Killarney National Park

4.8 (11,488)

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About

Ireland's oldest national park spreads 10,000 hectares of lakes, oak and yew woodland, waterfalls and mountains south of Killarney town, with Muckross House and Ross Castle at its heart.

Things to Do

Walking and hiking

Waymarked trails range from the easy 5 km Knockreer Circular to the strenuous Old Kenmare Road along the Kerry Way. Paths lead to Torc Waterfall and along the lakeshores.

Muckross Abbey

Ruined 15th-century Franciscan friary with a vaulted cloister and an ancient yew in the courtyard, a short walk from the N71 car park. Free to enter.

Killarney House and Visitor Centre

The park's visitor centre in Killarney House, with a free 15-room interactive exhibition on its wildlife, history and conservation, plus an information desk.

Wildlife and conservation

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve holding Ireland's last indigenous red deer herd and western Europe's largest yew wood at Reenadinna; over 140 bird species recorded.

Muckross House and Gardens

An 1840s Victorian mansion at the park's heart, seen by self-guided tour, with gardens that peak with rhododendrons and azaleas in May and June.

Ross Castle

A 15th-century tower house on Lough Leane, entered by guided tour only, first-come first-served (max 15 people). The approach on foot is steep.

Boat trips and jaunting cars

Jaunting cars leave from near St Mary's Cathedral and Muckross Road; open or covered boats run from the Old Boat House and Ross Castle to Innisfallen Island and Dinis.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: The park has 24-hour pedestrian access all year. Killarney House (visitor centre) 9:15am-5:15pm, closed 1-2pm, last exhibition entry 5pm; its gardens 8am-6pm. Muckross House 9.15am-5.30pm in winter rising to 9.15am-7pm in July-August. Ross Castle 9:30am-5pm, 5 March-3 November.
Admission: Free entry to the park, gardens and Muckross Abbey; the guided heritage sites charge separately.
Parking: Parking within the National Park is free. Main car parks: Muckross (several, with spaces for camper vans, access 8am-9pm), Ross Castle (two, open 24/7) and Muckross Abbey (two, 24/7). Killarney House has no on-site parking; use Beech Road public car park. Overnight camping and parking are not permitted.
Food: Muckross House Garden Restaurant (open 7 days), Deenagh Lodge tea room, Ross Castle Kiosk, Dinis Cottage tea room and Lord Brandon's Cottage café at the Gap of Dunloe. Picnics are welcome; BBQs and campfires are not allowed.

Getting Around

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Nearby places

4.6 (8088)

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a 20-metre cascade in a mossy oakwood gorge at the foot of Torc Mountain, reached by a five-minute walk from the N71 car park — one of the most accessible spectacles in Killarney National Park.

Killarney, Kerry · ~3 km

4.7 (11174)

Muckross House

Muckross House is a grand Victorian mansion built in 1839-1843 at the heart of Killarney National Park, where the Herbert family hosted Queen Victoria in 1861. Gardens, a 1930s-style working farm and the Lakes of Killarney surround it.

Killarney, Kerry · ~4 km

4.6 (8835)

Ross Castle

A 15th-century tower house on the shore of Lough Leane, the last stronghold in Munster to hold out against Cromwell, and the departure point for boats across the Killarney lakes.

Killarney, Kerry · ~4 km

4.8 (2723)

Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is a roofless 15th-century Franciscan friary in Killarney National Park, its vaulted cloister built around an ancient yew tree said to be up to 400 years old. It is free, unguided and open to walkers year-round.

Kerry · ~5 km

4.8 (494)

Ladies' View Viewpoint

The most stopped-at lookout on the N71 between Killarney and Kenmare, where the Upper Lake, the wooded Long Range and the mountains of Killarney National Park fall away in one sweep. It takes its name from Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, who admired the view here in 1861.

Killarney, Kerry · ~5 km