Killarney National Park is technically part of the famous Ring of Kerry, but you can easily spend a day just here. It is a national park for a reason, the scenery is stunning. You have gorgeous lakes and dramatic mountains like you might expect. In addition, there are also historic sites that you should not miss.
In this post, I will share the top seven things to do in Killarney National Park and some logistical information to help plan your visit.
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This is a sunrise worth getting up for!
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About Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is located less than five miles southwest of the town of Killarney in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is open year around and there is a visitor’s center at the Muckross House. The park covers over 25,000 acres, so you have plenty of areas to explore.
In 1932, Killarney National Park was created when Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State. It was the first national park in Ireland. In 1981, the park was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Top Things to Do in Killarney National Park
Within the park, you will find mountains, lakes, and even waterfalls, but Killarney National Park is more than just a place to admire the natural beauty. The history of the park is interesting too. There is something for everyone!
The map gives you an idea of the location of some of the points of interest. Keep reading for more details on my suggestions for what to do in Killarney National Park.
Tour the Muckross House
The main attraction in the park is Muckross House, a 19th century Victorian mansion now owned by the state. During our visit the Muckross House was undergoing renovations, so parts of the outside of the house was covered in scaffolding and some of the gardens were closed off.
The only way to see the inside of this historic house is by guided tour (€9 per adult). The tour lasted about an hour and was fascinating. I really loved the stories that our guide shared with us about the families that lived in the house. It was interesting to learn that Queen Victoria along with her husband Prince Albert stayed at the Muckross House in 1861 during their trip to Ireland. They celebrated Prince Albert’s 42nd birthday there and then, unfortunately, he died a few months later.
The family went all out for the Queen’s visit, hoping to get something in return. Unfortunately, with the timing of Prince Albert’s death, Victoria was distracted and the family ended up going bankrupt.
Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed inside the house, but I would encourage you to visit. The inside is decorated like it would have been in Victorian time. Plus, from inside the house, there are fabulous views of the lakes and the gardens.
After our tour, we went to explore the gardens. Unfortunately, it was only a few minutes before it started raining pretty hard so we didn’t even get to see all of the garden that was open. There is no admission charge to visit the gardens.
Check Reviews for the Muckross House on Tripadvisor here.
Explore the Muckross Abbey Ruins
Muckross Abbey was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary for the Observantine Franciscans. It has been damaged and rebuilt several times throughout its history. I knew Muckross Abbey was ruins but I was really surprised how much of the abbey was actually intact. You can even climb the stairs to explore the second floor. The courtyard is dramatic with a large tree growing inside it. There is also a graveyard.
If it wasn’t raining, I would have liked to spend more time exploring the graveyard outside Muckross Abbey.
I didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked because it was rainy and windy, but the abbey is definitely an impressive ruin. Muckross Abbey is about a 20-minute walk from Muckross House or you can drive there since there is a parking lot a short walk away.
Check Reviews for the Muckross Abbey on Tripadvisor here.
Hike to the Torc Waterfall
After our trip to Isle of Skye, we are both obsessed with waterfalls. So when we heard there was one in Killarney National Park, we knew we needed to see it even though it was raining! If we would have had better weather, we would have done the 4.5 km Torc Waterfall Loop Hike.
I had read the falls were only a five-minute walk from the parking lot, so we figured we could do that in spite of the weather. Well, somehow I think we parked in the wrong spot because it was more than a 20-minute hike, which was not easy given the weather conditions. Still, it was definitely worth it, the Torc Waterfall is impressive. It is hard to convey the size in a picture, I should have braved the weather conditions to pose in front of it.
Check Reviews for the Torc Waterfall on Tripadvisor here.
See Ross Castle
Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit Ross Castle, so it is another item on the list for next time. This Castle was estimated to be built in the late 15th century by one of the O’Donoghue Ross chieftains and it is located on the Lower Lake (Lough Leane) in Killarney National Park.
According to a local legend, O’Donoghue still sleeps deep under the waters of Lough Leane. On the morning of May 1st, every seven years he rises from the lake on a white horse and circles the lake. If you can catch a glimpse of him, you will be assured of good fortune for the rest of your life.
The castle is furnished in the style of the 16th and 17th century and guided tours (5 € per adult) are available from March to November. Unfortunately, due to steep inclines, it is not easily accessible for visitors with mobility issues.
To get to Ross Castle take boat across the serene lake or it is possible to drive. From Killarney town, there will be a sign on N71 marking the right turn. If you prefer, it’s also a leisurely 2.6km walk or bike ride southwest of the St Mary’s Cathedral pedestrian park entrance.
Check Reviews for Ross Castle on Tripadvisor here.
Take in the Ladies View
Ladies View is a scenic lookout point that we stopped at while we were driving the Ring of Kerry. It gets its name because Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting liked the view here. It is a pretty impressive view, so I definitely recommend that you stop and take a few pictures.
Check Reviews for Ladies View on Tripadvisor here.
Explore the Park by Bike
Some of the hiking trails in Killarney National Park are also ideal for biking. It’s a great option because you will be able to cover more ground than by walking. You can rent a bike from Killarney and ride to the park.
Then, you can follow the Muckross Dinis Loop, which is mostly flat and paved. It takes you by some of the popular attractions in Killarney National Park like Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, and Torc Waterfall.
Check Reviews for O’ Sullivan Cycles on Tripadvisor here.
Is it Free to Visit Killarney National Park?
It depends on what you want to do. There is no admission fee to enter the park, but some attractions (as mentioned below) only allow you inside on a guided tour which they do charge a nominal fee for.
How to Get to Killarney National Park
The park is huge so it’s probably wise to drive there. The parking lots at the major attractions are free.
