Tourism in Ireland: visit Killarney in Kerry
A deer grazing on fresh grass, an eagle flying over sparkling lakes, a hiker climbing the Gap of Dunloe… Killarney National Park and County Kerry live up to their name of ‘Kingdom’, with mysterious and enchanting landscapes. Visit Ireland and discover Killarney National Park along the Wild Atlantic Way!
Whether on foot, in a cosy pub or on a hike with a view of a castle, Killarney can be enjoyed in many different ways…
Stop-over in Killarney
On your arrival in the park, set course for Killarney, an emblematic stopover in south-west Ireland! Set amidst lakes, forests and mountains, this charming town is sure to please any curious traveller to Ireland.
Start with a stroll through the narrow streets dotted with colourful restaurants and pubs. Drop in for a taste of Irish cuisine.
In Killarney, you can sample local flavours: fresh fish, boxty (a kind of potato pancake), seafood, Kerry cow’s milk ice cream… Are you a die-hard gourmet? You’ve come to the right place!
As you stroll away from the city, visit St Mary’s Cathedral, dating from the 19th century. Its Gothic style, high vaults, colourful stained glass windows and organ make it an impressive building.
See also: Ireland’s most beautiful castles
As night falls, the streets of Killarney come alive to the rhythm of the Celtic music emanating from the town’s pubs and restaurants.
Want to immerse yourself in Irish traditions? Attend an Irish music concert in a pub and enjoy the warm atmosphere!
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Visit Killarney’s historic monuments
Killarney attracts many travellers for more than just its great atmosphere and warm pubs. Killarney has many historic buildings in the town, which history buffs and discovery enthusiasts will love.
Muckross House
A beautiful historic building that will appeal to lovers of antique furniture and fine homes. This former manor house, built in 1843 by the architect William Burn on the Muckross peninsula, welcomed Queen Victoria a few years later, in 1863. You’ll love its magnificent gardens!
Ross Castle
Ross Castle is a must-see for all history buffs. Built in the 15th century on the shores of Lough Leane by the O’Donogue clan, Ross Castle was once an important fortress. Today, as you wander around the grounds, you may catch a glimpse of O’Donoghue’s ghost watching over his home, or of red deer in the surrounding gardens.
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Venture into the heart of Killarney National Park
Plunge into the heart of the grandiose landscapes as you leave the city to discover Ireland’s wide open spaces. Just outside Killarney lies the 10,000-hectare National Park of the same name.
Plan to spend several days there if you want to visit the must-see sites and go hiking. With its lakes, mountains, forests and waterfalls, Killarney National Park is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.
What to see and do in Killarney National Park?
Three must-see stops among many in this incredible region of Ireland…
The Gap of Dunloe
Head for the Gap of Dunloe! Between the Purple Mountain and the peaks of Macgillycuddy’s Reek lies this magnificent valley… Take a walk along the Gap of Dunloe and discover its treasures: rocks, meadows, waterfalls, lakes and more.
You can also explore the valley using an unconventional Irish means of transport: a horse-drawn carriage!
Photograph the sheep that dot the landscape: a real postcard landscape in Ireland.
An unforgettable road trip on the N71
Cross the Moll’s Gap pass and stop at Ladies View. A breathtaking panorama stretches out before you.
The view takes in the Upper Lake, the Black Valley and the Gap of Dunloe. You can even watch boats sailing on the lake…
Ladies View takes its name from Queen Victoria’s visit, as it was here that she and her ladies came to take a breath of fresh air and admire the scenery.
The Torc Waterfall
Don’t leave the park without admiring the Torc waterfall, at the foot of the mountain of the same name. At 18 metres high, the waterfall is an exceptional sight for hikers.
Follow the path along the waterfall to the summit, where you can enjoy a superb panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
