Killarney National Park

County Kerry, Ireland

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Killarney National Park is Ireland’s first and most famous national park, located near the town of Killarney in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland.

Covering approximately 10,200 hectares (26,000 acres) at the foot of the Macgillycuddy Reeks—Ireland’s highest mountain range—the park combines mountains, three picturesque lakes (Lakes of Killarney), islands, woodlands, and flatlands into one spectacular natural beauty spot.

It contains Europe’s most extensive area of natural oak woodland and is home to the only herd of red deer in Ireland, which have lived there since the end of the last Ice Age. The park features iconic attractions including Muckross House and its Victorian gardens, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall (a 20-meter cascade easily reached by foot), Muckross Abbey ruins, Inisfallen Island, and the Meeting of the Waters.

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, the park is free to visit and offers countless activities like walking, cycling, hiking, and boat tours across the lakes. It also serves as the starting point for the famous Ring of Kerry drive and includes famous viewpoints like Ladies View and Moll’s Gap.