Great Southern Killarney, a historic hotel in central Killarney, has launched a programme of guided outdoor and cultural experiences following its refurbishment and elevation to five-star status.
Named Untamed Adventures, the programme brings falconry, foraging, yoga, whiskey tastings, photography, boating and angling into a stay at the County Kerry property. Activities take place across the hotel’s six-acre estate and further afield in Killarney National Park, on Lough Leane and along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The launch follows the hotel’s 2026 rebrand under the theme Splendour, Untamed, supported by investment in guestrooms, restaurants, event facilities and shared spaces. The new identity connects the restored property with the lakes, mountains and wildlife surrounding Killarney.
“Securing five-star status and unveiling our new brand positioning marks a defining moment for The Great Southern Killarney and for the wider Scally Hotel Collection,” managing director Michael Jacobi said when the rebrand was announced.
Private falconry on the Great Southern estate
The Birds of Prey experience is a private, hour-long encounter hosted within the hotel’s landscaped grounds. An expert falconer introduces guests to the birds and guides the close-range session, giving visitors a wildlife experience without leaving the estate.
Sessions begin at 10am or 11.30am every Monday and Tuesday, then again on Thursday. Prices start at €200 for one or two adults.
Great Southern Killarney sits in the centre of town, while its gardens look towards the McGillycuddy’s Reeks and Killarney National Park begins at the property’s boundary, according to the hotel’s guide to its grounds and activities.
Foraging, yoga and poetry in the grounds
Taste the Wild Foraging explores the estate’s seasonal ingredients on foot or by bicycle with a local guide. Guests collect edible plants, prepare wild pesto and finish with a picnic, turning the hotel grounds into a practical introduction to County Kerry’s natural produce.
The foraging experience lasts at least 90 minutes and costs €200 per guest. The 90-minute format suits travellers who want to explore the surroundings without spending a full day away from Killarney.
Sunday mornings begin more gently with a complimentary 60-minute yoga and mindfulness class for hotel guests. Led by a local practitioner named Holly, the session combines breathwork with light movement in the calm surroundings of the estate.
Private poetry readings with local poet Paul Byrne and live music performances are also included among the hotel’s on-property experiences. Schedules and prices for these activities have not been published.
Photography tours through County Kerry
Killarney native Micheál O’Sullivan, an international award-winning photographer, leads two-hour photography tours into Killarney National Park and along the Wild Atlantic Way. The route is designed around Kerry’s natural scenery, with guidance intended to help guests capture more considered images rather than simply visit familiar viewpoints.
Back at Great Southern Killarney, the hotel prints selected photographs for guests to take home. The experience finishes with a whiskey tasting after the time outdoors.
Photography tours cost €200 for up to four people. Each additional participant is charged €50.
Private boat trips on Lough Leane
For a broader view of Killarney, the hotel can arrange a private journey with Ross Castle Boat Tours across Lough Leane, one of the area’s largest lakes. The wheelchair-accessible experience is suitable for all ages and travels to Innisfallen Island and the Meeting of the Waters.
Innisfallen Island is known for the remains of an early monastery and its long association with learning, while red deer still roam its wooded ground. The island offers a quieter setting than Killarney town and an opportunity to explore part of the national park.
The private boat experience lasts two and a half hours and costs €300 per vessel. Guests interested in angling can also ask the hotel to arrange fishing equipment for Lough Leane or the Atlantic coast, although separate prices have not been provided.
Beyond the organised tours, the 25,000-acre Killarney National Park offers lakeside walking and access to more demanding routes. Golfers can visit Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, which has hosted the Irish Open six times, while the hotel can also assist with tee times and transport at other County Kerry courses.
Whiskey flights in the refurbished Brownes Bar
Back inside the hotel, Brownes Bar hosts curated whiskey tastings led by producers and specialists. Its whiskey corner is named after Sir Valentine Augustus Browne, who contributed part of his family estate to the hotel’s construction.
Designed as a compact pre-dinner or post-dinner experience, each tasting runs for 30 minutes and costs from €30 per guest. It is an accessible addition for visitors who prefer to remain indoors or want a short activity between exploring Killarney and dinner.
The hotel’s Arbour brasserie occupies the Garden Room, overlooking the grounds towards Killarney National Park. Its seasonal menus combine brasserie dishes with produce from Kerry farms and Atlantic fisheries.
A historic Killarney hotel enters its five-star era
Great Southern Killarney first opened in 1854 to serve travellers arriving by steam train. The Scally family acquired the property in 2014, and it reopened under its historic name in January 2018 after refurbishment. Its five-star accreditation followed further investment and transformation in 2026.
The hotel forms part of the independently owned Scally Hotel Collection, alongside Hayfield Manor in Cork, Killarney Royal Townhouse and St. Helen’s in Dublin. The family has worked in hospitality for three generations.
Nightly rates at Great Southern Killarney start from €375. Untamed Adventures are generally priced separately, with the Sunday yoga class currently complimentary for resident guests.
