Killarney, Johannesburg

Killarney at a glance

About the suburb of Killarney

Killarney lies in the heart of Johannesburg's leafy northern suburbs, which are neighboured by the beautiful old suburbs of Saxonwold, Houghton, Norwood, and Oaklands. Killarney is known for its apartment-style living. Buildings of historic Art Deco architecture. Apartments that are usually very spacious often have beautiful parquet flooring. They are in buildings that typically have lobbies and elevators to the higher floors. One such apartment building, Daventry Court, was built in 1934 and is now one of the suburb's heritage landmarks.

Killarney covers approximately half a square kilometer, and almost all the property in Killarney comprises sectional title units (better known as apartments or flats). There are, in fact, only 24 freehold houses of the entire 1935 homes in Killarney.

Interesting facts about the history of Killarney

Killarney's story is a historical one. Killarney was established in 1907, making it one of Johannesburg's oldest suburbs. The Gleneagles apartment building in 1^st Street, Killarney, has been mentioned in Paul Duncan & Alain Proust's book Hidden Johannesburg. Designed by JC Cook & Cowen, with building work completed by 1937 and Paul Duncan & Alain Proust describe it as:

"... that Art Deco-ish, face brick and stucco apartment block - the one with the pilasters framing the entrance with its gleaming brass doors - at the heart of this densely packed, leafy flatland and it seems that everyone knows somebody who lives, or has lived, there. Such is life in Killarney." And it could not be a more accurate description.

Schools in the area

Several schools are accessible from Killarney, including the private girls' schools Roedean in Parktown and Kingsmead College in Rosebank. Nearby private boys' schools are St John's in Houghton and Pridwin in Melrose. The Forest Town School for special education is also a short drive from Killarney.  

Medical facilities in the area

Killarney is highly sought-after because of its proximity to hospitals and private clinics. Many medical professionals choose Killarney for this exact reason, as do many medical students studying at the Wits University, a 10-minute drive from Killarney.

The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and the Johannesburg General Hospital (the Joburg Gen as it is informally known), and the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre are all in reasonable proximity. Netcare Milpark and Netcare Rosebank are nearby, too, as is Parklane Clinic.

Shopping centers and malls in the area

Killarney provides convenient access to various shopping and entertainment locations, including Sandton City, Rosebank Mall, and Melrose Arch. Killarney also has its own shopping center, the Killarney Mall, just off the M1 highway on Riviera Road. Killarney Mall has been open for 45 years, and according to Joburg.co.za, "you're sure to find everything you need from your everyday essentials to some well-deserved spoils."

Restaurants to visit in Killarney

Del Forno, Simply Asia, Mugg & Bean, and Ocean Basket are all family-favourite restaurants in the conveniently located Killarney Mall.

The Killarney Golf Club restaurant is popular for parties and functions. La Vie en Rose Houghton at the Killarney Country Club is ideal for those wanting breakfasts, sandwiches, or lunches in a pretty garden setting.

Things to do in Killarney

Looking for things to do in and around Killarney? Here are our Top 5 suggestions to keep you entertained:

1. Golf at the Killarney Country Club: the KCC golf course is a park-style golf course, and it is known to be a narrow course created to challenge driving accuracy. It is a par 70 for men and a par 72 for the ladies.

2. Golf at the Houghton Golf Club: in Osborn Road in lower Houghton, there is a pro shop, a 250-meter driving range, 9-hole putting course, two putting greens, a deep face bunker and low face bunker practice facility. There is a 50 to 70-meter pitching area planned.  The golf course itself is a Jack Nicklaus Golf Course of 18 holes. There is a complete description of every hole at https://www.houghton.co.za/course-layout

3. The Johannesburg Zoo: spread over 55 hectares, this is a special place to visit, particularly with children. There are over 300 different animals at the zoo. The Johannesburg Zoo opened in 1904 and has been superbly maintained. Grab a map at the entrance and enjoy the day outdoors.

4. The Wilds Nature Reserve: popular with those looking to get outdoors, you can hike with views over Johannesburg's suburbs in this 16-hectare inner-city park and look for the more than 100 sculptures on display.

5. Movies at the Killarney Mall: a Nu Metro Cinema that shows the latest Hollywood blockbuster moves.

Distance to airports, main roads, and the CBD

Killarney has a prime location for access to the M1 highway and main arterial roads to Sandton, Rosebank, and Braamfontein in the Johannesburg city center. Sandton is 10 kilometers from Killarney, and the Joburg CBD is 7 kilometers away. For those looking to commute or travel, it is 22 kilometers to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg's main airport. The smaller Lanseria airport on the West Rand is 70 kilometers away.

Weather in Killarney

While the winters can be cold and dry, the summers are warm and balmy. The sun shines over 80% of the time, and the average humidity is 50%. It ranges from 45% in August (winter) to 70% in February, when most of the summer rains fall.

Make Killarney your home, your story.

Apartments for sale in Killarney range from R600 000 to R4 million, depending on the size. However, a select few luxury penthouses sell upwards of R10 million. The demand for property in Killarney is high, with over 100 units being sold in the last year alone.

Seeff Sandton is here to help you find your dream home in the area. Please have a look online at our properties for sale and to rent in Killarney, and send us a message today. Our specialist estate agent Hajee Hoosen is a resident of Killarney herself and is best placed to advise you on property in Killarney.