sit in so I had to take one from our room. The breakfast service was great and the food was nice and fresh. The location was super as the town is only 3 minute walk away and right next to the train station. I would go back again.
Lovely grounds, very helpful pleasant staff housekeeping discreet and efficient
Parking occasionally difficult, especially when wedding receptions being held; poor vegetarian menu choices in restaurant/ bistro,service in bistro a bit offhand one evening
High quality, could not fault it.
Nothing
I will start by saying the hotel is beautiful and the location is perfect for exploring the Ring of Kerry and Killarney. That is where most of the positives ended for us (though the woman who runs the breakfast service was lovely and efficient and they had the best drip coffee of our trip). We spent three nights there. When we arrived we were tired from a long day of travel. There was no obvious place to pull in to set down our luggage. There were no signs and no bellman. The parking lot is by the train station and busy, so having better signage is a must. We got in to the hotel to check in and we were explicit that we had not booked a dinner reservation in advance. We asked at the front desk. Kyra offered the hotel restaurant and seemed taken aback when we asked about in town options. Then told us we could walk in to town and be seated in short order at the three restaurants we inquired about. We asked for her to call ahead and she was adamant there was no need, but the hotel restaurant was here and available. Well, she was wrong about not calling ahead. There was no space anywhere. We were stuck with fast food or the hotel restaurant. It was annoying. As to the room, things were not better. We were placed in a king size room without AC. No big deal to not have AC. They installed three table fans in the room that effectively took up all the usable table space. That was annoying, but ok. Oddly there was an outlet in the wall at the center of the bed. I guess to charge your phone in bed instead of the nightstand covered by fans. We were going to shower and go to town, but when it came to hot water we had none. We went and reported it to the desk before we left for dinner. When we returned from dinner we each had a cold shower. The next morning we woke up and still no hot water. They offered to let us shower at the spa. We went out to do the ring of Kerry, and when we returned, the hot water was back. The included breakfast is fine. I feel like most of the things in Ireland, the common denominator is overly sweet baked goods with heavily refined flour. Savory things can be underseasoned. The drip coffee here was the best of the trip. I highly recommend it. I also appreciated the full frame of honey comb (I am a bee keeper) .
I arrived at the Great Southern after a difficult experience at another hotel, and from the moment I checked in the staff made me feel completely at home. The hotel itself is stunning, in my opinion a true 5 star experience, beautifully appointed and in the perfect location right in the heart of Killarney with everything on your doorstep. During my stay I fell ill and needed urgent care late at night, a staff member personally made sure I got to the right place safely. When I couldn’t get to the pharmacy myself, they went and collected my medication for me. That alone is above and beyond anything I’ve ever experienced at a hotel. But it didn’t stop there. I accidentally left my Kindle on a bus and somehow, I still don’t know how, the team tracked it down and had it delivered to my room. I was speechless. And when I briefly mentioned my previous hotel situation at check in, a gorgeous plate of chocolate covered strawberries arrived at my room shortly after. That small, thoughtful gesture set the tone for everything that followed. I’m a solo traveller and being sick alone in a foreign country is scary. The Great Southern made me feel completely safe, cared for and looked after at every turn. This isn’t just a hotel, it’s a team of genuinely wonderful human beings. I will return to Killarney just to stay here again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
The pictures look great and the location was perfect but this hotel just wasn’t for us. The downstairs had obviously been refurbished and the welcome was beautiful. We had booked 3 rooms - one of them was newly refurbished but the other 2 were dated and old. Our shower door was broken and there was mould present amongst the tiles. The hotel had a hot water issue and for 2/3 days we had none. Food was also disappointing. High tea - Sandwiches and cones were stale and some of the cakes weren’t great either. The bar food was also unsatisfactory - we had ordered fish and chips, which arrived soggy and the children’s portion was the same size as the adults despite the price difference. We did bring the issues up with management and they willingly offered us a discount. Personally, I prefer Kenmare to Killarney. Restaurants are nicer as are the shops. Some lovely hotel choices there too.
