Killarney National Park: Things to Do & Places to Visit • Go-to-Ireland.com

Ross Castle

Viewpoints

Ladies View

An incredible view over Killarney National Park. This was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite places!

Abbeys and monasteries

Muckross Abbey

A very beautiful ruined abbey. Its architecture is remarkable.

Irish valleys

The Gap of Dunloe

A famous mountain pass renowned for the magic of its wild scenery.

Irish waterfalls

Torc Waterfall

A wild waterfall in the heart of Killarney National Park. The natural force of water is fascinating.

Hiking tours in Ireland

Lough Googh Loop Walk

The Lough Googh Loop Walk is one of Ireland's most beautiful walking routes. But it's also one of the most difficult and dangerous!

Irish riding schools

Killarney Riding Stables

Get on an Irish horse and take on Ireland's most beautiful landscapes! Horseback riding and nature exploration on the agenda!

Irish manor houses

The Muckross House

An Irish manor house in perfect condition, built in the heart of Killarney Wilderness Park.

Mountain passes

Moll’s Gap

A mountain pass overlooking breathtaking scenery! Enjoy the view of the Gap of Dunloe!

Absolutely gigantic: these are the words to describe Killarney National Park (Killarney National Park, in English). With its area of 10,000 wild hectares, the site is officially the first and largest national park in Ireland. A true treasure of nature, it is an essential tourist attraction in the country. It is loved for its majestic landscapes where one feels very small, its forests, lakes, and mountains. A superb playground for hiking and getting away… far from the rest of the world!

Visiting Killarney National Park

Connect with Irish wild nature!

Did you know? Killarney National Park has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, under the designation of “Biosphere Reserve“.

A term that illustrates the wild beauty of the park: here, the hand of Man is almost absent. Only nature and its vast spaces reign, in a harmony with striking charm. And that is the magic of the place!

Thus, you will enjoy putting on your hiking boots and exploring its vast stretches of desolate moorland, plains, hills, lakes, and mountains.

Among the park’s major highlights, know that the area consists of 3 Irish lakes:

Muckross Lake,
Lough Leane,
and Upper Lake

It is very pleasant to walk along their shores or admire them from the mountain heights. There are also 4 main high peaks: Purple Mountain, Shehy Mountain, Mangerton Mountain, and Torc Mountain. There are some trails for good walkers who are not afraid of elevation changes. Starting with the circuit beginning at Purple Mountain and winding through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Count 11 km to complete the loop: it will take you at least 3 hours!

If you prefer more “accessible” sites, we recommend several highly touristic spots:

Gap of Dunloe: a magnificent narrow valley to explore on foot, by bike, minibus, or carriage. The place is wonderfully romantic and offers breathtaking landscapes. A very romantic spot for lovers!
Muckross House: an Irish manor from 1843. Its 65 rooms and unique style make it a particularly interesting place. Now converted into a museum, the establishment offers a fascinating exhibition! Don’t miss its breathtaking view over the park: it’s a highlight of the visit!
Ladies View: a viewpoint overlooking the Upper Lake, a lake in the park. A magical place, much appreciated by Queen Victoria even at the time!
Torc Waterfall: a wild waterfall located deep in the forest, at the foot of Torc Mountain. Its setting is of rare authenticity. Only elves and leprechauns are missing to complete the scene!
Ross Castle: an Irish castle in excellent condition, dating from the 15th century! A historical marvel to discover!

Note that Killarney National Park also has particularly rich flora and fauna. Many rare species are present, and it is possible to encounter red deer (the park houses the country’s last herd), peregrine falcons, wild ducks, etc.

Bring good shoes and a good camera for hiking: you quickly get caught up in the game, and the more you walk, the more intense the landscapes become! You will be amazed!