The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney – 4 Star
Welcome to The Great Southern Hotel
We are very much looking forward to welcoming old friends and new to the Great Southern Killarney. Spectacular architecture melded with effortless service and genuine hospitality has made Great Southern Killarney an iconic retreat for over 160 years. Originally opened in 1854, the hotel was named The Great Southern Hotel for over 100 years then changed to The Malton Killarney in 2007 before returning once again in 2018 as the iconic Great Southern Killarney. The reason for returning back to the Great Soutehrn from The Malton was that many members of the local community and also our guests still refer to, and are familiar with the hotel as the Great Southern, and also due to the Great Southern’s rich history and it’s positive legacy which endures. Killarney hoteliers, the Scally Family, who also own Killarney Royal and Hayfield Manor in Cork undertook ownership of the Great Southern in November 2014, since then the Great Southern team have worked towards restoring the hotel to its former greatness. As part of that restoration project, the hotel’s magnificent Grand Foyer has been restored to the original Victorian design, the sublime public areas have been redecorated in classical style, an extensive bedroom refurbishment program has been undertaken and the facilities surrounding The Great Room and the hotel’s Event Centre have been upgraded.
Today Great Southern Killarney stands proudly as Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel. The hotel is uniquely situated on 6 acres of beautiful gardens, directly adjacent to Killarney Train Station, right in the heart of Killarney town centre. Great Southern Killarney enjoys an impressive history, throughout which the hotel has fortunately retained its striking original Victorian features, as well as developing a deluxe guest experience with beautifully appointed accommodation & guest facilities including the gourmet Garden Room Restaurant, the welcoming meeting point Brownes – The Bar, The Killarney Wine Room, home to the hotel’s wine tasting experience & traditional Afternoon Tea served daily in The Grand Foyer & the beautifully restful, Reading Room Residents’ Lounge. Great Southern Killarney is also home to Killarney’s premier events centre, with a choice of venues in which to host prestigious corporate and social events & intimate or grand-scale weddings. As well as being surrounded by beautiful gardens right in the centre of bustling Killarney town, Great Southern Killarney is also within a moment’s walking distance of the sublime Killarney National Park, & is favourably located directly adjacent to Killarney Railway Station. For visitors to Killarney, Great Southern presents a truly unrivalled location, be it for a social or leisure break to explore Co. Kerry, a luxury wedding or for a business conference, Great Southern Killarney provides the finest service coupled with outstanding facilities. For family holidays & breaks, Great Southern hosts the Kerry Cubs kids clubs throughout the school holidays with a host of activities for children allowing parents and guardians a little time to enjoy the hotel and all the amenities of Killarney beyond. For a special occasion Great Southern is a central venue of choice in Killarney with private dining celebrations and parties hosted in the hotel’s spectacular Victorian suites – The Picture Room, The Lake Room & The Writer’s Room.
Onsite Car Parking is available on a complimentary basis to all residents & free WIFI is offered throughout the hotel. For the very best value it is best to book direct with Great Southern Killarney & begin by perusing our exclusive Special Offers. From your base at Great Southern Killarney in the heart of Killarney Town centre you are in the perfect location to set off on an adventure, explore the iconic Ring of Kerry, taking you on a breath-taking tour of wild seas and rugged landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way. Opt to enjoy a day in nearby Killarney National Park, with its stunning woodlands, historic buildings, lakes and mountains or enjoy a game of Golf with half a dozen championship golf courses to choose room a mere ‘putt’ away including the world famous course of Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Ballybunion Golf Club, Waterville Golf Links & Dooks Golf Club. Opt to simply ramble to your heart’s content around quaint Killarney town centre full of boutiques, cafés, shops and art galleries or enjoy some treatment time in the Innisfallen Health & Beauty rooms. After a busy morning’s touring Killarney town, pause for respite with Great Southern Killarney’s famous Afternoon Tea served in the magnificent surrounds of The Grand Foyer, a people watching haven, or, as a resident, The Reading Room Residents’ Lounge is exclusively available to you to enjoy a quiet lunch. As the day comes to a close, dine in one of Great Southern Killarney’s exceptional restaurants, choose from gourmet dining in the award winning Garden Room Restaurant, the unique & interactive wine experience at The Killarney Wine Rooms or savour delicious bar food in Brownes – The Bar, which also houses the poplular Whiskey Tasting Corner that stocks an exquisite selection of whiskey from across the globe. Great Southern Killarney has achieved huge success with awards such as Ireland’s Hotel Bar of the Year 2018, Ireland’s Four Star Hotel- 2017 Gold Medal Hotel & Catering Review Awards, Ireland’s Hotel Breakfast- 2018 Gold Medal Hotel & Catering Review Awards and Best Conference Venue- National Hospitality Awards 2017.
Gift vouchers are also available for all services at Great Southern and your Great Southern Gift Card can also be redeemed at our other Hayfield Family Collection Properties of Killarney Royal & Hayfield Manor in Cork. We look forward to warmly welcoming you to the Great Southern, Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel and to creating a hots of delightful memories for you during your stay.
