Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park covers over 100 square kilometres of lakes, mountains, and woodland in County Kerry. The three lakes — Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake — are the heart of the park, and the wooded shores and mountain backdrop make this one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. The park is also notable for its native oak and yew woodland, which covers the rocky hillsides between the lakes.

Walking trails range from easy lakeside paths to the challenging climb of Mangerton Mountain. The park is freely accessible from multiple entry points, the most popular being the main gates near Muckross House. Cycling is possible on the main roads through the park, and bikes can be hired in Killarney town.

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Killarney National Park was Ireland's first national park, designated in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish state. The park protects one of the few remaining stands of ancient native oak woodland in Ireland — the sessile oak and yew woods around Muckross are descendants of the wildwood that once covered much of the country. Red deer, the only native deer species in Ireland, still roam freely here.

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