7 Best Things To Do in Killarney National Park Ireland

I loooovvve Killarney National Park.

It might be my favorite of Ireland’s 6 national parks because it’s so damn beautiful.

There are also a lot of things to do in this park which means choosing the best things to do in Killarney National Park can be tough — especially if you’re short on time.

However I’ve put together the perfect list for you that is also quite diverse — so it will suit you no matter how active you want to be and how much time you have.

As usual, we’ll start with the where.

Walking the nature trail in Killarney National Park.

Where is Killarney National Park?

Killarney National Park is in County Kerry in the southwest part of Ireland.

And yes, there is a town called Killarney that is technically within the boundaries of this park.

But — and those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know this — do skip Killarney Town as it’s a bit too touristy and filled with motor coaches.

Definitely not one of the best things to do in Killarney National Park — in my opinion.

There are better towns in the area to spend some time in or to base yourself if you plan to spend some time in this stunning piece of Ireland.

From Ladies’ View you can look toward the lakes where Muckross House is. Fabulous view!

As you drive through the park from Muckross House toward Molls Gap, you’ll see a wee lake called Lough Looscaunagh. It’s a nice spot to stop and take in the views.

So, Lynne, tell me more about this national park

Killarney National Park was formed in 1932 when Senator Arthur Vincent and his family entrusted the Irish State with Muckross House and Estate.

It is Ireland’s first and thus oldest national park.

This 19th century mansion and gardens has been the focal point of the park and you can tour it.

We’ll get to that.

For me it’s about the nature — mountains, lakes and forests.

Killarney National Park is about 26,000 acres and borders the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range which includes Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohill which is over 1000m.

This mountain range is technically not within the boundaries of the park, but those looking to bag some peaks will incorporate the spending time in these mountains into their visit to Killarney National Park.

The lakes — Upper, Muckross and Lough Leane — are worthy of spending time on or near.

And there are trails through the forests, to waterfalls, through valleys and — of course — up mountains.

Killarney is so special that in 1981 UNESCO deemed it a Biosphere Reserve due to the quality and high ecological diversity, extensive habitats and range of species found in the park — some of which are quite rare.

So as you can see, this is a national park you really don’t want to miss.

Now onto the list!

This is a view of Upper Lake and the mountains. Gorgeous, right?

Lough Looscaunagh along the N71 between Molls Gap and Muckross House.

Ladies’ View is really one of the best views in all of Killarney National Park.

The best things to do in Killarney National Park

Tour Muckross House and Gardens

Muckross House and its gardens are definitely the highlight of this park.

So touring them are one of the best things to do in Killarney National Park.

Muckross House is a 19th century Victorian mansion that was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colorist Mary Balfour Herbert.

Full disclosure: I haven’t toured this house yet due to time constraints on my visits to the area.

But I hear it’s well worth the €9.

The house is furnished in the style of the time so you can get a sense of what it was like to live as an upper, land owning class person.

In the 1850’s the gardens were worked on extensively so they were ready for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861.

I have wandered about some of the gardens and they are beautiful.

Muckross House and Gardens are a must for your time in Killarney National Park.

The beautiful Muckross House in Killarney National Park.

Rose in Muckross Gardens.

Make the short trek to Torc Waterfall

I was able to see this impressive waterfall on my last visit to Killarney National Park in 2018.

Now, it was raining — pretty hard!

So I took a couple of quick pics with my phone and got back to my car.

It’s only about 200m from the parking area and only about 2 1/2 kilometers from the entrance to Muckross House.

Torc Waterfall is very popular so plan accordingly.

But do make the walk to see it as it really is one of the best things do in Killarney National Park.

Tip: Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

It was pouring rain when I got to Torc Waterfall and I was already pretty wet. So I took a quick pic on my phone and got to my car! But I did see it!!

Hike, bike or be driven up the Gap of Dunloe

Another of the experiences I have not had in Killarney National Park is to go up to the Gap of Dunloe.

What is this?

Well, the Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass.

It separates the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range (home to Ireland’s highest peaks) and the Purple Mountain group.

There is a public road over this mountain pass.

So you can drive up it yourself.

It’s a narrow road so be prepared for this and be prepared for traffic in high season.

The Gap of Dunloe is very popular!

You can also walk it or cycle it but this will require more time.

Cycling is definitely a challenge but can be done in a long day.

Walking it is not as practical as it would be a 38km/24mi round trip from Killarney Town.

However, there are options for using public transportation for pieces of this so you don’t have to walk all of it.

