Why You Should Visit Killarney National Park
Killarney NP is a pleasant drive through forest, lakes, and mountains rather than what we think of as quintessential Ireland. Now mix in castles, estates and gardens, and you have a diverse set of things to do.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we do not have any. Our advice is derived from our personal experience and knowledge based on living in Europe for seven years and studying its art, architecture and culture.
All of our recommendations are top-rated by Google Maps Ratings, which is based on everyone, not just tourists. Each place recommended in our post and custom Ireland South Map is appended with a Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).
Moll’s Gap
We drove from calm Kenmare to visit the NP. A mere six km brought us to a pass through the mountains, Moll’s Gap, with a major parking area. This provided wide open views of a heath landscape of rock-strewn fields and mountains. While the main road to the NP turns right, the left road travels through this landscape to Sneem.
Ladies’ View
There are about three pull-offs for Ladies’ View. It’s worth stopping at each one.
But the major and last viewpoint at the restaurant provides the closest view of the distant lakes. It was given its name because the Ladies in Waiting exclaimed about the view on Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861. It is supposed to be the most photographed spot in Ireland.
We heard some of our fellow B&B guests state that Killarney has glacial lakes. The area may have been scoured by glaciers. But glacial lakes originate from existing glaciers and thus have a very beautiful turquoise-green colour. See why they are green in my post Icefield Parkway – Do Not Miss the Best Road Trip in Canada. So these are not glacial lakes.
There is also a pull-off right off the Upper Lake. Very few people stopped here, but it is a good photo opportunity. A friendly Irishman started a conversation with us. He then introduced his three American cousins he was guiding around. He explained that all national (N999) roads are rated as 100 km per hour, whether it was deserved or not. Indeed, this part of the road is narrow and curvy and includes one-lane rock arch tunnels!
Torc Waterfall
This is a pleasant ten-minute hike to an average height waterfall. What was most special were the ferns and moss-covered trees and boulders with light and shade filtering through the canopy.
Muckross House
This furnished Victorian house can be visited for a fee or via the OPW Heritage Card. The exterior can be viewed for free.
But, this was such a beautiful sunny day that we stayed outdoors and toured the extensive gardens. These were completed in time for a visit by Queen Victoria in 1861.
One plus of travelling in May is the many pink and red rhododendrons. It’s a great place for a picnic as well, with many benches and a lawn. The Gardens are free.
Ross Castle
This wedding photo site can be viewed for free, but the interior is an OPW site. Visit the boat cruise side for better afternoon lighting.
Killarney the Town
Killarney had a vibrant downtown, but very busy roads. The main streets had some nice storefronts.
We had our first and last taste of Murphy’s famous ice cream. We would highly not recommend this overrated, watered-down ice cream. Even store-bought specialty ice cream has much more flavour and is way better value.
It is amazing that Killarney is considered the tourism capital of Ireland, with over a million visitors per annum. While the population is only ca. 14,000, it has the feel of a city, especially in terms of traffic.
But the lack of a decent highway system means all traffic going elsewhere must go through park and town roads that should be geared solely to low-speed tourist travel. It’s time to build a proper high-speed highway outside of the park. In general, there is a need for more highways to bypass the towns and relieve the traffic for the benefit of the residents.
Final Comments on this Itinerary
Most tourists head to Killarney because they have heard the name, or what I call name recognition. This was a pleasant national park that the locals love, as it is so different from the rest of Ireland. But it can’t compare to national parks in North America. The places we recommend are all highly rated by local people, as shown by the high Google Map Ratings.
Subscribe
Get travel tips and advice delivered directly to your inbox. The best part is that it is free.
What things fascinate you? How long is your trip? What questions do you have?
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Itinerary Map & Resources
The Krazy Killarney route is part of the Ireland South itinerary. If you only have a week, then be sure to include the other sights of the Ireland South itinerary, especially The Ring of Kerry and Dazzling Dingle tours.
If you have more than a week, then combine this tour with places in the Ireland East, Ireland West and the Best Places for 2 Weeks in Southwest (SW) Ireland itineraries below. Or just visit some of the nearby places listed below.
Google Maps Ratings
Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.
Ireland FAQ
The Ireland FAQ post answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) like:
- Where should I go in Ireland?
- What is the best season for travel?
- What is the best clothing?
- Where should I go? What are the must-sees?
- How much time do I need for Ireland?
- Can I see everything in a week?
- How safe is Ireland?
- How much cash should you take to Ireland?
- Should I pay in Euros or my own currency?
- What apps are useful for travel?
- Should I rent a car? Take a Taxi?
Terra Encounters 
Leave a comment