Killarney National Park is found right next to the town of Killarney in County Kerry, an expanse of rugged and mountainous country that is easily accessible, yet challenging. Just below the peaks of the McGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range, and around the tranquil the Lakes of Killarney. The park started with the gift of 4,300 hectares to the Irish State in 1932 by Senator Arthur Vincent and his parents-in-law, in memory of Senator Vincent's late wife Maud.
Size of the Killarney National Park
The Killarney National Park stretches over 10,236 hectares or 26,000 acres.
Location of the Killarney National Park
The Killarney National Park lies south-west of the town of Killarney and is well signposted from all directions.
Getting to the Killarney National Park
Just head for Killarney town and you are on the edge of the Killarney National Park. Knockreer, Killarney House and Ross Island are all within walking distance of Killarney Town and well sign-posted. Muckross House and Gardens, Walled Garden Restaurant and Traditional Farms and can be accessed by the motor entrance on the Kenmare Road (N71) - this is found nearly seven kilometres outside the town. Driving further along the winding Kenmare Road (N71) to Moll's Gap offers fine views of the lakes, especially from Ladies' View.
Killarney National Park Visitor Centre
Park information centres are situated at Muckross House and at the Gate Lodge of Killarney House. The tourist information office in Killarney town can also supply maps of and booklets on the Killarney National Park.
Main Attractions in the Killarney National Park
Walking and cycling are maybe the best ways to see the Killarney National Park and a network of surfaced tracks in the Muckross, Knockreer and Ross Island areas of the park provide ideal routes. Bicycle rental is available in Killarney. Many low-level walks, marked circular routes and nature trails can be found in the Muckross area, a mining trail leads through Ross Island. The "Gap of Dunloe Trip" consists of a boat trip from Ross Castle through the Lower and Middle lakes into the Upper Lake to Lord Brandon's Cottage and a walk through the Gap of Dunloe to Kate Kearney's Cottage - you might hire a pony trap if you feel less energetic.
Boat trips, a joy in fair weather and a bit of an adventure on some other days, are taking off at Ross Castle and at Dundag in Muckross. Open boats make trips to Innisfallen Island on the Lower Lake and to Dinis Cottage on the Middle Lake. In addition, two covered waterbuses operate from Ross Castle on the Lower Lake.
Horse drawn jaunting cars can be hired in and around Killarney Town and in Muckross. These offer a traditional way of experiencing the Killarney National Park. Competition between the "jarveys" can be fierce at times, you may be able to haggle about the price.
The main places of interest in the Killarney National Park are
- Muckross House and Gardens
- Muckross Traditional Farms
- Torc Waterfall
- Dinis Cottage and the Meeting of the Waters
- Knockreer
- Killarney House and Gardens
- Ross Castle
- Ross Island
- Innisfallen Island (only accessible by open boat)
- Tomies Oakwood
- O'Sullivan's Cascade
- Ladies' View
- Muckross Abbey
Please take note that there are sometimes considerable distances to be covered between those places and that you may have to use a variety of transport to get to them - you cannot walk to all, and you cannot drive to all as well.
Amenities in the Killarney National Park
There are tea rooms at Dinis Cottage, Deenagh Lodge, the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe, Gearhameen, Ladies' View, Moll's Gap and Ross Castle. In addition, Killarney Town provides everything you need.
Further Information on the Killarney National Park
Visit the comprehensive website of the Killarney National Park at http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/about.html
