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Park · Killarney, Kerry
Killarney National Park
The first national park in Ireland, created in 1932, with more than 10,000 hectares of lakes, oak woods and mountains, Torc waterfall and the country's only native herd of red deer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park was created in 1932, when the Muckross estate was donated to the Irish State by American senator Arthur Bourn Vincent and his wife's family. It was the first national park in Ireland and today covers more than 10,000 hectares around Killarney's three lakes: Lough Leane, the largest; Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake. In 1981 it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The park has oak and yew woods, among the most extensive in Ireland, mountains such as Torc and Mangerton and blanket bogs on the slopes. It is home to the only native herd of red deer in the country, present on the island since the end of the Ice Age; in autumn, during the rut, the males are often heard in the woods near Muckross House.
Torc waterfall, about 20 metres high, lies 2.5 km from Muckross House, a few minutes' walk from the N71 car park, amid a mossy wood. From there a staircase rises to the Torc viewpoint. Close to the house are the ruins of Muckross Abbey, a 15th-century Franciscan friary, with an ancient yew in the middle of the cloister.
The park is open and does not charge an entrance fee. The flat paths along the lakes are good for walking and cycling, and horse-drawn carriages wait at the entrances. The attractions within it, such as Muckross House and Ross Castle, have their own opening times and tickets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for Muckross, Torc and the lake shores by bike; a full day to combine with Ross Castle and the trails.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there is less activity. From May to September the boats and carriages operate. In autumn, from September to October, the woods change colour and the deer are often in rut. Torc Waterfall is fuller after days of rain.
How to get there
The main entrance is on Muckross Road (N71), 2 km from Killarney centre, with access on foot or by bike. The Knockreer entrance is beside the centre, near the cathedral. There are car parks at Muckross House and at Torc Waterfall.
Tip
Rent a bike in town and do the circuit along the shore of Muckross Lake to Torc Waterfall, returning via Muckross Abbey. If taking a carriage, agree the route and the price with the driver before boarding.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Killarney National Park
Does the national park charge an entrance fee?
No. The park is open access, and only attractions within it, such as Muckross House and Ross Castle, have separate admission charges.
Where is Torc Waterfall?
About 2.5 km from Muckross House, near the N71, a few minutes' walk from the car park. It is about 20 metres high.
Can you see the red deer?
They are commonly seen in the fields and woods around Muckross House, especially early morning and late afternoon, but sightings are not guaranteed.
How to get around the park?
On foot, by bicycle, by jaunting car or by boat on the lakes in season. The paths along the lakes are flat.