Lakes of Killarney
And their islands.
Holger Uwe Schmitt — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ian Taylor — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Muckross1 — CC0 · Kotivalo — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Rossographer — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Holger Uwe Schmitt — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ConfusionHill — CC BY-SA 3.0
Ireland's first national park, created in 1932 when the Muckross estate was given to the state; today it covers more than 102 square kilometres of lakes, woods and mountains and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. At its heart are the three Lakes of Killarney and their small islands, surrounded by oak and yew woods of international importance, the largest remaining area of native forest in Ireland, with mountain peaks behind them whose colours change with the seasons. The park is home to mainland Ireland's only herd of native red deer and holds many sights, among them Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey and Ladies View with its famous outlook over the lakes. Entry is free; explore on foot, by bike hired in town, by traditional horse-drawn jaunting car or by boat on the lakes. Give it at least a full day.
And their islands.
The native herd.
A famous outlook.
South of Killarney town, County Kerry
On foot, by bike hired in town, by horse-drawn jaunting car or by boat on the lakes; entry is free.