What’s On in Killarney This May 2026: Racing, Music & Must-See Events

Why May is the Perfect Time to Visit Scotts Hotel Killarney

This year May is jam-packed with events and action from motor racing to lively festivals and concerts making it the perfect time to book a stay with Scotts Hotel Killarney. Located in the heart of the town centre, Scotts Hotel is the ideal base to explore Killarney and attend the wide range of events on in May. Whether your down to watch the famous Rally of the Lakes, attend the Killarney Races or are heading to the INEC to attend one of their many concerts or Europe’s biggest biker festival BikeFest.

Rally of the Lakes

Taking place from the 1st of May until the 3rd of May, the Rally of the Lakes is one of Ireland’s best known rally events. A very lively weekend with big crowds turning out to watch some of the best drivers maneuver the scenic routes around Killarney. Whether you come to find a spot and watch the rally or just enjoy the buzz around the town for the weekend, Scotts Hotel Killarney is the perfect destination.

© Killarney Racecourse

Killarney Races – MayFest

Kick off the summer racing season in Killarney. Three days of horse racing action starting on Saturday the 9th of May and continuing on the 11th and 12th of May. Killarney Racecourse is widely known as one of the most picturesque horse racing venues in Ireland. Whether you come to Killarney to attend the heart-pounding races or just to enjoy the lively athmosphere and festivities around the town, Scotts Hotel Killarney is the premier location for the weekend.

© Valerie O’Sullivan

Killarney BikeFest

Killarney BikeFest celebrates 20 years this summer on the June Bank Holiday from the 29th to the 31st of May at the Gleneagle Hotel. From bikers to non-bikers, BikeFest has something for everyone with an action-packed weekend of activities, events and live music, day and night. Stay close to the action in Scotts Hotel Killarney with the shuttle bus which collects on East Avenue, at the end of Scotts Street and conveniently takes you directly to the Bike Village at the Gleneagle Hotel.

© Daniel Jarkovsky

Concerts & More

In Killarney, we are lucky to have one of the country’s leading entertainment venues, the INEC, on our doorstep. During the month of May the INEC is hosting a range of concerts and events such as Simple Things, Gavin James and Mary Black. The Gleneagle and the INEC will also be hosting the BikeFest a jam-packed weekend of live music and entertainment on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

The INEC is located just a ten minute drive from Killarney town centre. A shuttle bus operates daily from the end of Scotts Street to the venue making Scotts Hotel Killarney the ideal destination to get the most out of Killarney’s lively night life as well as attending your preferred concert or event.

Staying at Scotts

Stay in Scotts Hotel Killarney this May and enjoy the perfect base for your trip. Located in the heart of the town, with complimentary parking for our guests, it’s ideal whether you’re visiting for one of Killarney’s many events and concerts or simply looking for a relaxing getaway.

Unwind in our comfortable, spacious rooms, experience the nightlife with live music in Scotts Bar & Courtyard and make the most of everything Killarney has to offer.