Name: Killarney National Park
Rating: 5.0

Killarney National Park

Muckross, Killarney, County Kerry, IE, null

1-90 Years

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Description

Killarney National Park is a vast and scenic natural attraction in southwest Ireland, known for its lakes, mountains, and rich biodiversity. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and peaceful landscapes. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to explore Ireland’s natural beauty.

The park spans over 26,000 acres and includes the famous Lakes of Killarney, woodlands, waterfalls, and historic estates like Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as walking and hiking, cycling on scenic trails, boat trips, canoeing and kayaking, horse riding, and bird watching. The park is also home to rare wildlife including native red deer and diverse bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Facilities like parking, cafés, toilets, and picnic areas are available throughout the park.

Entry to the national park is completely free, with charges only applying to specific guided tours, activities, or transport services.

Overall, Killarney National Park offers a breathtaking and immersive outdoor experience. Its mix of landscapes, activities, and wildlife makes it one of Ireland’s top attractions. It is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring County Kerry.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

In the southwest of County Kerry is an expanse of rugged, mountainous country that sweeps down to the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Here, stretching across 10,000 hectares, lies Killarney National Park, with its unforgettable combination of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls.
Killarney National Park incorporates the lakes as well as Kenmare and Muckross Estate, including Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, presented to the State in 1932 as Ireland’s first National Park.
Killarney National Park covers an area of over 26,000 acres incorporating lakes, woodlands, waterfalls, buildings and natural heritage. Within this huge area you will find many visitor facilities which include parking, toilets, restaurants, cafés, gift shop, sweet shop, family facilities, first aid, etc.
Twinned with Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, Killarney National Park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for our work in conservation and research.
Learn more about the ancient Reenadinna Woods, the heritage sites within the National Park, and our many activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Certain parts of Killarney National Park have gone largely undisturbed for several hundred years, allowing a variety of flora and native fauna to thrive.
The National Park has been designated a biosphere reserve because of the presence of such rare flora. Some other noteworthy habitats and species are the indigenous red deer herd and the Reenadinna yew woodland.
The National Park has a wide diversity of habitats including woodlands, lakes, rivers and ponds, waterfalls, bogs and heath, grassland and rock.

Facilities

Parking: Parking within the National Park is free
Food & Drinks: From restaurants to kiosks there are plenty of options for meals and snacks at the National Park. Visitors may picnic in the National Park but we ask that you Leave No Trace. BBQs and campfires are not allowed in the National Park or gardens.
Toilets: There are toilet facilities at various locations in the National Park.
Craft, Gift & Sweet Shop: The craft shop at Muckross House stocks gifts, jewellery and clothing from Mucros Weavers, Muckross Pottery and Muckross Bookbinding. The sweet shop at the Traditional Farms has a variety of gifts and sweets.
Family Facilities: Family facilities located throughout Killarney National Park include play areas and baby changing facilities.

What to see

Walking and Hiking: A great way to see and experience Killarney National Park is on foot. There are many accessible trails and paths throughout the National Park. Please ensure you dress appropriate for the weather and have comfortable walking shoes, bring drinks snacks and water if your intending to be out for a few hours. Stick to trails and pathways. Tell someone where you have gone. Adhere to Leave No Trace Guidelines.
Cycling: There is a network of surfaced tracks in the Muckross, Knockreer and Ross Island areas of the National Park which are ideal for cyclists and walkers. You can rent bicycles in and around Killarney town and most rental shops will provide cycle maps. All routes provide visitors with wonderful views of Killarney’s spectacular scenery. Cycle parking bays are located throughout the National Park at key sites. Please be aware of one-way cycle routes.
Jaunting Cars: Traditional jaunting cars are a great way to see the National Park and hear history from local jarveys. Some of our popular routes include: The Demense to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate, Muckross Abbey and Muckross House, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe. Additional information on routes and prices can be found on display signs near St. Mary’s Cathedral or on Muckross Road near East Avenue Hotel.
Boating: Find open boat trips at The Old Boat House near Muckross House; open and covered boat trips are also available from Ross Castle. Popular routes include tours of Lough Leane, Inisfallen Island, Lord Brandon’s Cottage and the Dinis Peninsula.
Canoe & Kayaking: Canoeing or kayaking is allowed on the lakes but you will need a permit and you must power-wash your vessel in advance. Download the permit application here and learn more about applying for a canoe permit in our guide.
Bird Watching: Some birds in the National Park are resident and can be found within the boundaries all year round while others are migratory. The different habitats within the National Park mean there is a wide variety of species, from raptors to rail, woodland to waders, and several in between. There are in excess of 450 bird species in Ireland and of those, over 140 have been recorded in the National Park.
Horse Riding: Three horse riding companies operate in the National Park. They use Muckross Forest and the area around Knockreer. These companies pay a fee for their permit and are insured. Pony trekking, whether commercial or private, is not allowed anywhere else in the National Park.
Fishing: Lough Leane is widely used for salmon and trout fishing, and competitions are often held on the lake. Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake are also regularly fished although to a lesser extent. The lakes, particularly the shallower shores and bays of Lough Leane, are popular for salmon and trout fishing, with most anglers fishing from their own boats.
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in some areas of the National Park but visitors must be cautious. All of the National Park’s waterways are managed primarily for conservation purposes and this has a bearing on whether or not an activity is permitted.