'Worst in a lifetime': Killarney hit with flash flooding after torrential rain 

Homes, businesses and major roads were hit after intense rainfall caused widespread flooding across Killarney on Thursday evening

Flash flooding in Killarney on August 27 2026. Picture: Screenshot from Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarraí/X

Properties in Killarney affected by “the worst flooding in a lifetime” will now be assessed for damage.

Several roads and businesses were impacted on Thursday evening following a “sheer intensity of rainfall” that caught the town “by surprise”.

Kerry County Council said “torrential downpours” that hit Killarney between 7pm and 8pm caused flooding on busy roads, with several routes affected, including the N22, which was closed at the bottom of Pike Hill.

Local councillors for the area said homes and businesses saw floodwater come through their doors, “damaging property and possessions in a matter of minutes”.

The floodwater was substantially cleared by council crews and fire brigades just after 10pm. However, an extensive clean-up operation is now under way in Killarney.

⚠️ FLOODING IN KILLARNEY: Park Road and Countess Road in Killarney are impassable and should be avoided owing to significant flash flooding ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/NT7M73rpQt

— Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarraí (@countykerry) August 27, 2026

Clean-up begins after flooding

Local councillor Niall Kelleher said it was a “very difficult night for Killarney”.

"The floodwaters have thankfully now receded, and roads around Killarney have cleared, but for many families and businesses the impact of what happened tonight will remain long after the water is gone," he said in a statement on social media. 

"My thoughts are especially with those who watched flood water come through the doors of their homes and businesses, damaging property and possessions in a matter of minutes. 

"It must have been an incredibly frightening and helpless experience, and [on Friday] morning many people will be facing an immense clean-up," Mr Kelleher added. 

Flash floods developed rapidly in Killarney on August 27 2026. Picture: Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarraí/X

The former town mayor said work will now begin to assess the damage and support those affected.

"Kerry County Council will be assessing the number of properties impacted over the coming days, and I will be following up urgently on what national financial assistance and other supports can be made available to affected households and businesses," he said. 

Council to assess damage

The current town mayor of Killarney, John O’Donoghue, said most of Killarney was hit by “the worst flooding in a lifetime” and added that the clean-up job “will be immense”.

"I realise many other places are still submerged. Where possible, please remain indoors as you may find yourself hitting the floods again while out and about. 

"If you feel your situation is too dangerous to remain indoors, please let us know. 

"If anyone needs any assistance or transport, please get in touch with me directly or call the Kerry County Council emergency phoneline on 066 7183588," he added.