Accommodations :
Your room at The Great Southern Hotel is about total relaxation. Luxuriate with The White Company, London, body washes and crèmes before stretching out on crisp white bed linen. Every room offers luxury, whether in the Main House, with its high Victorian ceilings and impossibly tall windows, or the newer Garden Wing, for contemporary comfort and style. Each room at The Malton has something special – some with smooth leather headboards, others with silky curtains, or stylish wallpaper. Some rooms are decorated in restful, natural colours and textures, with others in more contemporary style and design. Rooms in the Main House are designed with traditional charming décor reflecting The Great Southern Hotel’s classic heritage.
Living History
The spacious Victorian staircases and hallways of the Main House were specifically designed to allow two ladies in hooped dresses to comfortably pass. Through the years our hotel has seen its share of celebrities, presidents, and dignitaries as guests, including Charlie Chaplin, Princess Grace of Monaco, The Queen of Tonga, Jackie Kennedy, Pat Nixon, the Duchess of York, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, and Tyrone Power. Many Irish presidents and Taoiseachs have been our guests, including Sean Lemass, Charles Haughey, and Bertie Ahern. President of Ireland Eamon de Valera stayed in room 46 whenever he came to Killarney. A special iron bed, with headboard inlaid with mother of pearl was reserved for him.
Classic Rooms
The Great Southern Hotel stocks, The White Company, London’s luxurious range of products in all of our bedrooms For added guest convenience complimentary bottled water & Tea/Coffee making facilities are also provided.
Deluxe Rooms
Little Extras make the difference
Our Deluxe Rooms offer a lot of value for only a little extra. With more space, a desk area and a dining table, these rooms make it easier to spread out and work or relax. The average size of a Deluxe Bedroom including bathroom is 320 – 350 sq ft. Golfers will appreciate the open wardrobe with plenty of space for your golf bag. All deluxe rooms feature an in-room refrigerator for storing goodies, which we’re happy to stock as a mini-bar on request
Additional Features
Some Deluxe Guestrooms have a separate bath and shower, and some have 3 beds. Let us know if you prefer either of these options when making your booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. If you have extra work to do, we even have Deluxe Guestrooms with more desk space.
Junior Suites
Ambassador Suite
The Great Southern Hotel Ambassador Suite is one of two premier suites at The Great Southern Hotel. This is a room of exceptional grace and comfort, located in a prime corner position of the Main House. In this one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite, tall south-facing Victorian windows overlook our gardens, letting warm light flood into every room. A separate drawing room provides an impressive place for private meetings, receiving guests, or just relaxing. The Ambassador Suite comes with an in-room refrigerator for chilling a celebratory tipple, or can be stocked as a mini-bar on request. The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed.
The Kennedy Suite
The Kennedy Suite is one of two premier suites at The Great Southern Hotel. This opulent suite is available with one or two bedrooms, and separate sitting room. The suite embodies the sophisticated elegance of the Victorian era and has been a haven for many Presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries throughout the years. The Kennedy Suite commands a prime location in the Main House, with magnificant views overlooking the hotel’s beautiful gardens and the scenic mountains of Killarney. The Kennedy Suite has been carefully and tastefully designed with traditional and authentic fabrics, a Waterford Crystal chandelier, and antique furniture chosen exclusively for each room. Adding to the feeling of total luxury are beautiful period fittings and paintings from the hotel’s extensive collection of fine art. Traditional features in the spacious bathrooms include double sinks set in rich mahogany stands and free-standing cast-iron bathtub. The traditional feel doesn’t get in the way of comfort, and you’ll appreciate a rejuvenating shower with extra large bath towels.
The Kennedy Connection with The Great Southern Hotel
For added distinction and privacy for guests, the Kennedy Suite is entered through two large double doors into an exterior foyer, before reaching the main entrance to the suite. Following a visit by Jackie Onassis and her children to the hotel in the 1960’s, Jimmy Cullinane, Head Waiter in the hotel at the time, was prompted to write two poems for the Kennedy Family: John F Kennedy and American Tragedy in memory of John F and Robert Kennedy whom were both tragically assassinated. Today just outside the suite we have on display: An original copy of the American Tragedy poem, an appreciation card from Mrs Kennedy, an appreciation note from Edward Kennedy who subsequently wrote to Jimmy expressing his appreciation on behalf of the Kennedy Family, and an excerpt from the records of The House of Representatives where the John F Kennedy poem was read out by Hon. Richard D. McCarthy, whose parents gave him the poem which they received during their stay in the hotel, formerly the Great Southern Hotel.
