Killarney National Park Tours and Activities

Muckross Abbey featuring heritage elements, a castle and a cemetery
Muckross Abbey which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park
Muckross Abbey showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle


See the rare fauna and visit the quaint cottages adorning the picturesque lakes and forests of this mountainous national park.

Killarney National Park is a wonderful expanse of mountains and lakes in Ireland’s southwestern corner. It has a mix of flora and fauna spread out across its dense woodland and mountain peaks. Enter the Victorian mansion of the Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms for updated information from its visitor center.

Admire the rhododendrons and azaleas of the visitor center’s majestic gardens. Learn about the Irish agricultural methods of the 1930s at the farm museum. Lay down a blanket for a picnic on the shores of the Muckross Lake and gaze up at the Mangerton and Torc mountains. Walk to the nearby Torc Waterfall at the base of the latter.

Drive up past the enormous Lough Leane and the majestic 15th-century Ross Castle to reach the hilltop Knockreer House and Gardens, which contains the National Park Education Centre. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks in the 19th-century Deenagh Lodge Tearoom.

Embark on hikes with your family through the park’s undulating terrain. Capture photos of the stunning panorama at Ladies View, from which you can see the scenic Upper Lake and its enclosing rock formations. Cross the 16th-century twin-arch Old Weir Bridge.

Spot the red deer grazing in the meadows alongside the rare bank vole rodent and the pine marten, which resembles an otter. Gaze up at some of the more than 140 species of bird that decorate the sky, including the wood warbler, the endangered red grouse and the osprey. The lakes themselves contain brown trout and salmon, as well as several rare species.

Note that public access to the park is granted 24 hours a day year round, although the various cottages and cafés have their own opening times.

Killarney National Park is beside its namesake town in County Kerry. Arrive at the Dublin International Airport and drive southwest for 190 miles (306 kilometers) to reach the park. The journey will take around 4 hours, although you could break it up with a stop along the way in Limerick.

Plan a trip to see Killarney National Park

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The Lake Hotel Killarney
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Best Lodging Options Near Killarney National Park

The Lake Hotel Killarney

The Lake Hotel Killarney

4 out of 5
On The Lake Shore, Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The Lake Hotel Killarney
Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Killarney National Park, Lakes of Killarney, Killarney, Kerry
Muckross Park Hotel & Spa
Killarney Heights Hotel

Killarney Heights Hotel

4 out of 5
Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry
Killarney Heights Hotel
The Reserve at Muckross

The Reserve at Muckross

4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The Reserve at Muckross
Randles Hotel Killarney

Randles Hotel Killarney

4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Randles Hotel Killarney
Mangerton Mountain Chalets

Mangerton Mountain Chalets

2 out of 5
Lorien Mangerton, Muckross, Killarney, KY
Mangerton Mountain Chalets
The Brehon Hotel & Spa

The Brehon Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
The Brehon Hotel & Spa
Parkavon Hotel

Parkavon Hotel

3 out of 5
Muckross Road, Killarney, County Kerry
Parkavon Hotel
Eviston House Hotel

Eviston House Hotel

3 out of 5
97 New Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Eviston House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Killarney National Park

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Killarney National Park with activities like the serene sleeper trail and exciting day trips. Explore the enchanting landscapes, indulge in rejuvenating wilderness retreats, and choose from the best tours that showcase the park's rich heritage. Don't forget to enjoy nearby spa services and shopping opportunities for a well-rounded experience during your visit to this captivating destination in County Kerry.

Shopping

Killarney offers charming local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Manor West Retail Park, located 30.6km away, for a variety of family-friendly stores. The Old Mill Stores, 43.5km away, also features delightful local products.

Recreation

INEC Killarney offers vibrant entertainment with live music concerts, creating an energetic atmosphere just 6.4km from the park. Fitzgerald Stadium, located 8.0km away, is perfect for sports enthusiasts, while Dunloe Golf Course, also 8.0km away, provides a scenic outdoor golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

The Old Boathouse Trail offers a scenic hiking experience with stunning views, located 4.8km from Killarney National Park. Similarly, the Old Kenmare Road presents an adventurous trek through beautiful landscapes, also 4.8km away. For a tranquil journey, explore the Mossy Woods Nature Trail, with its enchanting outdoor atmosphere, 4.8km from the park.

Nightlife

Catch a movie at Cinema Killarney, located 8.0km from the park, for a romantic or family-friendly evening. For a cultural experience, the National Folk Theatre, 32.2km away, offers captivating performances that blend entertainment and tradition.

Find the best attractions near Killarney National Park

During your visit to Killarney National Park, you'll find a captivating blend of historic houses, picturesque lakes, and majestic castles. This stunning area offers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery. Be sure to explore both Killarney National Park and its local attractions, which promise to enrich your travel experience and provide unforgettable memories amidst Ireland's natural beauty.

  • Gap of Dunloe: A breathtaking highland located 6.4km from Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe offers stunning scenery and a chance to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Hike, cycle, or take a traditional pony and trap ride through this picturesque landscape, where rugged mountains meet lush valleys.
  • St. Mary's Cathedral: Situated 8.0km away from Killarney National Park, this magnificent cathedral showcases rich cultural vibes. Its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows create a serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection and appreciation of Ireland's religious heritage.
  • Ross Castle: Just 6.4km from Killarney National Park, Ross Castle exudes romance and culture. This enchanting 15th-century structure overlooks Lough Leane, providing a captivating backdrop for leisurely strolls and historical explorations.

Best time to go to Killarney National Park

The best time to visit Killarney National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Killarney National Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Killarney National Park falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers, offering free entry and nearby attractions like Ladies View, Muckross Abbey, and St. Mary's Cathedral. To save on accommodation, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and aim to book about a month in advance. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay. Utilize Expedia to find eco-certified hotels, and check for last-minute deals to secure better rates. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings, along with flexible booking options and free cancellations.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Killarney National Park are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Killarney National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Killarney National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Killarney National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book right now. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Killarney National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.