Killarney National Park lies to the south of town, separated by Lough Leane and reached by the N71 (Muckross Road). This was actually the first ever national park to be recognised in Ireland and came into being when ownership of the vast Muckross Estate was passed to the state in the 1930s.
Today, Killarney National Park encompasses just over 100 square kilometres / 39 square miles and comprises dense woodlands of both yew and oak, as well as the Lakes of Killarney (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake), bogland and various mountain peaks. Nature lovers will be pleased to hear that the park is also home to the only remaining native herd of Red Deer left in Ireland. Now an important conservation area, Killarney National Park became an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the early 1980s.
General Information
This fine park is the main attraction in Killarney for many visitors. Trekking trails cut right through the park and allow visitors to get up high and appreciate the area, enjoying commanding countryside views. Killarney National Park is understandably favoured by hikers and ramblers, while anglers also like to come here to fish on the lakes, catching large salmon and trout.
The park remains open for tourism all through the year and attracts tourists by the thousand, with the visitors centre being located within Muckross House. Further tourist attractions in Killarney National Park include:
- Dinis Cottage
- Inisfallen Island
- Knockreer Demesne
- Ladies View
- Meeting of the Waters
- Muckross Friary
- Muckross Peninsula
- O'Sullivan's Cascade
- Old Kenmare Road
- Old Weir Bridge
- Ross Castle
- Ross Island
- Tomies Oakwood
- Torc Waterfall
Address: Killarney National Park, Muckross, Killarney, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 888 2000
Open: daily; visitor centre, mid-March to September, daily - 09:00 to 17.30
Admission: free
