fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
844 235 6240
Flag

Locations

Selected Trips

    Killarney Travel Guide

    Wild Killarney

    A hub for all things adventure, the quaint town of Killarney has much to offer the enthusiastic explorer.

    In the heart of Co. Kerry, Killarney’s colourful and lively town provides a fantastic base to explore all of Kerry’s wild places. Bask in the locals’ strong lilting accent, the people’s warmth, the encroaching nature and the cosy pubs.

    Navigate our Killarney Travel Guide

    Where is Killarney National Park?

    Welcome to Killarney

    Ireland’s first national park, Killarney is located in the southwest corner of Ireland. It sits on the inland part of the Iveragh Peninsula at the edge of the Ring of Kerry.

    Killarney is located about 4 hours drive from Dublin. From Limerick and Shannon Airport, it is a 2 hour drive, and from Cork, expect about 1.5 hours drive.

    Killarney is easily accessed by public transport: both bus and train are options. By train from Dublin, expect just over a 3 hour long journey with one change in Mallow. If coming from other parts of the west coast by public transport, bus is the only option.

    Killarney National Park

    Walking through the mountains of Kerry.

    Established in 1932, Killarney is Ireland’s first national park. Acting as a safe haven for the many areas of wilderness, lakes and mountains, the vast Killarney National Park stretches for over 26,000 acres – and sits just at the edge of town. The majestic Muckross House, farm and gardens are one of the focal points and a beautiful reminder of country life in the 1920s. Head over to Ross Castle and hire a rowboat or kayak to visit Innisfallen, a magical miniature island on Lough Leane.

    Even better, discover Killarney on your own two feet – by either hiking or biking! If you want to really embrace your tourist status, take a jaunting car (open-topped horse and carriage) to the Gap of Dunloe. Watch in awe as the native red deer roam freely about the Park. If you are truly lucky you will get a glimpse of the newly reintroduced White Tailed Sea Eagles.

    The Ring of Kerry

    View of the moody Gap of Dunloe from the iconic Wishing Bridge.

    One of Ireland’s most popular things to do, the Ring of Kerry is essentially a 179km long scenic driving circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula. Take a day to drive it, stopping along the way to capture the many Kodak moments en route.

    However, there are other ways to experience this route and region as well. While it is not advised to spend much time walking on the main roads for safety reasons (though not always possible), there are plenty of amazing places to hike, once you turn inland. Enclosed by the famous Ring of Kerry, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains hide many hidden gems such as Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, Torc Mountain and waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe, the lakes of Killarney, the Kerry Way, and more, all explored below.

    But there is another way to experience the magic of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry: by bike. The Ring of Kerry should be on every avid cyclist’s bucket list who visits Ireland. The best way to see the Kerry Peninsulas and the Ring of Kerry is from the saddle of a bike. The rolling green hills, the winding back roads, the medieval castles and ruins, the golden beaches and the dark blue loughs all combine to capture the rose-tinted image of Ireland that many have in their mind’s eye.

    Learn more about the Ring of Kerry in our guide below. 

    Read More

    The Lakes of Killarney

    Ah, the lakes of Killarney. There are several. The principal lakes are Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake, though there are a number of smaller bodies of water in the area. Framed by the jagged silhouette of the mountains of Killarney in the distance and the glittering lakes and lush forestry in the lower regions, Killarney is one of the region’s hotspots for adventure tourists and outdoor lovers.

    A great way to experience the lakes is by combining a boat trip with a hike, sailing across the lakes to the mountains on the other side, and hiking on Killarney’s meandering lanes back to Killarney. If boats aren’t your cup of tea, another option is to take a jarvey through the Gap of Dunloe, a type of horse and cart that is very popular in the park.

    The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most scenic places to ride a bike as well – what a backdrop for pedalling!

    Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, exploring the Gap of Dunloe is a great introduction to the park, particularly for those who hope to head into the mountains of Kerry later in the trip.

    Hike the hills and mountains of Kerry and Killarney National Park.

    Kerry is a fabulous locale for mountain lovers – a veritable outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Join us on an unforgettable hiking journey through the mighty mountains of Kerry.

    View Trip

    Bike the beautiful wilds of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.

    The peninsulas of Kerry hold some of the most stunning natural corners in all of Ireland. From the rugged Beara to the coasts of Dingle to the majestic mountains of the Iveragh, bike the Kerry Peninsulas on a deluxe bike trip, meaning you’ll relax in 4-star manors, guesthouses and grand estates each evening.

    View Trip

    Killarney's Heritage

    Killarney National Park was Ireland’s first established national park, in 1932. The park encompasses a variety of landscapes – lowlands and thick forests, soaring mountains and crashing waterfalls, important heritage sites like Muckross House, Ross Castle and Kate Kearney’s cottage.

    Ross Castle

    Ross Castle, along the lake shores in Killarney National Park.

    Ross Castle

    Hugging the edge of Killarney’s lower lake, Lough Leeane, rises the formidable remains of Irish chieftain O’Donoghue’s Irish tower-house. Built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century, the castle was later gifted to the Browne family, along with the coveted title, “Earl of Kenmare.” Unfortunately, this was common practice at the time – the British government confiscated lands and castles owned by Irish chieftains who did not swear fealty to the British forces, instead giving the lands to more loyal British subjects.

    Interestingly, Ross Castle was actually the last holdout in the region against the invading Cromwellian forces. Cromwell and his feared troops were sent by the Crown in the 1600s to squash any hints of rebellion by the local Irish, as well as burn Catholic structures (to be replaced with protestant ones). Ross Castle was finally captured in 1652.

