by Robert Barr

Created on: November 21, 2011   Last Updated: November 23, 2011

Killarney is a small, Canadian town situated in Southwestern Manitoba, about 250 km from Winnipeg (provincial capital) and only 20 km from the US border. The town is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Turtle Mountain. As a rural town, its economy relies heavily on its agriculture and agribusiness. The town's population currently stands at around 2300.

History of the Town

The town was incorporated in the year of 1906. John Sidney O'Brien, an Irish land surveyor, named the town after the Lakes of Killarney, in Ireland. The town's somewhat Irish nature, complete with green fire engines, Irish Downs and Erin and Kerry Parks, is a big part of Killarney's tourist attraction.

Surrounding Landscape

The landscape around Killarney is characteristic of much of the southern province, with large areas of flat land and gentle, rolling hills that line the horizon. Large patches of forested land rich with a complex network of rivers break vast areas of farmland that stretch across the landscape.

Activities and Attractions

The town has a wide range of fun and interesting activities for all visitors to be a part of. The town lake is a visitors' hotspot, attracting hundreds of tourists every year, while the beach provides you with the possibility of spending a relaxing day by the lake, while there is an exciting beach festival that takes place every July. The town has two museums, the Machinery Museum and the J.A.V David Museum for visitors to peruse, and there is a plentiful range of shops in and around the town centre. The famous Blarney Stone is also definitely worth a look.

Business and Economy

The town is economically dependent on both its agriculture and tourism. In the town itself you'll find a number of agricultural sales and services to support the community, as well as a variety of cottages and playgrounds, namely around the lake, that attract up to 1500 visitors each summer.

Residential Benefits

Killarney was voted 'best retirement town in Canada' by the Canadian Living Magazine. This title seems well-earned, as the town's business community does its best to provide essential goods and services to all local residents.

Recreational Activities

Killarney is home to two sports clubs. The Killarney Shamrocks, who play in the Tiger Hills Hockey League, and the Killarney Lakers of the Border West Baseball League. You can go and watch the Shamrocks play at their recently constructed hockey rink, the Shamrock Centre.

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