A Foodie’s Guide to Killarney’s 10 Best Restaurants and Bistros

Follow your nose to Beaufort Bar and Restaurant and settle in for a warming bowl of seafood chowder – one of the area’s most popular dishes – washed down with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. While a short drive outside Killarney, it’s worth the journey. The O’Sullivan family has been running the business since it opened in 1841 – and stepping inside, you’ll see the space hasn’t changed much. Escape here to hide away from the rest of the world for a few hours, and be sure to try a drop (and no more if you’re driving) of one of 200 whiskeys lining the back bar before heading back to town.

If you need a break from Irish stews or fish and chips, and you’re in the mood for something with a little bit of zing, try Khao Asian Street Food. The vast menu covers a range of Vietnamese and Thai classics, such as pho bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) and Thai green vegetable curry, but you may also spot one or two unfamiliar offerings. There’s plenty of space for dining inside, but you can also grab your favourite dish to go if you’re after a cosy night in.

Not just a spot to whet the whistle – although dabbling in the extensive whiskey list is encouraged – Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder serves up some of the best gourmet pub grub in town. From classics, such as haddock and prawn chowder and steak and chips, to more inventive dishes, including steamed mussels with nduja and roast bone marrow, your meal of choice will likely be a memorable one. Things get livelier as the night wears on, so once you’ve cleaned your plate, order a cocktail from the extensive menu and settle in for some hearty Irish pub vibes.