Visitor Attractions in Killarney

Muckross Abbey

Founded in 1440 on the site of an earlier monastery, Muckross Abbey has very extensive late Gothic remains. Three of Kerry's four great Gaelic poets are buried inside the Abbey and the fourth (Piaras Feirtear) in the graveyard.

Muckross House

Built in 1843, the 65 - room Victorian mansion house is one of Irelands leading stately homes. It stands majestically on the lake shore in the National Park, Killarney.

Muckross Gardens

The Location and botanical collection make this one of the "Greatest Gardens of the World". Extensive areas of natural rockery, water garden, large lawns, arboretum, flowers, trees - surrounded by woodland set among lakes and mountains.

Muckross Abbey

A more recent addition, the Muckross Traditional Farm recreates the houses and activities of rural Ireland prior to electrification in the 1930's. While visiting the magnificent outhouses & farm fields, the labourer's cottage, the blacksmiths forge and having a chat with the men and women at work you are guaranteed to think that you are living in the 1930's.

Aghadoe

Aghadoe was a pagan site superseded by a Christian Monastery established in the 6th or 7th century. Visit the remains of the stone church and a round tower dating from 1027 and enjoy one of Ireland's most beautiful scenes overlooking the Killarney Lakes.

Dunloe Ogham Stones

Between Beaufort village and the Gap of Dunloe can be found a display of Ogham Stones.These were originally the roof of a souterrain or underground passage which collapsed at the end of the last century. Ogham was the earliest form of Irish writing (third century A.D). Ogham stones are usually gravestones and bear the name of the deceased and often details of his descent.

Torc Waterfall

A short walk up a steep wide footpath leads to the Torc Waterfall, it has a fall of 60 feet/18 metres and the footpath leading up to it offers excellent views over the Killarney lakes. This waterfall is formed by a river which flows from the Punch Bowl high in the mountain and provides a spectacular display after a heavy rainfall.

Ladies View

So named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who stopped to look at the scenery from this spot during the Queen's visit to Killarney in 1861. The view towards McGillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountain Range, with The Upper Lake and all its fairy islands below, is truly magnificent.

Gap of Dunloe

Carved by the meltwater of a huge glacier thousands of years ago, the Gap is about seven miles in length with Tomies and Purple mountains on the left and the McGillycuddy Reeks in the right. Many walk or cycle but for the romantic, a journey "Thro' the Gap" in a pony and trap returning by boat via the Killarney Lakes is the only way experience the magic of the Gap - a magnificent unforgettable trip not to be missed.

Meeting of the Waters

This is the point where the waters of the Upper Lake meet those of the Muckross lake (Middle Lake) and Lough Lein at the Old Weir Bridge. Approximately 1 mile past Torc Waterfall on the Kenmare Road, a small car park is provided for visitors - follow the lakeside footpath for about 15 minutes.

Cycling Byroads

Kerry is said to have nearly 2,000 miles of quiet byroads - this is the perfect way to see the beauty of Killarney and Kerry created during the iceage 10,000 years ago. To see Kerry's most awesome sites cyclists, walkers and joggers - take to the byroads

Kissane Mountain Sheep Farm

On Kissane Sheep Farm you can adopt a sheep. In doing so you help preserve the Irish heritage of mountain sheep in the scenic area of Moll's Gap. Adoptive Parents have free entrance to the farm. Visitors can see sheepdog and shearing demonstrations, take walks and picnics, bootle feed sheep and cuddle lambs. Enjoy the Puzzle Walk and Treasure Trail.

The Blue Pool

This is a nature reserve and perhaps Killarney's little secret. An enclave known mostly to locals, the blue pool is a magical place - its waters are coloured naturally by local limestone & other rocks. It is the halcyon home of local wildlife - sit quietly for a few moments and see kingfishers catching trout in the local pool and squirrels darting in the trees. Turn left at Molly Darcy's pub on the Muckross road for little bit of heaven.

Crag Cave

"Ireland's most exciting show cave". Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over a million years old, this natural, all - weather tourist attraction has dramatic sound and lighting effects. It is formed of limestone. The Cave Centre offers a restaurant with home cooking, large souvenir shop, toilets for the disabled, free car and coach park.

Kerry Woolen Mills

The older buildings date from the 17th century when the local river powered a wooden water turbine. This was replaced in 1928 by a steel turbine which is still used. Visitors may take a guided tour through the Kerry Woolen Mills.

