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Ireland’s Oldest & Largest National Park
If you were to gather the most magnificent elements of Irish scenery into one spot, it would probably look very much like Killarney National Park. Home to Ireland’s highest mountains, its only wild herd of native red deer, its largest tract of ancient oak forests, and its most famous lakes, Killarney National Park is 25,000 acres of unspoilt wilderness.
Ask our friendly and knowledgeable Concierge team about the best places to go to suit your interests and available time. Whether you fancy a gentle hike beside the thundering cascade of Torc Waterfall or a more challenging climb up Carrauntouhil, we can offer sensible advice and insider tips. The terrain covers everything from the manicured lawns of Killarney House & Muckross Gardens to the dense woods and bogs of the park’s wilder reaches Ireland’s Oldest & Largest National Parks.
The Lakes of Killarney
Just moments from Killarney town lie the storied Lakes of Killarney—a trio of glacial lakes steeped in legend and natural beauty.
The Lower Lake (Lough Leane), closest to town and the largest of the three, is home to Innisfallen Island, where monks once penned the medieval Annals of Innisfallen. The Middle Lake (Muckross Lake), just 4km from town, is known for its tranquil shores and wooded trails, while the Upper Lake, the most remote, lies deep in the hills of the Black Valley.
Folklore speaks of enchanted waters, love-lorn spirits, and ancient kings beneath the surface. For wild swimming, locals and visitors alike are drawn to calm, scenic spots like Glena Bay, The Boathouse at Ross Castle, and Muckross Abbey Pier—each offering a refreshing dip with unforgettable views.
Please note our National Park operates a policy of “Leave No Trace”. This means leave the Park as you found it, leave nothing behind, remove your rubbish and keep the National Parks clean and healthy for everybody to enjoy.
Protecting nature is the main aim of our National Park. Conservation work goes hand in hand with responsible outdoor recreation and visitors can help play their part by following these 7 seven principles from Leave No Trace Ireland:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Be Considerate of Others
- Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
- Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
- Leave What You Find
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Minimise the Effects of Fire
For further information on Killarney National Park, indigenous species, heritage sites, and how you can help protect it visit nationalparks.ie/killarney
Flora & Fauna
Killarney National Park is a place of timeless natural wonder—26,000 acres of unspoilt beauty that cradle some of Ireland’s rarest species and habitats. Ancient oak and yew forests, misty lakes, and wildflower meadows come together in a landscape alive with seasonal colour and quiet magic.
Its flora and fauna are among the richest in the country:
- Native red deer – Ireland’s only remaining wild herd
- Red squirrels, pine martens, badgers, and foxes in the woodland shadows
- Peregrine falcons and white-tailed sea eagles soaring above glacial lakes
- Rare plant species, including mosses, lichens, and woodland bluebells
- Seasonal birdlife and waterfowl along the lakeshores and wetlands
Whether you wander under a canopy of golden leaves or pause beside a mirrored lake, Killarney National Park is a living expression of Ireland’s natural soul.
Killarney is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors, offering an exceptional range of walking trails, cycling routes, invigorating swims, and scenic hikes through some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a more challenging adventure, there is a path here to match your pace.
Wander the peaceful Demesne Trails, just minutes from The Killarney Park, or enjoy a gentle loop around Ross Castle and its tranquil lakeside paths. For more immersive woodland walks, Muckross and Dinis offer enchanting routes through ancient forests and along the edge of Lough Leane.
Keen hikers can set their sights higher: Torc Mountain provides a manageable summit with panoramic views, while the Gap of Dunloe and Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s tallest peak, promise unforgettable climbs for the more experienced.
Cyclists will relish the scenic Muckross–Dinis loop or the more demanding ride through the Black Valley, while wild swimmers often gravitate to the calm shores of Glena Bay or Loch Léin on a warm day.
Every path, every turn in Killarney is steeped in natural beauty, inviting you to connect deeply with the land—and with yourself.
