Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Killarney's Premier Historic hotel, Great Southern Killarney has been welcoming visitors since 1854. Great Southern is a Deluxe Victorian hotel located in Killarney town centre yet on its own private gardens of 6 acres. Guest accommodation includes 177 bedrooms; choose from a variety of suites, deluxe and classic rooms. Our restaurants include The Garden Room & Killarney Wine Rooms, unique dining experiences with delicious food & friendly service. Brownes Bar, is a cosy and relaxing bar to enjoy a light snack, drinks or taste some Whiskey. Car Parking is available complimentary on-site. The hotel's leisure facilities include 15 metre swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gymnasium and two outdoor tennis courts. Complimentary WI-FI is provided throughout the hotel.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
City View
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Polish
Location
East Avenue Road Town Centre, Killarney V93 R866 Ireland
Great Southern Killarney
4.6 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Nestled in a prime location, Great Southern Killarney is lauded for offering guests easy access to both natural splendor and town conveniences. The hotel exudes a warm and elegant atmosphere, complete with festive decor and a touch of historic charm that ensures a welcoming stay. While the comfortable rooms with scenic views are well-regarded, some guests suggest that the decor could be refreshed and the temperature control needs improvement.
The array of amenities, including a heated pool and luxurious spa, receive consistent praise, as does the hotel's cleanliness and the professional service provided by the staff, although a few guests have noted occasional lapses in service. The value proposition elicits mixed reactions, with some guests finding the pricing reasonable and others questioning the cost in relation to their experience.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Well-appointed
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveler reviews and learn more about how the site works.
To reach our room on the 4th floor, we had to use “Lift 2” which was down a long corridor from reception. The room (# 460) had a comfortable King bed with a sofa at the foot of the bed. At night, there is a motion activated light that turns on in the wardrobe to help you not stub your toes on the legs of the sofa (which I still did!). The shower had nice hot water and the hotel provided wash cloths. The bed only had a feather duvet, so we requested housekeeping to bring us a top bedsheet. It was a warm and sunny day, so the room was uncomfortably warm. The room didn’t have air conditioning so we had to open the windows and use a small oscillating fan. This hotel was nicely situated only blocks to the city center. We had an included breakfast that consisted of hot tea or coffee, self-serve cold items (fruits, cereals, pastries, cheeses and meats) and hot items which were made to order. The hot items were a standardized list of 5 or 6 choices including pancakes with crispy American bacon, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and an Irish Breakfast. I would have appreciated some flexibility in ordering. I wanted to modify an order of eggs Benedict as I liked all of the ingredients except for a poached egg (I wanted scrambled), but I wasn’t able to.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded Sep 25, 2024
Dear Mr Sufan, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay here with us at Great Southern Killarney. We welcome all feedback both positive and constructive. We have added your room preference now to your profile to ensure that on your return to us, your room allocation (close to main house), bedding and air conditioning are met. Along with your suggestion on a more varied breakfast option. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us. We are delighted that you enjoyed our central location with easy access to our stunning national park and surrounds. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back on your next visit to Ireland. Warm regards, Evelyn, Guest Relations Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Killarney being a favourite yearly destination I decided to take an early in the year few days respite. Not driving this trip, I took a train journey for the short trip...and not having my bicycle as usual with me, on the recommendation of my Son, instead of staying out on the Muckross Road, he suggested staying nearer the town....and highly recommended the Great Southern Hotel, where he had spent Christmas with his family...it was soooo convenient...across the road from the train station...The Hotel looked amazing...standing tall on its own....a wonderful warm greeting from the Porter in the entrance Hall, with a big open fire, blazing and welcoming...very friendly receptionists...efficient and helpful....I was allocated a super room on the 4th floor, overlooking the most beautiful Gardens, with a Balcony...I loved it...big spacious Bathroom and spotlessly clean....Breakfast next morning I enjoyed....Kathleen was so friendly and being on my own I appreciated the chat....wandered out around Killarney Town, browsed and shopped....and then back to the Hotel for a very tasty Fish Chowder....I made use of the Spa facilities...very nice pool....gorgeous warm jacuzzi, and an 80 minute full body massage, which eased my sore bones after several falls and a broken wrist...felt really well after it, and,the friendly therapist with a big smile was excellent. On leaving for an early train this morning , before breakfast, one of the Porters, Holland, I have to say was amazing altogether...he went way beyond the call of Duty in helping and organising my departure....and he was sooo good humoured and friendly in his manner...outstanding....Waiting staff organised for me to takeaway a goodie bag for my train journey as Breakfast room was not open until 7.30...A big Thank you for that...and to cap it all, Rolland asked a Porter coming on duty to bring my bags over to the train station for me...Another Gentleman, Romanian, seen me to exactly where I,would board the train....really appreciated that....very friendly and chatty...so Thank you too...overall I loved the Great Southern and will make it my go to destination in future...I love the National Park, cycling through it in safety and on to Muckross and Torc.. it all ties in so conveniently....a good selection of good Restaurants in Killarney Town....with Foleys being our favourite.. we hope to book for the Christmas Package, my Husband and I....instead of going to the Sun, our intentions are this year, a Traditional Christmas in Killarney... Thank you Great Southern I really enjoyed..
