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

Tourist attractions

Irish Restaurants and Pubs

Partner Accommodations

Campgrounds and Lodging

Castles

Ross Castle

Standing on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle has watched over the lakes of Killarney for more than five centuries. This…

Viewpoints

Ladies View

From a bend in the N71, the Kerry mountains suddenly part to reveal one of Ireland’s most famous views. Ladies View overlooks…

Abbeys and monasteries

Muckross Abbey

Amid the woodland of Killarney National Park, Muckross Abbey reveals its roofless walls, vaulted cloister and a striking ancient yew growing at…

Killarney National Park

Irish valleys

The Gap of Dunloe

Between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain, a narrow road winds past five small lakes, crosses old stone bridges and climbs to…

Irish waterfalls

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a beautiful Irish waterfall located in Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland. A grandiose tourist attraction that's sure…

Killarney National Park

Hiking tours in Ireland

Lough Googh Loop Walk

The Lough Googh Loop Walk is one of the most challenging walks in County Kerry. It’s definitely for more experienced hikers! Magnificent…

Killarney National Park

Irish riding schools

Killarney Riding Stables

Want to discover Killarney National Park on horseback? Visit Killarney Riding Stables, an equestrian center where you can discover Ireland on horseback!…

Foxford

Irish spinning mills

Foxford Woollen Mills

Foxford Woollen Mills is an artisan woolen mill located in the village of Foxford in County Mayo. With its reputation for excellence,…

Irish manor houses

The Muckross House

Muckross House was built in 1843 in pure Tudor style and comprises 65 rooms! This marvel has the added advantage of being…

Killarney National Park

Mountain passes

Moll’s Gap

Moll's Gap is a mountain pass through Killarney National Park. To discover it by car or bike, simply take the N71: you'll…

Killarney National Park : Activities to Explore

Irish symbols

Connemara marble

In Ireland, there's a stone called Connemara Marble. Its green color makes it an ideal souvenir to bring back from your trip to Ireland.

Magazine

Killarney National Park : All the latest news

Uncategorized 10 September 2026

In Killarney, Ross Castle’s Great Hall will ring with music as it did centuries ago

On 18 September 2026, Ross Castle will reclaim for one evening some of the atmosphere that once filled its Great Hall. As…

Irish folk creatures 7 Aug 2023

Ireland has its own Loch Ness monster, in a lake in Killarney National Park

Le Muckross lake abriterait son propre monstre du Loch Ness - © makasana photo

Unclassified 27 Apr 2021

Killarney Park fire: more than 3,000 hectares up in smoke

Unclassified 25 Apr 2021

Ireland: fire devastates Killarney National Park

Unclassified 30 Mar 2020

Killarney National Park: fire ravages 60 hectares

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Killarney National Park

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!

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