Killarney

Killarney

Killarney National Park is lovely and access is free to the parkland, but goodness, Killarney is tourist central for southwest Ireland. We chose it as a central location for day trips to Cork, the Dingle peninsula, and the Ring of Kerry. It is a good central location, but the day trips to Dingle, Kenmare, Bantry, or Cork are long ones. The roads south to Kenmare are particularly slow -- but beautiful. The park has extensive walking trails, but the area along the east side of the lakes are paved. These are walks, not hikes. Of course, you can hike and get away from the crowds. Access to the park is free, but many sites require admission fees.

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Killarney National Park includes:

Ross Castle. The tour is a very educational one that will familiarize you with castle-building in Ireland, so this is a good way to start off a trip to Ireland, let alone Killarney. The tour does require some steep stairs to climb, which could be a challenge for some. Part of Heritage of Ireland. Consider buying their membership. Views of Muckross Lake.
Muckross House & Gardens. As with Ross Castle, you'll pay for the tour, but it is worthwhile. The gardens are very extensive - and free - including woodland gardens. The acres of camellia and rhododendrons are awesome during May when they're in bloom. The rock garden in back of the House and overlooking the greenhouse is inspirational to those of us who dream about garden landscaping.
Muckross Abbey. Near Muckross House is an abbey ruins. Free - of charge and of course coach-based crowds.
Torc Waterfall.
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