Annual Festivals & Events
Killarney's calendar of annual events โ from ancient fairs to race meetings, outdoor festivals to Christmas celebrations.
These are events that happen every year without fail โ some for centuries, some more recent but already embedded in the calendar. All of them are reasons to visit Killarney at a particular time of year.
Spring
National Holiday
Killarney's St. Patrick's Day parade draws big crowds to the town centre โ a family day with floats, marching bands and a festive atmosphere throughout the pubs.
Read more โCultural Festival
A celebration of the six Celtic nations โ Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia โ with music, dance, song and competitions held across Killarney venues.
Read more โSummer
Horse Racing ยท 3 Days
Three days of National Hunt and flat racing at Killarney Racecourse โ one of Ireland's most scenic and atmospheric race meetings, as much about fashion and social occasion as the horses.
Read more โHorse Racing ยท 3 Days
The second of two annual Killarney race meetings โ same atmosphere, same scenery, with the mountains reflected in the lakes as the backdrop.
Read more โAncient Celtic Tradition ยท 3 Days
One of Ireland's oldest and most unusual festivals โ a wild goat is crowned King Puck for three days in Killorglin, 20 minutes from Killarney. Music, markets and ancient tradition since the 17th century.
Read more โAutumn
Outdoor Festival
Kerry's outdoor adventure and wellness festival โ hiking, kayaking, yoga, wild swimming and talks set against the backdrop of the National Park. A relatively new event already firmly on the calendar.
Read more โMusic Festival
An autumn music festival bringing national and international acts to Killarney venues โ a growing fixture in the town's cultural calendar.
Read more โ