Great Southern Killarney joins Irelands Blue Book following five-star rating

The Great Southern Killarney has joined the Ireland's Blue Book collection, Hospitality & Catering News and Breaking Travel News reported. The addition follows the historic hotel's achievement of five-star accreditation earlier in 2026. [1][2]

Hospitality & Catering News reported that the independently operated property achieved five-star status following a programme of investment and improvements. The hotel is situated in the centre of Killarney, County Kerry. [1]

The Great Southern first opened in 1854 to serve the emerging railway tourism industry and has been part of Irish hospitality for more than 170 years, according to Hospitality & Catering News. The property joins a collection of distinctive Irish hotels, country houses, castles, and restaurants. Tourism has underpinned the economy of Killarney for more than two and a half centuries. [1][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Great Southern Killarney recently hosted major local gatherings. The venue held the annual Killarney Looking Good Awards on 11 October, and hosted a ceremony where the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle presented 1.06 million euros to 40 charities. [6][7]