Read more
Date of stay: March 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Evelyn Lucey, Guest Services / Front Office at Great Southern Killarney
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you so much Marie for your wonderful and detailed review! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay with us, from the warm welcome to the beautiful room and the Spa facilities. It’s fantastic to know our team, especially the porters and staff, helped make your visit memorable and convenient. We’re delighted that you plan to return for your future visits and look forward to welcoming you again, perhaps for a traditional Christmas in Killarney! Thank you for choosing the Great Southern.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
This is the friendliest hotel we have ever stayed at- from the reception to the beauty room, the lovely gentleman serving us in Brownes Bar with the thick Kerry accent, and the concierge who was so friendly to everyone. The room was lovely and clean with a spacious shower, the hotel was very clean and had a lovely fire on entry with a big basket of firewood which was a nice touch and welcoming. The reason I have not given 5 stars is because of the food…We had dinner in Brownes bar, I had the seafood chowder and it wasn’t very appetising at all and lacked any flavour, our mains were bangers and mash which consisted of only two sausages, a small portion of mash potato and no veg, I had the chicken supreme which again was very small with only one baby carrot and parsnip and three or four green beans as veg-very poor, there was a €45 fillet steak on the menu and judging by the size of our main dishes if the steak dish was the same size that would be an extremely overpriced dish!Apple pie for dessert lacked any flavour. We got breakfast delivered to our room-items were missing, I ordered an Eggs Benedict which had a stale English Muffin, no salmon as requested and no hollandaise, husband’s sausage and hash brown very underwhelming. I think when you express this to senior staff it should be a standard that you are offered a voucher by way of apology. An apology itself is not good enough, overall a lovely hotel but the food portion and quality needs big improvements.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded 3 days ago
Dear Christina, sincere thanks for taking the time to review your recent stay at Great Southern Killarney. We appreciate all feedback both positive and constructive. It is lovely to hear you enjoyed your room and your beauty treatments. We are grateful for your feedback regarding your dining experience and have shared this with our Kitchen team. The detail you have provided is extremely helpful in allowing our Chef to investigate this. Kind Regards, Maria - Rooms Division Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My friend and I arrived at lunch time on 6th November and were met at the door by friendly and helpful doorman. The Christmas decorations were in situ and a big log fire burning in the grate. Again at the desk the receptionist was friendly and helpful. Our room (a classic twin) was very comfortable and spacious and overlooking the garden which we were able to enjoy looking onto having made a cup of tea! Down stairs there was plenty of seating to allow you to sit and read or just relax in the bar in front of the fire. The breakfast and dinner were first class. I think what made the stay so memorable was the friendliness and courteous manner of all the staff. We look forward to returning again.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â Just sit back and enjoy a wonderful relaxing hotel.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded Nov 13, 2023
Dear Mary, On behalf of all the team at Great Southern Killarney, thank you sincerely for your wonderful review of your stay and our staff. We were delighted to host you both and are thrilled that it was our courteous staff who stood out to make it a most memorable stay. From the superb dining to the festive spirit within the hotel and you room allocation, it is wonderful to know that all created a comfortable and relaxing stay for you. And we look forward to seeing you return to us very soon again. Warmest regards always, Evelyn, Guest Relations Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the minute you step inside the front door you are treated like a king and made feel so welcome. The room is spacious, spotless clean with an amazingly comfortable bed and spare duvet in the wardrobe if required. The heating is self controlled with clear instructions on how to do this. The bathroom has a beautiful roll top bath and power shower with separate toilet area and white company toiletries. Very nice. Breakfast was very busy but we still did not have to wait very long to be served. Food quality was superb. Can't wait to come back for another visit before too long
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Rooms on the 4th floor are lovely and quiet
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded Nov 12, 2023
Dear Jack, We are thrilled to know that the Great Southern is your “something special” in Killarney. Thank you for your superb review of our hotel and facilities. In particular our self-controlled heating system which has recently been installed. We can’t wait to have you back here with for some more fine dining and relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the Kingdom. Warm regards, Evelyn, Guest Relations Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were touring Ireland in a caravan for 4 weeks but rented this self catering 4 bedroom apartment to spend time with family and friends for a week. The hotel let us park the caravan for free in the carpark for the 7 nights we were staying provided noone stayed in the caravan. We were delighted with this. The apartment was very spacious and bright with 3 bathrooms , 4 sizable bedrooms and a well equipped kitchen. The microwave was faulty and the staff replaced it immediately. We had the use of the excellent leisure facilities which included a 15m pool , a well equipped gym, a jacuzzi and a sauna. Swim caps and returnable 1 euro coin for the lockers are required. We loved staying here and wouldn't hesitate to return
Read more
Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Bring a euro for lockers and a swim cap for the pool. They sell caps at reception for €3.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded Nov 5, 2024
Thank you so much for your superb review of your recent stay at the Avenue Holiday homes in the heart of Killarney. We are delighted that you enjoyed the space of the holiday home itself to cater for your family and friends. Along with parking and the extra amenities such the visits to our health club. Thank you for sharing your experience with the wider travelling community and we look forward to hosting you again on your next visit to Kerry
