KillarneyNationalPark...

Killarney National Park lies to the south and west of Killarney town. This area of scenic beauty is famed for its mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. The woodlands here are in existence since the last glacial period and is the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland . Covering over 102.89 km2 (25,425 acres) of diverse ecology the area supports Ireland's only native herd of wild deer. You can see the White Tailed Sea Eagle regularly in the park after its reintroduction in 2007. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Lakes of Killarney National Park which make up almost a quarter of the parks area are Lough Leane (the lower lake), Muckross Lake (the middle lake), and the Upper Lake. The Meeting of the waters is a lovely scenic area where the waters of the three lakes meet. Brown Trout and Salmon are plentiful in these lakes.

Evidence of copper mining in the park dates back Bronze Age, approximately 4,000 years ago, on Ross Island. There is a nice mining walking tail on the island. Other sites of interest are a well preserved stone circle at Lissivigeen. Located on the edge of Killarney's lower lake is Ross Castle. The 15th century castle is home to legend. O' Donoghue, the owner of the castle is said to be in a deep slumber under the waters of the lake and once every 7 years arises and rides around the lake on a majestic white horse. This happens on the first day of May and if you see him you will have life long luck.

 

 

KillarneyNationalPark has a wide range of quality accommodation to suit all budgets, ranging from hotels and bed & breakfasts to hostels and self catering accommodation. KillarneyNationalPark has a nice variety of pubs which are well worth a visit on a warm summers evening or a cold winters one!.

For diners there are a selection of restaurants

Jaunting cars are synonymous with Killarney National Park. Operating all year round, they are a great way to tour the park. You can learn about the history, folklore and sights of the park from this traditional mode of transport, or just sit and enjoy the views.

The park is well set up for bicycles which can be hired in and around Killarney. Take the car along the N71(Kenmare road) to Moll's gap for fantastic views of the Killarney Valley and lakes. The park caters for walkers there are marked pathways, nature trails and the Kerry Way a marked route makes its way through the park and onwards to the Atlantic. Maps and booklets can be obtained at the park information centres at Muckross House and at the Gate Lodge of Killarney House.

Boat trips on the lakes are also available or if your more active you can go kayaking.

Within the park Muckross Estate is well work a visit, highlights are the restored house and gardens, Muckross Abbey and Muckross Peninsula. The waterfalls of Torc and O'Sullivan's Cascades are very picturesque. Inisfallen Island is possible to visit during the summer months with boats leaving from Ross Castle.

The park is open for tourism year-round.