The other way to experience the Gap of Dunloe is to hire a jaunting car which is basically a horse and buggy ride.

You can find them near Muckross House or at Kate Kearney’s Cottage on the north side of the gap.

Seeing this pass and the landscape around it, which includes the stunning Black Valley, is one of the best things to do in Killarney National Park.

I cannot wait to get back to this piece of Ireland so I can finally(!) experience the Gap of Dunloe.

The Gap of Dunloe is a must for your time in Killarney National Park. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Walk along one of the lakes

One of the best things to do in Killarney National Park is to walk along the lakes.

There are trails along Muckross Lake and Lough Leane that are flat and provide some beautiful scenery.

I walked along a nature trail that I picked up right by Muckross House.

It was a lovely, short walk that gave me views to the lake and mountains and I got to experience lots of the flora of Killarney National Park.

These trails are pretty accessible so are easy for folks who aren’t experienced hikers.

And they range in length.

Pack a snack and sit by the water if the weather cooperates.

Don’t miss a walk along the lakes!

Walking the nature trail in Killarney National Park. Beautiful scenery! And an easy trail.

This is the nature trail that is right near Muckross House. It’s a fun trail to take a walk on.

I love this tree along the nature trail in Killarney National Park!

Walking along one of the lakes in Killarney National Park is a must for your time in this Irish park.

I spotted this cool tree with its moss covered roots as I walked on the nature trail near Muckross House.

Kayak on the lakes

I didn’t kayak on the lakes but have clients who have.

It’s high on my list as I have paddled on Glengarriff Bay which is a south of the park. (It was so fun!!)

Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Killarney National Park for the more adventurous traveler.

It’s a unique way to see this amazing Irish national park —  a way to slow down and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.

There are also the ruins of Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle that sit along the lake.

So you can get a different perspective on these historical sites as well.

If you do decide to take a kayak tour, do so with Outdoors Ireland as they are fabulous!

Getting out in a boat on one of the lakes in Killarney National Park is a wonderful way to see this gorgeous park.

Drive over Molls Gap

The drive on the N71 from Killarney Town to Kenmare is one of my favorites in all of Ireland.

It takes you through this awesome park.

There are a few spots to pull off and take in the views of the mountains, the valleys, the lakes.

*Sigh*

And Molls Gap is the dividing line between the wild, ruggedness of Killarney National Park and the slightly more gentle landscape you find from this mountain pass to — one of my favorite towns in Ireland — Kenmare.

It’s really a lovely drive which I recommend doing in both directions.

I find that the scenery looks quite different one way, compared to the other.

Driving over Molls Gap is a must for your time in Killarney National Park.

This is the N71 as you approach Molls Gap from Killarney Town to Kenmare.

The view from near Molls Gap. Beautiful!

Views to the Kenmare side of Molls Gap. Gorgeous!

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Hike one of the longer trails in the park

There are some other trails away from the lakes that you can tackle if you are up for it.

I planned to do this on my last trip, but ended up making a wrong a turn when I met up with some other hikers who were a bit confused like me.

We chose the wrong way.

But I had a nice chat with a lovely, young Irish couple so it wasn’t a complete loss.

The Old Kenmare Road trail is one good option as is the Mass Trail from Derrycunnihy Church to Lord Brandon’s Cottage.

For you adventurous travelers, hiking one of the more challenging trails is one of the best things to do in Killarney National Park.

Views from a trail in Killarney National Park.

For those who are more adventurous hiking one of the trails in Killarney National Park is a must!

Derrycunnihy Church is where you’ll find a good trail to hike. And this trail is actually part of the longer Kerry Way.

There is a trail that starts by this stream that is a good one for the more adventurous traveler.

So are you ready to explore Killarney National Park?

It’s a stunner for sure.

I have only spent short amounts of time in the area, but plan to change that on my next trip to Ireland.

This park has a lot to offer and I want to delve in deeper for sure.

For you adventurous nature travelers, this park is a must.

And even for those are simply nature lovers who don’t want all that adventure, you can still thoroughly enjoy all that Killarney National Park offers.

Plus you get that bit of history with Muckross House and its abbey along with Ross Castle.

My last bit of advice?

Stay in Kenmare.

Killarney Town is a bit touristy and kitschy for my taste although I know some folks who like it.

But Kenmare — while not off the tourist track — has a more authentic feel to it.

It has enough in the way of tourist amenities but with the locals mingling in the mix.

Whatever you choose, do spend some time in the amazing Killarney National Park!

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