Best of Killarney National Park

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Killarney National Park
Ireland’s oldest national park encompasses the nation’s largest expanse of ancient forest and its only herd of native red deer on the mainland. The park lies at the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range), and it offers both terrestrial and aquatic adventures - with three picturesque lakes occupying about a quarter of the park’s 40 square miles (103 sq km). Nature aside, Killarney National Park also has some fascinating sites of cultural interest, including the 15th-century Ross Castle, the ruins of Muckross Abbey and the terraced gardens of Knockreer House.

The park’s largest lake, Lough Leane, is a prime destination for both boat cruises and kayak tours and takes in the views of Inisfallen Island and O’Sullivan Cascade. On land, you’ll find dozens of walks, which range from short, mostly level jaunts to more challenging full-day hikes to Ireland’s highest peaks. Among the many highlights is the strenuous but rewarding ascent up Cardiac Hill and the walk to Torc Waterfall, a 66-foot (20-m) cascade tucked into a forest south of Muckross House. You can also explore the park on a bicycle, taking to the trails around the lakes or pedaling through the glacially carved mountain valley known as the Gap of Dunloe.
Plan your trip to Ireland
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Killarney National Park, Ireland
Map of Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Cycling Tour - 8 Days
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Cycling Tour - 8 Days

Explore the Emerald Isle's beauty and historic villages by bicycle on this 8-day trip. Mórchuaird Chiarraí (Ring of Kerry) is a 111-mile circular route on Ireland's southwestern coast, encompassing Muckross, Killarney National Park, and picturesque Kenmare. Discover local treasures as you cycle in and around the eastern part of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula.
Map of Ireland Self-Driving Tour: Dublin, Killarney & Dingle - 5 Days
Ireland Self-Driving Tour: Dublin, Killarney & Dingle - 5 Days

Explore the magic of Ireland on this 5-day self-drive adventure. Start with a pint of Guinness in Dublin, dive into the Emerald Isle’s past at the Rock of Cashel, spend two nights in the famous heritage village of Killarney, and journey along the Wild Atlantic Way to tour the Dingle Peninsula.

Panoramic views in Kerry
Map of Guided Kerry Walk - 5 Days
Guided Kerry Walk - 5 Days

Explore the glorious southwest of Ireland, a region shaped by ancient glaciers and the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. On this guided tour of the green hills, valleys, and pastures of Kerry, you'll enjoy plenty of fresh air and panoramic views, and you'll have frequent opportunities to meet local people and get a glimpse of daily life in their culture.

Skellig Cliffs on the Ring of Kerry
Map of Ring of Kerry Guide Assisted Hike - 8 Days
Ring of Kerry Guide Assisted Hike - 8 Days

This 8-day assisted hike combines the best of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, a land that's famous for its beauty, culture, and friendly locals. Hike through a series of spectacular mountains, deep-sea inlets, between ancient archaeological sites and through green sheep pastures. Hike through these wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline, enjoy spectacular views, and stay at night in comfortable village accommodations.

Climb down to the Dunquin Pier to ferry to Blasket Island
Map of Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Hike & Bike - 8 Days
Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Hike & Bike - 8 Days

Discover southwestern Ireland's most iconic scenery from ocean-carved cliffs to mist-shrouded bogs on this 8-day hiking and biking tour. Covering part of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, you'll alternate your days between cycling and hiking dramatic landscapes as well as spend a full day exploring the charming port-town of Dingle and its surroundings.

The medieval ruins of Ross Castle, Killarney National Park.
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days

Experience the best of Ireland's coastal scenery, historic sites, and vibrant cities on this week-long self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, this circular route takes you south to the Rock of Cashel and Ireland's second city of Cork, before heading into the wilds of Killarney National Park and along the spectacularly scenic Ring of Kerry. After a day spent exploring the Slea Peninsula and the seaside village of Dingle, you'll head up the west coast to hike along the Cliffs of Moher and spend a final night in Galway, enjoying the music, arts, and "craic" of the European cultural capital.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin in County Clare
Map of Self-Drive Ireland: Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher - 7 Days
Self-Drive Ireland: Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher - 7 Days

Explore the magic of Ireland on this week-long self-drive adventure, starting with a pint of Guinness in Dublin. You'll dive into the Emerald Isle's kingly past with a visit to the Rock of Cashel, spend two nights in the famous heritage village of Killarney, and drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to explore the Dingle Peninsula. Cap off your trip with a trek to the majestic Cliffs of Moher before returning to the capital.

Take a drive through the Irish countryside
Map of South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days
South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days

A great choice for families or travelers who prefer a little independence, this itinerary will take you on a leisurely road trip through some of Ireland's most scenic cities and natural sites. Experience the allure of Ireland as you drive along the coast and over verdant hills between stop at the medieval Rock of Cashel, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher.

Panoramic view of Killarney National Park
Map of Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Bike - 8 Days
Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Bike - 8 Days

Cycle the historic Ring of Kerry on this 8-day biking tour, staying at night in cozy B&Bs. Trace the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, explore Killarney National Park, and visit the historic villages of Sneem and Kenmare. See 6th-century ruins on Skellig and Valentia Islands, and enjoy sweeping views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. You'll cycle along quiet country roads, take in the serene countryside, and hear local stories and legends in the neighborhood pub.

The Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's wild western coast
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days

Hit the road and see the best of the Emerald Isle on this 5-day self-driving jaunt through Ireland. Walk the ancient streets of Dublin, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, visit the famous heritage town of Killarney, take in breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher, and revel in the energy of bohemian Galway. From windswept Atlantic coastlines to bustling city streets, this itinerary is perfect for independent travelers looking to pack some of Ireland's most iconic sights into a short space of time.