For those without a car, the best option is to do the hop-on-hop-off bus from Killarney Shuttle Bus. It takes you from Killarney to all the main attractions in Killarney National Park. Get more information and book your hop-on-hop-off bus here.
A jaunting cart, which is a type of horse-drawn carriage, may look like a nice traditional way to experience the park, but I am not sure I would try it after reading about what happened to fellow blogger Angie Away.
If your lodging is close enough, you could walk but it will be hard to get around to all the different attractions. We stayed at the Carrilgea House, which is a charming bed and breakfast right across the street from the park. (If you are looking for accommodations, here are some more recommendations for places to stay along the Ring of Kerry). One morning before breakfast, we walked over to one of the lakes and enjoyed the sunrise. It was definitely worth getting up early for!
We tried to not let the rain stop us from seeing the park, but we got soaked. I would love to go back and do some more hiking, visit Ross Castle, and maybe even try the jaunting carts. Have you visited Killarney National Park? What were your favorite parts?
-Anisa
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Expert Tips for Visiting Killarney National Park
- You can easily spend a whole day in Killarney National Park, as there is plenty to see.
- Take the guided tour so that you can see the inside of Muckross House and learn all the history.
- There are several different hikes that you can do to see the Torc Waterfall.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you. Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit. The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.
Last Updated on October 29, 2020
beautiful place!
Thanks Tanja. It really is lovely definitely worth visiting.
Omg i needed it so much. I am planning to go to killanrey in october. Love the photos i will definitely go to some of these places xoxo
Monika – That’s great to hear. You are going to love it. I hope you also saw my post on the Ring of Kerry?
I never heard of Killarney National Park before, but now it will be on my itinerary for sure if i get to visit Ireland. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ellis – Yes it is part of the Ring of Kerry, which you may have heard of? But really Killarney National Park deserves a whole day.
I went here many years ago and I don’t remember it being so pretty! Love the lake shot. Such a great list of things to do 🙂
Thank you Evie. Maybe it is time for a return visit?
We loved our trip to the Ring of Kerry! The Killarney National Park is definitely a must visit! Also thanks for the info about the b&b you stayed at, I’ll check it out for my next visit to Ireland!
Thanks Dany. Glad to here you loved it too. And yes, we loved the B&B, it was so charming and perfect location.
I’m contemplating going to Killarney for the TBEX conference this year. It looks such a beautiful place, so green and scenic.
Melissa – I would recommend it. In addition to the national park, the town of Killarney is really charming too.
So beautiful, in that melancholy Celtic sort of way.
Thanks Nuraini. Yes, I wish the weather would have been more cooperative.
Reading this just reaffirmed why I think Ireland is so beautiful – even in the rain! It’s crazy… Loving that view on the accommodation. I’ll definitely consider it if I head down those sides – soo many parts of Ireland I still want to see.
Thanks Kyomi. Yes Ireland is lovely and I would like to see a lot more of it too
You have some great pictures – it looks so pretty and green and Torc waterfall is beautiful!! Seems like there is lots to do – we will have to add it to our never ending bucket list!!
Thanks Rosie. Yes it is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
Your photos looks so dreamy! Dreamt of visiting Killarney for so long and this makes me want to visit the place even more. Thanks for sharing guys!
Thanks Natalie – Glad you enjoyed it. I hope you make it to Killarney soon.
I’ve never heard of Killarney National Park before! It looks beautiful! I love seeing old architecture in better condition than I expected. The Torc waterfall looked amazing. It doesn’t matter how many waterfalls I have been to, I am always up to see another one!
Eema – I think Killarney National Park gets overshadowed by the Ring of Kerry but it is definitely worth a visit in its own right. And I am with you on waterfalls, I can’t get enough either!
Wow this looks like such a beautiful place! Especially the Torc waterfall! Definitely putting this down on my bucket list 🙂
Jacky
Thanks Jacky. Yes it is definitely bucket list worthy. I hope you get the chance to make it there.
Such stunning scenery, makes me want to go right now. Thanks for the post!
Thank you! It really is lovely. I hope you get to visit.
There is a great animated movie called the Secret of Kells that deals with abbeys and invading vikings. Might be worth a view. I love Ireland specifically for all its greenery — even though it means rain a lot. it really is an emerald!
Eileen – Thanks so much for the recommendation, I will have to check it out. I love Ireland too and will definitely be going back.
Ireland is a beautiful country and this looks an interesting place to visit. Would love to go on the guided tour and see the inside of Muckross House sounds fascinating! Thanks for sharing #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks guys. I hope you get to visit it one day.
WOW!!! The Falls… I wouldn’t pass out on that. First time of hearing this place. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! Yes I love waterfalls too. Lots to see so hope you get the chance to visit Killarney National Park.
Like this park since it has cultural and natural aspects. I enjoy when those two elements are intertwined in a nice way. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth – Thank you! Yes there is something for everyone at Killarney National Park.
Omg, I can’t believe there’s a spot called “Ladies View”! Amazing. This park looks incredible, I really want to visit Ireland but it never quite makes it to the top of my “to do” list. The Ring of Kerry, as you write in another post, is definitely a compelling reason to make it over. Thanks for sharing your awesome photos!
Monica – So glad you enjoyed the post. It really is a beautiful place so I hope you get the chance to visit. I already want to go back!
And to think that we still haven’t been to Ireland! Looks like such a nice place to explore (was it not for the rain, right? ;))
Jurga – You must go! Even with the rain it really is a beautiful place. I think your kids would like it too!
What an interesting story. Makes me think that Queen Victoria didn’t know she was going to loose her husband in just a few months after celebrating his birthday at the Muckross House. Ireland looks really beautiful and is full of great stories. I’d love to visit it someday.
Anda – No, Queen Victoria had no idea her husband would die so young. It is a really beautiful place, so I hope you do get the chance to visit.