The Killarney National Park is a national park with the three large lakes Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake in the County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. It is on the outskirts of Killarney. The main attraction is Muckross House, which is picturesquely situated on the shores of Muckross Lake, surrounded by manicured lawns, large rhododendron bushes, a beautiful flower garden and a rock garden.
background
history
landscape
The Killarney National Park is characterized by a low mountain range (mountain heights approx. 900 m), which appear alpine in many places. There are also extensive inland lakes and wooded areas that merge into parks and other cultural landscapes. In addition to the natural monuments and attractions, there are some historical buildings from different eras.
Flora and fauna
One of the oldest remaining oak forests in Ireland can be found in the park. Yew trees, mosses, lichens and ferns also grow here in abundance. In the mild and humid climate, the large-growing rhododendron bushes find ideal growth conditions and shape the landscape with their red flowers in May.
climate
getting there
see. Killarney
Particularly impressive when arriving on the N 71 from Kenmarewhich leads over the Ladies View lookout point.
Fees / permits
- The outdoor facilities are freely accessible.
- There is a fee for parking at Muckross House and in Killarney Town.
mobility
- Carriage rides are offered. However, there are doubts about the appropriateness of the prices.
Tourist Attractions
Churches and monasteries
- Muckross Friary. Monastery ruin, is freely accessible every day from mid-June to early September.
Castles and palaces
- Muckross House. The mansion was built in Victorian style in 1843 and is now used as a state museum. The lavishly decorated rooms are furnished with furniture from different eras, so that the changes in taste and living culture of the nobles can be experienced. A permanent exhibition on handicrafts and everyday life in the 19th century is shown in the cellar. See also Wikipedia article.Open: All year round, daily with a guided tour from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., July and August until 7:00 p.m.Price: Entry € 7.50, together with "Traditional Farm" € 12.50 (2014).
- Castle of Ross. At its core a "tower house". It was converted into a barracks in the 18th century and is accessible with a guided tour.Open: The Castle of Ross is closed from mid-November to mid-March, otherwise open every day.Price: Regular admission price: 5.30 EUR.
Buildings
- Dini's Cottage
Parks / landscape
- Muckross Gardens (Bourne-Vincent Memorial Park). The large landscaped garden around the manor house and down to the lake is part of the national park. The huge rhododendron bushes transform the park in May and June into a splendor of flowers. Rose gardens are also laid out.Price: Admission is free.
- Ross Island Peninsula
- Dini's Island. Accessible via bridges.
- Torc Waterfalls
- Ladies View. Lookout point on the N 71: with a view of the three lakes Upper Lake, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane.
The pass lies to the west of the national park Gap of Dunloe and southwest on the N 71 the pass Moll's Gap.
various
- Muckross Traditional Farms. It shows the daily life of the Irish rural population in the 1930s and 1940s.Open: from May to September daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (June to August from 10 a.m.), March, April and October only on weekends.Price: Admission: € 7.50 (children: € 4), together with Muckross House € 12.50 (children: € 7).
activities
- Water sports: Boats must be free from the zebra mussel!
- Hiking: good maps (at least 1: 50,000) and good shoes are required. At least drinks and possibly additional rucksack provisions are useful.
shop
kitchen
- It makes sense to bring a supply of drinks and food with you.
- There is a self-service restaurant at the Muckross House; more cafes at Ladies View and Moll's Gap. However, the opening times are limited.
- Pancake restaurant Pancake Cottage, from Pass Molls Gap 3 km in the direction of Sneem.
accommodation
Hotels and hostels
There is a sufficient supply of youth hostels, guest houses / B & B establishments and hotels in Killarney available.
camping
security
trips
To the west, the inland closes off Iveragh at. Hikers can explore the area together.