    There is a local legend still attributed with the place: it is said that the spirit of Lord O’Donoghue sleeps at the bottom of the lake, arising once every seven years to patrol his lands on his white steed. Anyone who witnesses this act is granted good fortune by the old chieftain (so keep your eyes out if you’re visiting in May!)

    Muckross House

    Erected in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert, Muckross Abbey is a very pretty Tudor-style manor house  sixty-five rooms. It once hosted Queen Victoria on her visit here, but the expenses incurred to prepare for such a high-profile visit helped lead the Herberts to financial ruin, and the house was sold to Sir Arthur Guinness, of Guinness beer fame – though his motive was to preserve the Killarney landscape and simply rented the house out as a country lodge.

    Later passed to another family, the Bourns, the house was eventually gifted to the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland) in 1932, serving the basis to Killarney, Ireland’s first national park. Today, you can visit the house and gardens, and there is a restaurant in the garden.

    Muckross Abbey & Yew Tree

    This ancient and peaceful place was built in 1448. Known today as Muckross Abbey, it was once an Observantine Franciscan Friary. It has a short but violent history, with the friars often suffering from raids, attacks and persecution, and was burned in 1652 by Cromwell’s army. The graveyard is cluttered with many significant graves of Gaelic chieftains and writers.

    The abbey was founded by Donal McCarthy Mor – unlike the O’Donoghues, the McCarthy’s just barely managed to hang on to their lands for several more centuries. At the heart of the abbey, in the central courtyard surrounded by the cloisters, there is a beautiful ancient Yew tree, a type of tree often associated with graveyards, death and the supernatural.

    Killarney's Red Deer

    Killarney’s best-known wildlife is the park’s resident herd of red deer. Of note, the red deer is Ireland’s largest land mammal, and it is considered Ireland’s only native species of deer, having survived Ireland’s last ice age.

    Though at risk of endangerment in the early 1900s, in the 1960s, red deer were carefully protected and re-introduced in Killarney, increasing the herd numbers. There are now somewhere between 600-700 red deer in the Killarney area. The deer are very easy to spot – no need for any gruelling hikes. Even in the lower foothills of the park, most visitors will be able to spot the red deer grazing the lush parklands.

    Interested in wildlife spotting? Learn more about where to spot Ireland’s fauna (or read about Ireland’s marine wildlife here).

    Read More

    Climb Ireland’s Highest Mountain

    carrauntoohil-5

    The peaks of Carrauntoohil and others in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain rise from the Iveragh Peninsula.

    Although our mountains are not considered high, it’s always impressive to boast that you have reached the summit of the highest mountain in a given country. Kerry is home to Ireland’s highest peak.

    Carrauntoohil stands at 1,038m (3,405ft), and its height combined with terrain, weather conditions and trail conditions make it a tough climb. Safety is paramount – travel only with an experienced guide as serious accidents occur on Carrantouhil every year.

    Choose either the Coomloughra Horseshoe route which encompasses the second and third highest peaks, or for those who prefer a challenge, take the MacGillacuddy Reeks. The ridge trail hammers out six peaks in a day’s walk.

    An amazing challenge, Carrantouhil provides a sense of accomplishment as well as stunning views over Killarney.

    Sound exhilarating? Make the climb yourself on a deluxe hiking trip in the mountains of Kerry.

    View Trip

    Walk the Kerry Way

    torc_waterfall

    Glistening waters of Torc Waterfall.

    If you are committing to holidaying in Kerry as opposed to a road trip of Ireland, then you must attempt the Kerry Way. Walk the 213km way-marked trail that will show you the best of the peninsula. It takes 8-10 days to do and can be sectioned off to walk from one accommodation to the next.

    If you want a trip that is off the beaten track, then this is definitely for you.  If it sounds too gruelling, simply pick one of the sections to do. The first leg, Killarney to Torc Waterfall is just 6km long. The breathtaking waterfall is worth the sweat and effort alone.

    Learn more about walking the Kerry Way and other Irish long distance trails in our guide.

    Walk sections of the Kerry Way on a new hiking trip through Kerry and Clare.

    View Trip

    Day Trips from Killarney

    healy-pass

    Winding roads of the dramatic Healy Pass.

    Killarney is ideally located in the centre of Kerry, therefore the perfect place to leave your luggage in the hotel, rent a car and take a day trip. The choices are plentiful:

    Take time in the evenings to kick back and relax. The town of Killarney has as much to offer as the wild places surrounding it. Spend a night discovering its hidden gems such as sipping whiskey at the counter of old Irish pubs while listening to live traditional Irish music.

    Check out what festivals will be on at the time you are there. Take a whiskey class at the local brewery. In winter, there are Christmas markets and in summer, plenty of outdoor concerts. Do the Kerry Craft Trail or the Killarney Mile Road Race… Killarney is not a place where you’ll risk boredom.

    Visit Killarney National Park

    Our holidays reviewed
    in your own words

    Loved our trip to Ireland. Loved exploring new little towns . Loved the sites and views of beautiful Ireland ❤️

    Deb Cnota
    Self Guided plus+ Cycling - Wild Atlantic Way Southwest
    Reviewed on 06/07/2022

    Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 2,294 reviews

    Read More Reviews

    As Recommended By...

    You'll be in good company on a Wilderness Ireland Trip. Some of the biggest and best known names in the business have recommended us.

    Los Angeles Times
    National Geographic Adventure
    Vogue
    Men's Health
    USA Today

    Explore the Active Travel Club

    Six expert travel companies. One place for all your adventures.

    Become a Member

    mail

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter