Shauna O’Connor is co-owner of Peter’s Family Restaurant & Apache Pizza in Killorglin, one of the best family-friendly restaurants in the town and famed for its homemade chips, fresh Atlantic fish and dry-aged Irish beef half-pounders. Here she chooses her five favourite things to do in Killorglin.

Chill out at Aloha House
When you’re working hard serving other people most of the time, you occasionally need to relax. And one of my favourite spots to do so is at Aloha House, right by the River Laune and one of the most serene spots in Killorglin. It has tranquil gardens with views over the river and offers a variety of classes such as aerial yoga and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage. It’s a great spot with some fabulous practitioners.
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Take a riverside walk
If you are a fan of beautiful landscapes take a walk along the River Laune down by the old Iron Bridge – conveniently, it’s just around the corner from Aloha House, so you could even combine the two. When you visit, you’ll find Instagram-worthy mountain and river views, and you may even be lucky enough to catch sight of the local rowing teams training on the river, many of whom are international champions.
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Sample the craic in Falvey’s
There are a number of great pubs in Killorglin, but I love going to Falvey’s for the good ol’ Irish craic and banter. In this authentic Irish pub, you can chat to the locals about anything and everything while enjoying a local craft beer. Not unknown for erupting into sing-song, Falvey’s is also a great place to watch sporting events.
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Kerry Culture Nights at Sol y Sombra
Sol y Sombra is a tapas bar with a twist. For one thing, it’s in a beautiful former Anglican church right in the middle of town, for another it serves a fantastic fusion mix of Spanish tapas and Irish food. That mix comes even more to the fore on the regular Kerry Culture Nights when there is Irish poetry, story telling, traditional music and dance performances every Wednesday throughout the summer. An exciting insight into Irish culture awaits you with the option to book in to dine in the tapas restaurant before the show starts at 8.30pm.
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Pick up a bite from Jack’s Bakery
If you’re heading out for a day exploring the Reeks District and need a picnic, want to pick up a quick sandwich or buy some bread and cakes for home, Jack’s is the place to do so. Across the road from the historic Bianconi Hotel, the bakery is open bright and early to bake some of the most wondrous loaves and tasty treats that will have your mouth watering.
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Map of locations mentioned in this Note from the Reeks

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