Killarney National Park

Covering around 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares), Killarney National Park is truly vast. Organized day tours can help ensure you get to see all the best parts of Ireland’s first national park. Choose between short 1- or 2-hour tours by jaunting car (a two-wheeled horse and carriage), guided walks, or boat cruises and kayak tours on the lakes of Killarney. Day tours depart from Killarney and Limerick, and include stops at key park attractions such as the Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the Ladies View scenic lookout. Some full-day tours combine Killarney National Park with the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Mizen Head. Multi-day tours depart from Dublin and incorporate sights in Cork, Kerry, and—during longer tours—the west coast of Ireland.

• Killarney National Park is a must-visit for walkers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rainproof gear, as the weather here can be unpredictable.

• Day tours typically last between six and 11 hours.

• Most areas of Muckross House are accessible to wheelchair users. Ross Castle has only limited accessibility.

From Killarney town center, it is just a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive to the entrance at the north of the park. Sights such as Torc Waterfall and Muckross House are farther from town (about 4.5 miles/7 kilometers), so it’s best to drive or go as part of an organized tour that offers transportation.

Summer is the busiest season at the park, yet it is also the mildest and, therefore, best for outdoor activities. Early morning and late afternoon offer quieter visits, while fall and spring bring more opportunities for solitude. Winter can be cold—but starkly beautiful.

Among the park’s biggest attractions is Muckross House, a 19th-century estate sitting upon the shore of the lake with which it shares its name. Queen Victoria stayed here during a visit to the national park in 1861. Today visitors can explore the impressive mansion’s interior, which is packed with period furnishings, as well as the manicured gardens and on-site farm dwellings that paint a picture of farming life in 1930s and 1940s Ireland.

Plan on at least half a day and as long as two or three days to explore Killarney National Park. It’s possible to check out a few landmarks and get a gist of the natural beauty in half a day, but this national park can also keep visitors occupied for several days.

Many visitors drive their own cars to explore Killarney National Park at their own pace. But be sure to get out of the car and go for a walk or a hike to slow down and explore the beautiful scenery. Another popular way to see Killarney National Park is by boat ride.

No, you do not need tickets or reservations to get into Killarney National Park. This park in Ireland is free and open to the public. However, some popular landmarks like Muckross House do charge an admission fee. For free entertainment, check out the park’s many hiking trails.

Yes, Killarney National Park is worth a visit. This park offers some of County Kerry’s most dramatic landscapes and the chance to go hiking in beautiful Irish scenery (just bring a rain jacket). Landmarks like Ross Castle and Muckross House provide even more things to do.

Each summer, July and August see the biggest number of visitors to Killarney National Park and County Kerry in general. This is a popular time of year for international travelers and families. To skip the crowds, visit this national park in June or September.

There is more than one day’s worth of activities in Killarney National Park, but some of the top things to do include visiting Torc Waterfall, exploring Ross Castle, and checking out Muckross House. No visit to this national park would be complete without a scenic hike or boat ride.