Killarney National Park

Lakes, woods and mountains

Killarney National Park was Ireland's first national park, created in 1932 when the Muckross estate was given to the nation. It covers more than 10,000 hectares of lakes, oak and yew woodland and mountain, and it shelters Ireland's only native herd of red deer.

The town of Killarney sits right on the park's edge, so you can walk or cycle in from your hotel. Just to the west rise MacGillycuddy's Reeks, home to Carrauntoohil, at 1,038 m the highest mountain in Ireland.

Don't miss

• Muckross House and Gardens, a Victorian mansion visited by Queen Victoria in 1861.
• Torc Waterfall, a short walk from the road through mossy woodland.
• Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house on the shore of Lough Leane, with boat trips across the lakes.
• The Gap of Dunloe, a mountain pass you can cross on foot, by bike or by jaunting car (horse and trap).

Local tip

Hire a bike in town and ride the flat path out to Muckross House and back. It is easier than finding parking in summer, and you will see far more of the lakes.

Nearby

Ring of Kerry · Dingle Peninsula · Skellig Michael · All destinations