Location, staff and service, and food was excellent. Some things about the grounds, workout room, and spa are dated and need attention.
Excellent staff and friendly
0
Great location beside train station. Lovely hotel with friendly helpful staff
Everything! The location was perfect, the staff were so friendly, the breakfast was amazing and the room was incredible. It was a perfect stay and I can’t wait to visit again someday!
We had a wonderful evening in this beautiful hotel . We were looked after by Hana , an exceptional member of staff. Hana made us feel welcome and looked after us really professionally. We will return.
Excellent staff, excellent facilities and so close to town centre and other amenities.
Liked it all. Did not find fault during our stay
After visiting Dublin for years, finally made a trip out west to Killarney. The Great Southern was recommended by locals and it surpassed all of our expectations. The location was perfect, walking distance to the train and town. The staff was incredibly kind and went out of their way to ensure that we had a wonderful stay. The hotel is gorgeous, historic, room was beautiful and included all the amenities you would want. They delivered fresh water to the room in the morning and made sure we had bottles of water each day. The food and drinks were superb. The Great Southern Killarney is the nicest hotel we have ever stayed at and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Super location, staff were excellent and room was magnificent
Strategic location nearby town and train station .
Nothing
We had a fantastic stay and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel so welcome and were treated with genuine warmth and kindness throughout our visit. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, making our stay both comfortable and memorable. A special highlight was the breakfast, which was absolutely excellent. The quality, variety, and service were outstanding, and it was the perfect way to start each day, I really looked forward to going for breakfast each morning. I would especially like to thank Bibi, Kathleen, and Marjorie for their exceptional hospitality. Their friendliness, professionalism, and attention to detail made a real difference to our stay and are a credit to the hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our visit and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone. We look forward to returning in the future.
Really loved this hotel. Staff were super positive and helpful throughout our multiple stays. The staff particularly helped with storing bags, car and golf clubs til our return from hiking Kerry Way. But also with hair appointments, restaurants, etc.
Really luxurious hotel with a friendly and well informed team making you feel welcome from the moment you step out of your car
Loved it all
This property was incredible. That staff, hotel and restaurant, were exceptional. The grounds are big and beautifully maintained. Didn’t have a/c but it wound up being totally fine. Even a fan was provided. Definitely would stay again. Worth every penny.
wonderful experience at both the hotel and all of Killarney. Such an iconic town and the staff at the hotel were just the icing on the cake. Every aspect of the service was exceptional. From the moment we arrived, bell staff, reception, food and beverage staff were all amazing and were so welcoming. Rooms were spotless and exceptionally appointed. Will not hesitate to include the Great Southern on our return trip to Ireland. Additionally, on a personal note we realized we left our iPad in our room after we were 100 miles away and Ciara at the front desk took extraordinary steps to both find the iPad, take the effort to have it shipped back to the United States. Such great service across the board.
It has been a few years since we stayed in the GS and my gosh we were absolutely blown away by the unmistakeable updates and changes to the hotel as a whole when we returned. Our room was upgraded to a beautiful garden room as well as providing us with early check in- something not always possible but very much appreciated. The hotel overall is absolutely stunning. We were there roughly 3 years ago and left feeling a little blah- that the hotel had lost a little of its magic. Brownes bar which we referred to as a gentleman’s bar had changed more to a sports bar, there were big screen tvs blaring sports of the day on it (we’re more mountain climbers than soccer fans so I appreciate that matches being on in the bar would be lost on us completely). We ate in Bronwes bar for dinner- lovely space with the gorgeous fire lighting and great menu options- perfect spot to read a book and have a glass of wine. The new arbour room previously the garden room is beautiful and the upgrade to this room, the attention to detail down to the colour of the napkins used is just stunning. Breakfast was such a treat with the selection of hot food available, how it was as laid out and not just thrown up as is done in other hotels. As well as the options of dishes available from the kitchen (brioche french toast with caramelised banana 👌🏻) Although there was quite a big wedding taking place that day in the GS you wouldn’t have known this by the level of service, calm and quality of service given by every staff member I interacted with. This is not common practices in other hotels!