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in a beautiful suite with stunning garden views. Fabulous Elemis eye and lip cream, a sleep mask, pillow spray, and a bed as comfortable as a cloud ensured we had the best sleep. The breakfast was delicious and the breakfast room has gorgeous high ornate ceilings so you can sit back and soak up the atmosphere. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. We had the perfect stay here. Thank you, we will be back!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2025Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded 3 days ago
Dear Lorraine, sincere thanks for taking the time to review your recent experience at Great Southern Killarney. It is lovely to hear you enjoyed the gift of the sleep set we placed for you! We hope to welcome you back again soon. Kind Regards, Maria - Rooms Division Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Have just returned home after enjoying the fantastic 3 day Christmas experience. From beginning to end I felt totally spoilt ! I was allocated a lovely room on the 3rd floor overlooking the garden, with views towards the mountains. The whole dining experience was amazing. As a mature solo traveler, I am used to being seated in out of the way corners of the dining room , or even on occasions, in little side rooms off the dining room. Not in the Great Southern Killarney ! Thanks to Kathleen’s table allocations, where a lot of consideration was obviously given to the needs of all guests, I was allocated a lovely table beside the fireplace. The variety of food on the menu, and the food itself were superb ! The dining experience was greatly enhanced by the presence of Bibi, who was on duty in the dining room throughout the entire Christmas. Festive bites with tea, coffee, and mulled wine were also available during the 3 day period. The addition of hot soup and chowder was very welcome following St Stephen’s day mystery tour, which was very enjoyable. I have spent Christmas at the Great Southern Killarney in the past, and the large proportion of families who return every Christmas is testament to the quality and value provided.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
While we enjoyed our stay at the hotel, there were some things that were uncharacteristic for a hotel in this price point. For example, the toilet was so close to the sink that you literally had to sit sideways to use it. No hooks are provided in the bathroom to hang towels or sleepwear. Also, if you are going to have a pedestal sink, please provide adequate shelving for toiletries. Lastly, one would think outlets by the bed are a mandatory to accommodate cell phone charging, etc. Again, not deal breakers per se but one would think a hotel in this price point would think through these things a little more. For the record we were part of a tour so not sure if our room is deemed tour quality.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Ask at the desk if your room has adequate bathroom space/setup and charging outlets by the bed.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded Sep 27, 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay here with us at the Great Southern. I am disheartened to know that your visit fell short of expectations on this visit, particularly in terms of your room allocation. Should you consider returning to us in the future, please reach out to me directly and I will personally oversee all aspects of your reservation. I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back to Great Southern Killarney. Warm regards Evelyn Guest Relations Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As I entered past the welcoming blazing fire on a miserable wet winter’s night I thought “Oh No!It’s Christmas here already! But as my eyes took in the gentle lights, trees & subtle decorations I actually loved it, particularly the crib with beautifully carved wooden figures with the empty manger. Yes, we’re getting ready for Christmas & I’m in a better mood already. Dinner was excellent, again a warming fire, perfect food & top class service. My room was quiet, cosy with every comfort one required. Towelling robe & slippers were delivered to the room for early morning swim in the pool before breakfast. I like the new arrangement of a separate room for breakfast buffet leaving the elegant dining room uncluttered. Parking was free up to 6 pm the following day with checkout at noon. The Great Southern still retains a lovely old world charm, so welcoming with genuinely caring professional staff. I was reluctant to leave ( at 11.55 !) & will certainly be back soon.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Â Ask at reception for help with luggage- plenty of willing staff to help.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Other at Great Southern Killarney
Responded Nov 13, 2023
Dear Love Travel, Thank you for your superbly worded and elegant review of our grand old dame in Killarney - the Great Southern. We are delighted you enjoyed your time with us. And it is lovely to receive feedback on our Christmas decorations with the most focal point being the crib upon entry to the hotel. We love how you had the feeling of a very warm welcome with the fire blazing and all was ready for a comfortable and relaxing stay with us. Thank you for sharing with us your top class experience and dining along with room allocation. Although you were reluctant to depart, it gives us the opportunity to welcome you back for another wonderful stay in Killarney. Wishing you all the best for the festive season ahead. Warmest regards, Evelyn, Guest Relations Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our room had a bath but we required a walk-in shower as well due to mobility issues. The “shower” in our bathroom was literally a 2X2 foot box hardly big enough to turn around in, forget about picking up dropped soap ! The bathroom itself was really large, so they had plenty of space to make the shower a normal size. Very disappointing. This hotel was our least favorite on a 10-day trip.
There are more places to choose from in the Killarney area.
PRICE RANGE
$223 - $409 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
malton hotel killarney
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty KerryKillarney
NUMBER OF ROOMS
177
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Southern Killarney
Which popular attractions are close to Great Southern Killarney?
Nearby attractions include Escape Killarney - Kerry's 1st Live Escape Room Game (0.2 miles), Gaelic Roots The Show (0.2 miles), and Killarney House Gardens (0.2 miles).