The Great Southern Hotel Killarney Self-Catering Houses & Apartments
To check availability for The Great Southern Hotel Self Catering Houses & Apartments please . The Great Southern Hotel Killarney Self-Catering Houses & Apartments have a superb choice of Self Catering accommodation available including The Maple Apartments and The Avenue Holiday Homes. Just a mere 4 minute walk from reception .The Great Southern Hotel Killarney Self-Catering Houses & Apartments are ideal for families, groups or visitors for whom extra privacy, comfort and space is a must. An added bonus is that guests of The Great Southern Hotel Killarney Self-Catering Houses & Apartments also have full use of The Innisfallen Health & Beauty Rooms including 15m Swimming Pool, Steam Room, Sauna and Jacuzzi during their stay. Guests of The Malton Self-Catering Houses & Apartments can also avail of special offers on our YonKa Paris range of Beauty Treatments at The Innisfallen Health & Beauty Rooms
The apartments and houses at The Great Southern Hotel Self-Catering & Apartments are modern and tastefully decorated with spacious contemporary living and dining areas, ultra-comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms. Deluxe and Superior grade houses are available. Each of the self-catering apartments or houses at The Great Southern Hotel Self-Catering Houses & Apartments open onto a patio area or balcony with table, chairs and umbrella, ideal for early morning relaxation and hopefully some sunlight!! Outdoor Children’s Playground and two Outdoor Tennis Courts are also available on-site.
We are uniquely located beside the train station and only a few minutes’ walk from Killarney’s town centre. Whether you are visiting Killarney for adventure, sightseeing, golfing, a wedding or an event our self-catering options at The Malton Self-Catering Houses & Apartments are ideal as we are just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. The Great Southern Hotel Killarney Self-Catering Houses & Apartments are also ideally located close to all of the leading attractions in Killarney including Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Traditional Farms, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle and Gap of Dunloe. At the end of a busy day exploring all that Killarney has to offer you can choose from one of the dining options available in The Great Southern Hotel.
The Malton Killarney Self Catering Houses & Apartments
- To check availability for The Great Southern Hotel Self Catering Houses please advise us and will check for availability for the time period required
Dining :
Have you forgotten just how good simple food can taste? We haven’t.We take dining seriously, and our restaurants follow a single principle: The freshest of quality ingredients, sourced locally and cooked to perfection.Our Executive Chef,Rory Gabriel, describes his cooking as “Creative Cuisine, Classically Influenced”, using the best of local produce from local suppliers and artisan food producers. We grow a range of herbs and vegetables in the hotel gardens providing us with wonderful fresh ingredients to add to our recipes. Our menus also feature fresh breads and pastries from The Great Southern Hotel Bakery – the hotel’s exciting in-house bakery.
Whether the occasion calls for luxury on a grand scale or quiet intimacy, dining at The Great Southern Hotel is an experience you’ll want to share. Our principal restaurant The Garden Room hosts breakfast and dinner each day and the Middle Lake Room and Gallery Room Restaurant can be reserved for private dining and special occasions.
We are committed to prioritising the core indigenous ingredients of Irish cuisine and promoting local and artisan food producers.
Simple click below to read more about our dining options:
Health & Beauty :
Relax & Unwind
At The Great Southern Hotel, time seems to stretch just that little bit longer. Our light and airy leisure centre overlook our gardens for your relaxation and enjoyment. Slow down … play a little, relax and unwind. Plunge into clear, blue water. Warm yourself in the sauna, before refreshing with an invigorating monsoon shower. Take time out for yourself in our health and beauty rooms to pamper every curve, harmonise, and heal. Or take the fun outside with a game of tennis or enjoy time with your children in our children’s playground.
Reward yourself: Massage, Facials, Body Treatments & Nails
The Innisfallen Health and Beauty Rooms provide a full range of facial and body skincare treatments, all designed to awaken your natural beauty. Enjoy a hot stone massage, a full body massage, ease your aches in a hydrotherapy bath or look your very best for that special evening out with an essie nailcare manicure and pedicure. For renewed beauty, try a deep-hydrating facial, using natural oils, creams and elixirs, prescribed just for your skin type. Sheer bliss! We use Yon-Ka skincare products to provide a choice of highly personalised, natural treatments to enhance all skin types. Yon-Ka symbolises ‘Constant Regeneration’, which perfectly describes the deep-down repair and nourishment of these treatments for face and body. Each treatment we offer was designed to awaken your natural beauty at every age of life. Yon-Ka products are all naturally perfumed and alcohol free, promoting relaxation, wellbeing and total rejuvenation for mind, body, and spirit.
Golf :
Living History:
Early visitors were drawn to the fresh air and open spaces of Killarney and the surrounding hills. Victorians considered the beauty and variety of the landscape here, dotted with lakes and imposing mountains, to have restorative properties to feed the soul. Our location provided unparalleled access for these early lovers of nature. A century and a half later, the timeless beauty and fresh mountain air in our area still has the power to cleanse the mind, restore energy, and revive your spirit.
The Perfect Luxury Base for a Golfing Break
If you are looking for a luxurious base for a golfing break, you’re in luck: The Great Southern Hotel located in city center and is ideally placed to give you easy access to a range of world-class golf courses, and with exceptional facilities that include a golf drying room, you could not pick a better 4 star Killarney hotel to launch your assault on some of Ireland’s best golf courses. Here are some of Kerry’s finest golf courses :
- Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
- Ballybunion – On the northwest coast of Kerry, Ballybunion offers two distinctive and uniquely challenging links courses. The Old Course is a par 71 course often listed among the best golf courses in the world.
- Tralee – Golf Channel listed Tralee among the worlds 10 best ocean courses and designer Arnold Palmer enthused that, although he may have designed the first nine holes, God must have designed the back nine.
- Waterville
- Dooks
