Killarney National Park is one of my favorite places in Ireland. It offers stunning walks and breathtaking landscapes. Even driving to the park was so enjoyable for me and my friends. We were surrounded by beautiful mountains and farmlands.
We visited Killarney National Park on a sunny day and discovering its enchanting attractions was such a blessing. We first visited Ladies View and we saw some people near the water and boating. And it was a perfect day to enjoy watersports.
Hiking over to the Torc Waterfall and visiting Muckross House were also the highlights of our trip. In Torc Waterfall, the sound of water was mixed with birds chirping, making it a lovely spot to stop for hours.
Detailed Guide to Killarney National Park
Location
Killarney National Park is in Ireland’s southwestern part. It is located in County Kerry, near Killarney Town.
For your convenience, I’ve included its Google Maps location.
Parking
There are various parking options that you can choose in the park. One option which is the main parking space is situated at the main entrance to the park. There are other parking places available near its famous attractions, such as parking spaces near Ross Castle, Muckross House, Dinis Cottage, Torc Waterfall, and Lord Brandon’s Cottage.
Please note, that parking at the main entrance and walking or cycling in the park or even reaching the park by bicycle are all popular options that you can choose to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the park’s spectacular views.
History
Killarney National Park was stablished in 1932 and is Ireland’s oldest park. Before its establishment as a park it has a history of human settlement that dates back to thousands of years ago. Around over 10,000 years ago it was covered by woodland and still in most parts of that you can discover some parts are intact. The park is home to a variety of species that some of them are rare.
Visitor Centre
The visitor centre is situated in Killarney House and Gardens. It offers several events and exhibitions. It is also a perfect place to discover more about the history of the park and its famous attractions.
Base on their official website the visitor centre is open from 9:15am to 5:15pm and last entry to the exhibition is 5:00PM.
Guided Tours
Trying guided tours is a nice way to explore the park and gather information about its history and attractions. There are several tour options that you can choose. Kerry Experience Tours offers you a well-organized tour that takes you through popular attractions of Killarney National Park. You can check their official website to book your tour and see the prices.
Killarney National Park Walks
There are 14 different trails available at the park.
Knockreer Circular Walk
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: ~2 hours
- Start/End: Killarney House and Gardens
- Highlights: Gentle terrain with an elevation gain of 45m, offering panoramic views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Ideal for families and casual walkers.
Dundag to Torc Path
- Distance: 2.5 km return
- Time: ~1 hour
- Start: Dundag Point
- End: Torc Waterfall
- Highlights: A mostly flat trail with scenic views of Muckross Lake and open Torc fields. Keep an eye out for red deer along the way.
Mining Trail
- Distance: 3 km
- Time: ~1 hour
- Start/End: Ross Castle car park
- Highlights: A flat and gentle trail that explores historical copper mining sites and offers lakeside views.
Lakeside Walk
- Distance: 5 km (loop)
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Start/End: Starts and ends at Muckross House
- Highlights: Lough Leane and Muckross Abbey
Old Boathouse Trail
- Distance: 1 km (one way)
- Time: 20 minutes
- Start/End: Starts near Muckross House car park, ends at Dundag Point
- Highlights: Dundag Beach and Muckross Lake
Library Point
- Distance: 5 km (return)
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Start/End: Starts and ends at Ross Castle
- Highlights: Innisfallen Island
Governor’s Rock
- Distance: ~2 km (return)
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Start/End: Starts from Ross Castle car park
- Highlights: Copper Mines, Lough Leane and Ross Castle
Arthur Young’s Walk
- Distance: 5.6 km loop
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Start/End: Near Muckross House car park
- Highlights: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Reenadinna Woods
Mossy Woods
- Distance: 2 km loop
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Start/End: Access from Muckross House car park
- Highlights: Muckross Lake and peninsula
Dinis Cottage
- Distance: 1 km (one way)
- Time: 20-30 minutes
- Start/End: Starts from N71 Muckross Road car park, ends at Dinis Cottage
- Highlights: Old Weir Bridge – a famous stone arch bridge, meeting of the Waters – where Killarney’s three lakes converge, and cozy Dinis Cottage Tea Rooms for refreshments
Killegy Woods and Queen’s Drive
- Distance: 3 km loop
- Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Start/End: Starts near Muckross Abbey
- Highlights: Killegy Woods and red deer.
Cloghereen Guided Nature Trail
- Distance: 1 km loop
- Time: 20-30 minutes
- Start/End: Near Muckross House car park
- Highlights: Native red deer
Old Kenmare Road Walk
- Distance: 7 km (one way)
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Start/End: Starts at Torc Waterfall car park, ends at Lord Brandon’s Cottage
- Highlights: Ross Castle and Owengarrif River, and Kerry Way trail
Mass Path
- Distance: Approx. 4-5 km (varies by route)
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Start/End: Typically starts from Derrycunnihy Church on N71
- Highlights: Derrycunnihy Cascade waterfall
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some fun facts about Killarney National Park?
The highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil Mountain, is located near the park. It was also Ireland’s first national park that houses diverse ecology, from rare species to lakes, and other attractions.
How old is Killarney National Park?
Killarney National Park was established in 1932 but evidence of human occupation in the place dates back to the early Bronze Age or around 4000 years ago.
How many Lakes are in Killarney National Park?
There are three main lakes in the park, including Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake each offer enchanting views.
Conclusion
Killarney National Park is a true gem to discover natural beauty, mountains, lakes, rare species, forests, and historic sites all in one place.
I hope this information will be helpful for your trip there. If you plan to visit here, I would love to hear about your experience.
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