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Disclaimer: I paid for this trip myself. All recommendations and opinions are my own.
I have to admit that I hold a special place in my heart for Killarney National Park. It is such a beautiful place, with lush green mountains and three stunning lakes including Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake. Unfortunately, it is not Ireland’s best kept secret, so you will find yourself sharing it with loads of tourist, especially in the summer months. But don’t let that put you off, as there is lots to do and see here and if you are keen on hiking and cycling, then there are plenty of paths that most tourists never get to.
Killarney National Park is located in County Kerry and we arrived in the afternoon after spending the morning driving around the Ring of Kerry as part of our two week self-drive holiday around Ireland. The town of Killarney sits on the edge of the park and is the perfect base in which to explore the park because you can literally walk straight out into the park. The town is also quite large, so has a range of accommodation options, restaurants and supermarkets.
We drove into Killarney via the N71 and were immediately struck by the stunning views from Ladies View. We pulled into the parking area to take in the views and ended up having an icecream at the cafe. We then walked up the road from the viewing point where there is another parking area and a path that leads to a wonderful view of the upper lake. After enjoying the views, we drove onto Killarney town centre to drop off our bags at our accommodation and then head out on foot to explore the park. For those not up to it, there are plenty of horse drawn jaunting cars available that you can pay for a ride all over the park.
We entered the park across from St Mary’s Cathedral called Knockreer Estate and found some adorable thatched cottages, one operates as a charity cafe. There are lots of paths winding around the park near the town, but you can also head out deeper into the park from here. The paths were very well maintained and a mix of gravel and bitumen. We decided to walk to Ross Castle which sits on the shores of Lough Leane. You can also drive to the castle from the main road – Ross Road, and there is free onsite parking. The walk to it was wonderful, there is something magical about this place. As it was spring, the park was full of aromatic wild garlic flowers with pockets of bluebells. On the opposite shore we captured some stunning views of the castle sitting on the lake edge shrouded in low cloud. As it was quite late in the afternoon, by the time we reached the castle, it was relatively quiet. The Castle dates back to the late 15th century and was built by one of the O’Donoghue Ross chieftains. For a small fee you can get a guided tour of inside.
There are lake boat tours that leave from here and they can also take you to Inishfallen Island to see the monastic ruins. The original 7th century buildings no longer remain, but you can see the 12th century ruins of the later Augustinian priory. For a period of time it was used as a leper colony. If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can also hire a row boat or join a kayak group to get you out there. As it was late in the afternoon and only early spring, everything was closed when we visited. If you are lucky, you might see the local deer that sometimes swim across to the island to get to the lush green grass.
The following day we headed out to visit Muckross House, a tudor style 65 bedroom mansion. In 1899 it was owned by Arthur Guinness of the famous Guinness beer empire. It changed hands several times and was later left to the people of Ireland by the Bourne-Vincent family. When we arrived, we decided to head out to explore some of the walking trails in the surrounding areas. There are jaunting cars that can take you on some of these paths as well. When we returned, we explored the Muckross House gardens. The garden was beautifully maintained and while we visited the rhododendrons were in full bloom. For a fee you can also explore the house and the historic Muckross Traditional Farm.
We ended up having lunch at Muckross house as they have a really nice conservatory garden cafe and the food was very good as well. It is really popular with the tourist groups, so can get really busy. After lunch, we drove on to visit Torc waterfall. The waterfall is about 7km from the town centre, so you can walk out from the town if you have the time. The waterfall is about 20m high and looks its best when its been raining – which is most of the time in Ireland! We spent the rest of our afternoon exploring the walking trails in this area.
What to Do in Killarney
- Torc Waterfall A short walk from the car park through the woods will lead you to this stunning 20m high waterfall. If you are feeling energetic, you can walk up to the top viewing point.
- Knockreer House and Killarney House Both of these sites are within walking distance of Killarney town.
- Knockreer House is the Killarney National Park Education Centre and is built on the site of the original Killarney House which was destroyed by fire in 1913. The signposted circular walk offers excellent views of the Lower Lake, Tomies Mountain, and in the distance the mountain range MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. There is pathway off to the right that leads up to the viewing point on top of the hill which provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding countryside.
- Killarney House and adjoining gardens can be accessed through the Golden Gates on the N71 or from the Knockreer area. Killarney House is closed to the public. There is an information centre at the Gate Lodge just inside the Golden Gates which is open during the summer months.
- Ross Castle Built in about the 15th Century, this castle is set upon a very scenic lake and garden. Parking is free, and it is also free to roam around the outside, but you need to pay for a guided tour to see the inside of the Castle.
- Monastic Ruins of Inishfallen Island Boat tours run from Ross Castle. You can also hire a row boat from here.
- Muckross House and Gardens and Traditional Farm Muckross House is a stunning Victorian house. To see inside the house you will need to pay for a guided tour, but the beautiful gardens are free to roam. Those who visit during the months of April through July can enjoy the vibrant red and pink of the Rhododendrons. Treat yourself to lunch in their garden restaurant. The grounds also link up to a number of walking tracks that lead you through the Killarney National Park. If you are not up to walking, then consider paying for a ride in one of the many available horse drawn jaunting cars. Located beside Muckross House, they portray a working recreation of traditional farming methods and the day to day habits of a rural community in 1930’s Ireland. Admission fees apply.
- Muckross Abbey This Franciscan friary of Irrelagh, was founded for the Observatine Franciscans in about 1448. It can be accessed via the car park on the N71.
- Hiking Trails The Killarney National Park website have a list of trails that are available to walk in the park.
- Cycling If you prefer to enjoy the scenery by bike, then there are a number of bike rentals in and around Killarney.
Practical Tips for Visiting Killarney
- How long should I stay for? Personally, I love exploring national parks, so if you do too then I would recommend staying two nights.
- Language: English
- Currency: Euro
- Tipping: Not required, but people usually round up.
- Electricity: The electrical current is 230 volts AC. Wall outlets take a three pronged plug only used in Ireland and the United Kingdom. However, you are better off purchasing a
worldwide adaptor with USB ports that can be used in the Ireland as well other countries. At least then you can potentially get some further use out of it on future vacations. - Driving: In Ireland they drive on the left hand side of the road with speed signs in kilometres per hour. Read my post on How to Drive Around Ireland. If you are planning on renting a vehicle, then read What to Expect When Renting a Vehicle in Ireland.
- Navigating: We used Google’s free Offline Maps. Google Offline Maps allows you to access free maps for navigating that can be used offline i.e. you don’t need WIFI, data, or roaming to be able to use them. Follow this detailed guide on how to use Googles Offline Maps. Warning: Both phone reception and mobile networks can be patchy. Even if you do have a data plan in Ireland, DON’T rely on being able to access the mobile networks to access Google online maps. Make sure you download a map to use when you find yourself without internet.
- Using your phone as a GPS will drain your battery quickly, so use a portable charger which you can use to charge your phone and any other chargeable devices.
- And finally, you could also purchase an Irish road map. At least it’s reliable and won’t run out of battery or malfunction like the electronic options!
- Wondering what to pack? This is a list of essential items that I packed for my trip around Ireland.
Accommodation Options in Killarney
Click here to search all available accommodation in Killarney.
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Luxury
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