St. Mary's Cathedral

Established between 1846 and 1855 , the cathedral was used as a hospital and shelter during the famine and is considered as the finest example of revised Gothic Revival in Ireland. The stained Glass windows tell stories of the bible and the lives of Irish saints.

Franciscan Friary

This fine example of a Gothic style building was started by the Franciscan order in 1864 and the work was completed during 1867. It was consecrated in the 13th February 1868.

Kerry Poets Monument

This monument was erected in 1940 in memory of Piaras Feiriteir, Seafradh O' Donnchadha, Aodhagan O' Rathaille and Eoghan Rua O' Sulleabhain.

Ross Castle

This square medieval tower which was built by the O' Donoghues in the 15th century is beautifully situated on the shores of Lough Lein. Now restored, the castle houses a fine collection of 16th and 17th century oak furniture.

Innisfallen Island

On this island is Innisfallen Abbey erected in the 7th century and remained until the 17th century. The ruins of a twelfth - century oratory with a Romanesque doorway still stands on the island. Visit this island and learn about how Brian Boru of the Vikings played a part in this island.

Killarney National Park

On a visit to Killarney National Park you will be astounded by the wild natural beauty of the area, which comprises 10,000 hectares of rugged mountainous terrain. The park consists of extensive woodland, valleys, waterfalls and Irelands highest mountain range - The McGillycuddy Reeks. There are four self-guided nature trails including a trail for the visually impaired. Click National Park Pages

Knockreer House

Originally the house was built by the Kenmare family in the 19th century, it burned down at the end of the last century. The present house was built in the 1950's Knockreer House contains a park information office and exhibition area's open during the summer months. A pleasant pastoral landscape with fine views, of the lakes and mountains can be seen from the gardens of Knockreer House.

Moll's Gap

See how the rocks at Moll's Gap have been rounded as the glacier from Kenmare moved over them giving that dramatic form. An unforgettable sight - worth seeing.

O'Sullivans Cascade

A walk through Tomies Wood is truly beautiful with many mature trees, with glimpses of the lower lake and of deer. See the spectacular triple waterfall. At the Cascade there are ways both down to the lake and up to open country above. Just beyond the Cascade, along the road there is a splendid view of the lower lake and a delightful place to picnic. Here the legend of "O' Sullivans Cascade" a truly wonderful legend.

Dunloe Castle

Just beside the entrance to Dunloe Castle Hotel is a pathway through the beautiful grounds to the old Dunloe Castle, which is now disagreeably ruined. See how its situated on a bend of the River Laune, with its great motte, dating from 1207, built up beneath. The history and the sight of this spectacular castle is truly breath taking.

Kerry Crafted Glass

Visit the glass studio and see the skill of a master craftsman at work. Unique hand sculptured designs from recycled glass.

Kingdom Greyhound Stadium

Enjoy an exciting night out, with a little flutter, at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in Tralee. There is a bar and restaurant with good views of the racing. Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Castle Lough

The ruins of this castle lie on the shore of Lough Lein. It was built by the McCarthys from west cork in 1262 and it was destroyed by Cornwell in 1652.

Killarney Lake Tours

The M.V. "Pride of the Lakes" and "Lily of Killarney" depart from Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Lein , 2 km from Killarney town. Cruise sailing the lake in the comfort and safety of a covered heated and modern vessel see the breath-taking scenes of gentle lowland, scattered islands in the shadow of the towering ruggedness of the McGullycuddy Reeks mountain range. A full commentary is given while you sit back and take in the magnificent scenery

Buddies Soft Play and Parties

Play centre for children, up to 12 years old. Includes Astra Slide, Ball Cannon, Air Hockey, Sports Arena, Interactive Lights, Toddler Car Track and so much more fun, lots of it. With a cafe for parents to relax in it's a great way to keep the children happy.

The Blue Pool Gallery & Studio

The gallery displays a collection of contemporary art, craft and design. Mary Neeson, the owner, produces fine ceramic pieces.

Dinis Cottage

is adjacent to the path that encircles Muckross Lake, a distance of some 13 miles. The cottage, lovingly restored, dates from the 1700s and is now operating as a tea room. It is within walking distance of The Meeting of the Waters and The Old Weir Bridge.