We had a lovely time at the Arbutus hotel. The hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere because of its dedicated staff. It's in a great location, right in the heart of Killarney. The breakfasts are great, thanks to Betty and her colleagues. We highly recommend it if you're traveling through Killarney!

The Arbutus is THE place to stay in Killarney!

It's historic flavor and top-notch service by very friendly staff make it a real delight!

Don't miss Betty in the dining room. She will make your breakfast or dinner even more enjoyable.

Ed Smith - Green Bay Wisconsin

We travelled from Cork to Killarney with our 10yo daughter for a weekend break. This hotel's location is really perfect, being slap bang in the middle of the town and walking distance to everything in the entire town. From the moment we walked in the door (well, before actually because we had to telephone the hotel with a booking change) the staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel public areas and the rooms are traditionally decorated and very tasteful and comfortable. Our deluxe room had a 5' double bed and a single bed for our daughter and still had plenty of room. The bathroom was large and airy and well equiped. Breakfast was fantastic - we did not eat dinner in the restaurant (which we regretted) and the bar was fun and lively.

Hard to fault this hotel - considering it was very reasonably priced. Very good value indeed. We would definitely consider staying there again.

This hotel encapsulates everything that Irish hospitality is about. The public rooms and guest rooms ooze old-world style but with 21st Century attention to detail. Breakfast is an experience worth getting up for: terrific choice of cooked options if you haven’t overloaded from the buffet table of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, home-made breads, scones and traditional pastries. Tables have beautiful, Irish linen tablecloths and napkins set off with silver tea pots and jugs. And, if you can, have a chat with Betty. Betty is not so much a person as an institution (a walking, talking, encyclopedic one). She has waited in the dining room, and everywhere else around the hotel, for more years than anyone can remember (including the owners!): we’re talking decades here! She’s just wonderful and, she’s not alone. Some of the hotel employees have been here since Adam was a boy. Really. 10, 20, 30, 40+ years: all part of the Buckley Dynasty.
The adjacent Buckley’s Bar is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. It’s cosy and typically Irish: sounds of happy banter and chit-chat and music and laughter and the clink and dull thud of Guinness pints going endlessly about their business. Wallpaper with musical motifs, well worn wooden benches, softly padded arm chairs, original photographs. Sit by the fire; chat with the locals; sing along with the motley bunch of musicians that come and go before lunch on Sundays. It’s what a good pub should be. Magic! I met the owners, Sean and Carol Buckley, and reminded them - in case they'd forgotten - that most hoteliers would give their right arm to get close to what this establishment has on offer: location, style, tradition, ethos - and staffed by the most warm and wonderful people. It’s right in town with culture, history, shopping, pubs, restaurants and entertainment on the doorstep. It’s also a favourite starting point for visitors doing the famous “Ring of Kerry" tour. And, the wonderfully scenic Irish “Lake District” and Killarney National Park are just minutes away by car – or “Jaunty Car” (touristy horse and trap - complete with driver/guide who never stops talking). However long you’re here for you’ll want to come back. Honest!