Visit Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park, located in County Kerry, is Ireland’s first national park. Here is an itinerary to go around it.
Your stops in Killarney National Park
Below is my itinerary to visit Killarney National Park. I did it by car and by making short stops along the road. However, there are private tours, bike rentals, boat rides, carriage rides, etc.
1. Ross Castle
Ross Castle is easily accessible thanks to a small car park nearby. On the banks of the Lough Leane, you can see the mountains that change color in different seasons. Simply beautiful!
If you feel like it, it is even possible to go inside Ross Castle with a guide. I’d suggest visiting the Heritage Ireland website to learn more as I didn’t take this tour.
2. Muckross Abbey
Our next stop is Muckross Abbey, a Franciscan monastery founded in 1448. In the heart of the monastery stands an almost sacred century-old tree. Surrounded by nature covered in moss, the monastery has a mysterious touch.
Through narrow passages and small passageways, you can explore it and climb the stores. If you are a history enthusiast, I particularly recommend the cemetery and its ancient celtic crosses.
3. Muckross House
Near Muckross Abbey is the Muckross House and its gardens. This is a very pleasant walk that can be done with the family. If you’re getting hungry there are many car parks with food areas around Muckross House, or around Killarney. Killarney National Park is THE tourist place in Kerry.
4. The Torc Waterfall
The magnificent Torc Waterfall is well signposted, and so is the entire Killarney National Park with its frequent signs. You can stop in the small parking lot and start your stroll up the road. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your walking pace.
Beware, Ireland is not a country accustomed to drought, and despite the annual rainfall, waterfalls can dry to a trickle on very sunny summers (extremely rare!).
5. Ladies’ view
Definitely the place-to-be and certainly the most popular place in the area, Ladie’s View is simply breathtaking. You can see your green surroundings from above, Killarney National Park, the mountain ranges on the horizon, and a bit of fog because it is still Ireland after all.
In front of this famous stop, a panoramic café and shop will allow you to take a short break and to use the restroom. Especially after seeing the waterfalls 🙂
6. Molls Gap
Although this road is not technically part of Killarney National Park, I found it so beautiful that I just had to include it here. Molls Gap is a mountain road that offers fantastic views and allows you to reach a well-kept secret: The Strawberry Field.
The Strawberry Field is a quality pancake shop and a great reward after your efforts of the day. Very typical, charming, and lost in the middle of nowhere, I highly recommend.
Little tips..
– Parking lots are usually free and everywhere
– The park is well maintained and arrow signs will guide you along the road
– Cafés, restrooms and restaurants are all over the place
– Many private tours go to Killarney National Park if you don’t want to/can’t drive in Ireland
– Side roads or tiny paths allow you to make frequent photo stops along the way
– Countless activities are available, this is only a starting point
– Killarney National Park is literally next to Killarney Village if you want to make a stop there.
Finally, I would say that this route is ideal if you want to see a bit of everything in one day but won’t lead you to hiking paths in the wildest areas. Hopefully, I’ll share new content about hikes as soon as I go back to Killarney National Park.
