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Killarney National Park tour
This full-day tour will take you through Killarney National Park and Killarney Town. You will visit Muckross House and Ross Castle on the edge of the Lakes. You can walk, cycle or take the traditional jaunting car ride through the park. While in the park you will experenice the peace and tranquility of the gardens. We will visit Muckross Abbey and the natural power of Torc Waterfall.
Outside the Park, we will take a trip to Aghadoe, where there are panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. Then its lunch time in one of Killarneys famous pubs, where you can sample traditional Irish Cuisine maybe even a pint of Guinness. After a leisurely lunch we will take a tour of the town where there are many places of interest to see.
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In the heart of Killarney National Park
Muckross House & Gardens
The Victorian mansion, Muckross House was completed in 1843 and stands close to the shore of Muckross Lake, and commands beautiful views across the National Park. Extensive landscaping was carried out by the owners at the time, the Herbert family in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. After a series of finanical problems, the estate was sold in 1899 to Lord Ardilaun, who sold it again in 1911 to Californian, Mr William Bourns Bourn who gave the estate to his daughter Maud on the occasion of her marriage to Mr Arthur Rose Vincent. Finally, the estate, was presented to the Irish Free State in 1932 and became the Bourn-Vincent Memorial Park, The Muckross Estate became Ireland’s first National Park.
In the heart of Killarney National Park
Muckross House & Gardens
The Victorian mansion, Muckross House was completed in 1843 and stands close to the shore of Muckross Lake, and commands beautiful views across the National Park. Extensive landscaping was carried out by the owners at the time, the Herbert family in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. After a series of finanical problems, the estate was sold in 1899 to Lord Ardilaun, who sold it again in 1911 to Californian, Mr William Bourns Bourn who gave the estate to his daughter Maud on the occasion of her marriage to Mr Arthur Rose Vincent. Finally, the estate, was presented to the Irish Free State in 1932 and became the Bourn-Vincent Memorial Park, The Muckross Estate became Ireland’s first National Park.
Ancient Killarney
Ross Castle and Ross Island
Located at the edge of Killarney’s Lower Lake (Loch Léin), Ross Castle is a 15th Century castle built by O’Donoghue Mór. The last stronghold in Munster to hold out against the Cromwellian forces, it was eventually taken by General Ludlow who attacked from the lake in 1652. Lord Muskerry and his Catholic Confederate Army were forced to surrender. The Castle changed hands many times over the years and came to be owned by the Brownes who became the Earls of Kenmare, owning large swathes of what is now Killarney National Park.
Ancient Killarney
Ross Castle and Ross Island
Located at the edge of Killarney’s Lower Lake (Loch Léin), Ross Castle is a 15th Century castle built by O’Donoghue Mór. The last stronghold in Munster to hold out against the Cromwellian forces, it was eventually taken by General Ludlow who attacked from the lake in 1652. Lord Muskerry and his Catholic Confederate Army were forced to surrender. The Castle changed hands many times over the years and came to be owned by the Brownes who became the Earls of Kenmare, owning large swathes of what is now Killarney National Park.
Other attractions on your Killarney National Park tour
Muckross Abbey
The Franciscan Friary at Muckross was founded around 1440 and lasted until Cromwellian times. In the middle of the courtyard within the abbey grows an ancient yew tree, said traditionally to be as old as the Abbey. Muckross Abbey was the burial place of local chieftains and poets.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is located just a couple of kilometres beyond the entrance to Muckross House & Gardens, on the Killarney-Kenmare N71 road. Only 200 metres from the road, the waterfall is best viewed after heavy rainfall. For the more energetic, hikes are possible from here up onto the Old Kenmare Road.
Killarney Jaunting Cars
The jaunting car was the traditional means of transport for years and this is an ideal way to experience Killarney National Park at a slow pace. The horse and trap can be rented from a number of locations including Killarney town, Ross Castle, Muckross House and more.
Killarney deer herd
Killarney National Park is home to both Red and Sika Deer. Killarney’s Red Deer are the only indigenous herd in Ireland and are scattered throughout the park and beyond. The best time of the year to view these beautiful animals is during the ‘Rut’ in October when the stags battle it out for supremacy.