Intro to Ireland's National Parks
Ireland is home to six national parks. Though the first park was only established in 1920, Ireland’s national parks are beloved by the Irish populations and visitors alike. These impressive places are home to a variety of landscapes from old-growth forests to soaring mountains, glistening lakes to exposed limestone landscapes.
Housing everything from native trees to rare wildflowers, herds of red deer, nesting pairs of golden eagles, birds of every kind, as well as many other types of flora and fauna, Ireland’s national parks play an important role in protecting the island’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Speaking of conservation, these parks protect more than just natural sites. They also protect Ireland’s culture and heritage from prehistoric times all the way through thousands of years to the present day.
Read on to discover a little more about our favourite parks. Interested in learning more? Visit our guide to each national park to learn where to find it, all about its flora and fauna, geology, and heritage. Each guide offers suggestions for the best ways to visit the park, places of interest in the area, ideas for local activities and food and drink suggestions.