We had high tea and it was a fun experience with great service. The ambiance and food was a perfect afternoon event.
All the staff at the hotel were cheerful and welcoming . At breakfast in particular Kathleen &Bibi we’re very friendly and helpful . Looked after us very well .
Beautiful hotel with a Staff 2nd to none no A/C but felt completely safe sleeping with door to courtyard open. Bar was very welcoming with a nice small fire to have a few cocktails by. The breakfast was the absolute best we had over our 8 day trip. Wish we could’ve spent a few more nights in Killarney just for this hotel. Highly recommend a stay or just a dinner or drink here. We also had a nice cookie plate wishing us a Happy Anniversary waiting in our room.
Fantastic hotel, called into the bar for a drink. Must give a special mention to Mike in the bar. Such a friendly and accommodating person. Chatted to everyone, and was so welcoming.
We had such a wonderful stay at Great Southern Killarney! The entire staff were so attentive and so kind and engaging with our kids. They went out of their way to make them feel special, particularly at afternoon tea. It was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve had with our kids and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
Great experience when we stayed here. Staff were so nice from start to finish! They left little treats in the room as it was my birthday. Room was lovely, the bed was so comfortable. Very clean. Food is brilliant. Location is perfect. Had the best stay here and will definitely be back!
To everyone on the wedding team at the Great Southern, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We booked our wedding in early 2024, and after viewing several venues, we knew immediately that the Great Southern was the only place we wanted to celebrate our special day. Thank you for everything you did for us over the past couple of years. From the countless emails, meetings, and phone calls, every single member of the team was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Every question was answered promptly, and you always put our minds at ease. We appreciated every bit of care, professionalism, and kindness you showed us throughout the entire journey. Our wedding day on 12.06.2026 was everything we had dreamed of and more. Every detail ran flawlessly, allowing us to enjoy every single moment. Our guests are still talking about how incredible the hotel and staff were. The venue, the suites, the drinks reception, the food, the ballroom, the gardens—everything was simply perfect. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and every request we made was accommodated. In our eyes, the Great Southern truly embodies five-star hospitality. No words could ever adequately express our gratitude. Jillian, Ciara, Steve and Sean, along with every member of the wedding and operations teams, went above and beyond to make our day so special. Your warmth, patience and genuine kindness are something we will never forget. We already cannot wait for our next visit and look forward to returning to a place that will always hold such special memories for us. We will be recommending the Great Southern to everyone—not only as the most incredible wedding venue, but also as the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Thank you once again for everything you did for us. We will always be grateful. With love, Gillian & Nicky xx
I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day at the Great Southern yesterday. Originally I had booked spa treatments at a hotel I was staying at the previous week. I ended up cancelling that booking to book treatments at the Great Southern's Beauty Room with the wonderful Roksana! I knew that no other experience would compare, so I waited to return from my holiday and had the loveliest day trip. When I arrived at the Beauty Room/ Health Club I was greeted by the lovely Firo. He remembered I was a returning client of Roksana's. He has a wonderful caring energy about him and I felt truly welcomed back to the Great Southern. That same caring energy was immediately felt when I was greeted by Roksana. I received a hot stone massage first. Roksana remembered I had been having foot pain and paid extra attention to my feet and legs which was much appreciated. Roksana's hot stone massage is honestly the best I have ever had! Her massage skills and intuition really provide the highest levels of relaxation. I also received the Great Southern Signature Facial. Not only is the experience totally relaxing but the benefits of Roksana's facial continue for weeks. Roksana's knowledge regarding skincare has been incrediblely helpful. She has advised a skincare routine at home which is making a huge difference in my skin as I am experiencing changes from perimenopause. I can't recommend enough booking treatments with Roksana! It was the best day away! Huge thanks to both Roksana and Firo for continuing to make my experiences at the Great Southern absolutely wonderful!
We stayed for one night for our 50th wedding anniversary. The Concierge , Savio, was wonderful from the moment we arrived at the hotel - not only with our bags but arranging the bike hire for us. Esme on reception sorted our room and we also met Majority and Emma who were all helpful to us. (I hope I got the names right) We will definitely return to this hotel. Thank you for an enjoyable stay.
Absolutely fantastic stay! Where do I begin? First, the location is unbeatable. Perfectly situated in the heart of Killarney, everything is just a short walk from the town centre, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The hotel itself is stunning, both inside and out. The exterior is elegant and impressive, while the interiors strike a perfect balance between luxury and warmth. The rooms and common areas are beautifully appointed, offering a refined, stately atmosphere that still feels welcoming and comfortable. The accommodations are truly first-class, and the staff are exceptional. Every team member was attentive, professional, and genuinely committed to ensuring a memorable stay. The attention to detail throughout the property is remarkable and sets this hotel apart. Breakfast each morning was outstanding, with a wide selection of high-quality options, and Brown's, the hotel's bar and casual dining venue, was equally excellent. Both the food and service exceeded expectations. Overall, an exceptional experience from start to finish. I would not hesitate to stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Killarney.
We enjoyed every moment of our time in this absolutely fantastic well located hotel. Each member of the staff were outstanding, both friendly & professional. The food was absolutely delicious & the atmosphere was so relaxing & refreshing. We enjoyed the music in the bar & the bar service was also excellent. It was our first time staying in the Great Southern for our holiday break & we would HIGHLY recommend this beautiful hotel. We will be back next year. Kindest Regards, Don & Noreen Griffin Limerick
We had a wonderful stay at this hotel and couldn’t be happier with our experience. The staff were incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. The service was excellent throughout our stay, and the breakfast was delicious with a great variety of options. The hotel is also very family-friendly, which made our stay even more enjoyable. We were celebrating our daughter’s graduation, and the team surprised her with a thoughtful gift and delicious chocolates. It was such a sweet and unexpected gesture that made our celebration even more special. Thank you to everyone for your outstanding hospitality. We highly recommend this hotel and look forward to staying here again!
The location, the staff, the rooms, the property all super.
While we were upgraded to a Garden room, which was very kind, the room overlooked the noisy wedding reception area and lacked Aircon on what was probably the hottest night in June. We were moved the following without fuss. In a 5 star property you shouldn't have to ask for nuts / nibbles with your drink in the bar and why in a double room is there one ever one bag stool? 🫣 The pool and spa area is combined with the wedding reception area meaning you have to walk through a wedding in full swing to get to the gym/spa/pool. Particular!
Without a doubt The Great Southern Hotel is by far the friendliest Hotel we have stayed in. It was our second time to stay there and we will definitely go back. Its a unique experience in a stunning historical building. Spotless clean, super comfortable beds and fabulous food. We have stayed in several Hotels in killarney over the years and its definitely the best. Right beside the station. This time we had one of their treatments , I chose the back, shoulder and head massage with a facial. Lana looked after me and it was fantastic. Quality . She really was brilliant. I really cannot fault my stay and am already looking forward to going back. We travel around Europe alot but have to say The Great Southern in Killarney is our favourite place to stay.
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What guests love
Areas to consider
Cleanliness
9.11/10No specific mentions, but overall good sentiment about the hotel experience.
Service
9.58/10Staff were friendly, engaging, supportive, and helpful. Service was exceptional.
Location
9.12/10Great location mentioned multiple times, serving as a good base for exploration.
Room Quality
9.07/10Rooms were described as beautiful and well taken care of.
Amenities
8.6/10The leisure center access could be improved, but overall amenities were appreciated.
Value for Money
9.06/10The experience was described as memorable, indicating good value.
Food and Beverage
9.61/10Food received high praise across reviews.
Overall Experience
9.48/10Overall stay was described as magical and unforgettable.