Killarney National Park
A Mecca of Mountains and Lakes
On June 27th 2015, the Killarney National Park was announced as “Ireland’s Best Day Out” by the Irish Times. A proud day for this wonderful gem in the crown of Killarney tourism. And all just minutes away from The Ross.
If you were to gather the most magnificent elements of Irish scenery into one spot, it would probably look very much like Killarney National Park. Home to Ireland’s highest mountains, its only wild herd of native red deer, its largest tract of ancient oak forests, and its most famous lakes and walking trails, Killarney National Park is 25,000 acres of unspoilt wilderness.
Ask our friendly and knowledgeable team about the best places to go to suit your interests and available time. Whether you fancy a gentle hike beside the thundering cascade of Torc Waterfall or a more challenging climb up Carrauntouhil, we can offer sensible advice and insider tips. The terrain covers everything from the manicured lawns of Muckross Gardens to the dense woods and bogs of the park’s wilder reaches.
Discover the best spots to see the glacial Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake, the famous trio that take up about a quarter of the Park. Favourite viewing spots include Ladies View and Aghadoe, to the north of Killarney Valley. Get closer to the lakes, and, if you’re lucky, you might get to see deer swimming out to graze on the islands, salmon leaping on a summers evening, or even a white-tailed sea eagle soar majestically overhead.
With the Ross being within easy reach, you won’t be short of dining and relaxation options after experiencing the magic that is Killarney National Park.
Discover Killarney National Park on Foot
Discover and Preserve Killarney National Park
A great way to experience Killarney National Park and immerse yourself in its natural and historic heritage is on foot. The park offers numerous accessible trails and paths, perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Leave No Trace Policy
We encourage all visitors to follow the “Leave No Trace” policy to help keep Killarney National Park clean and healthy for everyone. This means leaving the park as you found it, taking your rubbish with you, and respecting the natural environment.
7 Principles of Leave No Trace Ireland:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Be Considerate of Others: Respect fellow visitors.
- Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Ground: Protect the landscape by staying on trails.
- Leave What You Find: Preserve the park’s natural and historical features.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Take all litter home.
- Minimise the Effects of Fire: Use stoves instead of open fires.
For more information about Killarney National Park, indigenous species, heritage sites, and ways you can help protect this beautiful environment, visit National Parks Ireland.