Killarney

Quick Facts

• Type: Summer-bearing red raspberry
• Season: Early mid-season, ripening about a week after Boyne
• Flavor: Classic raspberry aroma and flavor, great for fresh use and pies
• Berry: Bright red, medium-sized, firm berries with good freezing quality
• Plant habit: Upright, medium-sized, sturdy canes
• Best for: Northern climates and cold sites where winter hardiness is critical
• Notes: Hardy but susceptible to leaf and cane diseases; does best in northern Minnesota

Released in 1961, Killarney is a time-tested summer-bearing raspberry especially valued for its winter hardiness. It ripens in the early mid-season window, about a week after Boyne, helping bridge the gap between early and main-crop varieties. The berries are bright red, medium-sized, and firm, with a true raspberry aroma and flavor that shines in fresh eating, desserts, and preserves.

Canes grow upright, are medium-sized and sturdy, and perform best in colder regions and northern plantings. While Killarney is quite hardy, it can be susceptible to leaf and cane diseases, so good pruning, sanitation, and site selection are important for long-term productivity. For northern growers, especially in places like northern Minnesota, Killarney remains a reliable choice for flavorful, early mid-season raspberries.

For help planning row spacing and plant counts per acre, see our Raspberry Spacing & Planting Guide before planting.