Best seats at the Gleneagle Arena (INEC), Killarney

The INEC has been Kerry's big room since Bertie Ahern opened it in June 2000. Niall Horan and Hozier have sold it out, Tears for Fears have played it, and Hot Press readers voted it live venue of the year in 2018. Renamed Gleneagle Arena in 2025, it now runs everything from Riverdance and Billy Ocean to the Wolfe Tones, Roy Keane in conversation and a whole week of country music each November.

Which room are you in?

This is the mistake people make. The Gleneagle complex has three show rooms: the Arena, the Gleneagle Ballroom and the Gleneagle Club. Listings often just say "Gleneagle", and in autumn 2026 several acts, from Sorcha Richardson to Declan O'Rourke, are in the Club rather than the arena. The old Ballroom is a piece of history too: The Prodigy played it before they were famous. Read your ticket, and follow the signs on the night.

Seated or standing

The arena itself comes in two set-ups, which the Gleneagle calls Arena Seated and Arena Standing. At full stretch it holds about 4,142. The Gleneagle's largest space has tiered retractable seating that folds back to give a flat floor, which is how the same room does both a sit-down comedy night and a standing gig.

Don't guess from the act: the ticket listing says Seated or Standing, and it decides whether you need to arrive early for a spot near the front.

Where we'd go

• Standing gig: the floor, slightly off-centre, level with the sound desk if there is one. You avoid the crush at the barrier and still get the full mix.
• Seated show: the balcony. The venue says it has an unrestricted view of the main stage, and you look over the heads on the floor rather than through them.
• Comedy: the closer the better. Front blocks on the floor, so you catch every face the comedian pulls.
• Access: a lift serves every level of the main auditorium from the ground floor, so the balcony works for wheelchair users. The venue also lists a hearing loop and large-print information.

Reviewers broadly agree the room is comfortable and spacious, with good views from the seats.

On the night

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of the INEC Killarney?

About 4,142, according to Hot Press. The Gleneagle complex also has smaller rooms, the Ballroom and the Club.

Is the Gleneagle Arena seated or standing?

Both. The arena is set up as Arena Seated or Arena Standing depending on the show, so check your ticket.

Is there a balcony at the INEC?

Yes. The main auditorium has a balcony with a clear view of the stage, and a lift serves every level.

Is the INEC the same as the Gleneagle Arena?

Yes. The INEC, Ireland's National Events Centre, was renamed Gleneagle Arena in 2025.