Admire stunning views every where you turn in Kerry County
Map of Guided Kingdom of Kerry Walk - 5 Days
Guided Kingdom of Kerry Walk - 5 Days

Featuring three full days of walking County Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula, you'll discover why locals lovingly refer to this Irish county as "The Kingdom." Starting in Sneem, you'll work your way west toward Abbey Island, around the coast, stopping to explore the Skellig Islands before ending in Cahersiveen. You'll cover all sorts of terrain from beaches and dunes, to narrow paths and unmarked open hillsides, and enjoy jovial evenings in cozy pubs along the way.

Along the trail in Kerry
Map of Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days

Hike the Ring of Kerry at your own pace on this 11-day self-guided itinerary. The iconic Ring route is a loop of the Iveragh Peninsula on Europe's westerly edge. With the Atlantic and mountains ever-present, you'll follow the trail between some of Ireland's most charming towns and beauty spots, like Kenmare Bay, Caherdaniel, and Glencar. The start and end point of Killarney is easy to reach from a host of airports in Ireland.

Biking the Ring of Kerry
Map of Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Cycling Trip - 7 Days
Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Cycling Trip - 7 Days

With the highest mountain range in Ireland as a backdrop, this self-guided cycling tour follows the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Starting and ending in Killarney National Park, the journey traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, taking you through picturesque villages and natural wonders on a mix of inland and coastal routes.

Brightly painted houses in the seaside town of Cobh
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days

Get ready to immerse yourself in Irish culture, history, and landscapes with this two-week, self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, you'll head south to explore highlights like the Rock of Cashel, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney National Park. Continue up the wild west coast to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and make a quick detour to the windswept Aran Islands. Revel in the culture and traditional music of Doolin, Westport, and Galway before crossing into Northern Ireland, where you'll discover the otherworldly geology of the Giant's Causeway and end your journey in the bustling streets of Belfast.

Ring of Kerry
Map of Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days
Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days

Explore the magic of Ireland independently with this self-drive itinerary. You'll go from the ancient streets of Dublin to the rebel city of Cork, the quaint village of Killarney, and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. Keep going to the spectacular views of the Cliffs of Moher and the buzzing cultural scene of Galway before you ultimately return to Dublin.

Kerry County countryside
Map of Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 8 Days
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 8 Days

Explore the southwest corner of Ireland at your own pace on this 8-day walking itinerary of the Kerry Peninsula. This popular driving route is even better on foot as you cover the countryside from cliffs to beaches across rolling pastures, peat bogs, and mountain ranges. Start in Killarney, walking through Kenmare, Sneem, and Caherdaniel. Veer west through Waterville and Cahersiveen to your final village in Glenbeigh.

Beautiful coastal seascape
Map of Guided Ring of Kerry Hike - 8 Days
Guided Ring of Kerry Hike - 8 Days

Explore the beautiful landscape of the famous "Kerry Gold" butter on this 8-day hiking tour. See County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula on a series of stunning day hikes, returning to town in the evening for a hot meal and a hearty pint at the neighborhood pub. Discover medieval monastery ruins, nesting bird colonies, and mountainous peninsulas carved deep with steep inlets.

Cliffs of Moher
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days

This ultimate self-driving tour of Ireland is filled with adventures in historic towns and along scenic coastlines. Start in Dublin before exploring the villages of Laragh, the medieval Rock of Cashel in Cork, and the hiking trails in Kinsale. Then, tour Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and Inch Beach off the Dingle Peninsula. The final leg of the road trip takes you to the must-see Cliffs of Moher, bohemian Galway, and two historic national parks before a final night in Derry.

Cycle around the rugged coastline of Inishmore, the largest of Ireland's Aran Islands
Map of Ireland Self-Guided Cycling Tour: Dublin, Galway, Doolin & Dingle - 12 Days
Ireland Self-Guided Cycling Tour: Dublin, Galway, Doolin & Dingle - 12 Days

Soak in western Ireland's inspiring coastal landscape on this 12-day itinerary, which features both two and four wheels. Flying into Dublin, you'll head directly west to Galway and journey down the Wild Atlantic Way. Between short drives, you'll cycle around striking scenery, from the lunar-like Burren region to a host of awesome peninsulas. There'll be time to discover key sites on foot, too, from the Cliffs of Moher to Muckross House, as well as Dublin's highlights.

The trail to Dunquin
Map of Ultimate Southwest Ireland Hiking Adventure - 15 Days
Ultimate Southwest Ireland Hiking Adventure - 15 Days

Explore Ireland's most picturesque locations on foot with this rugged 15-day itinerary. Begin your adventure in Dublin, a city steeped in history, before moving on to Killarney for a cruise through its lakes and a hike along the ancient "butter road" to Kenmare. Head to Sneem to learn about the area's rich history and explore its natural beauty. Enjoy a walk around Slea Head, trek along the wild Cliffs of Moher, and end your journey with a night at the medieval Kinnity Castle.

Along the Ring of Kerry
Map of Kingdom of Kerry Guided Hike - 8 Days
Kingdom of Kerry Guided Hike - 8 Days

Circle both the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, 2 of Ireland's most popular regions, on this combination 8-day itinerary.  Explore expansive grass hillsides crisscrossed by ancient trading paths, mountainous coasts, stone ruins, and quaint fishing villages as you hike the Skellig coast, Slea Head, and more, all accompanied by your expert guides.

Other popular travel destinations in Ireland
Dublin · County Kerry · Killarney · Galway · Dingle Peninsula · Doolin · Dingle Town · Northern Ireland · Cork · Belfast · Kenmare · County Cork · Kinsale · Donegal · Westport · Birr · Tralee · Ballycastle · Letterkenny · Laragh · Clifden · Sligo · Limerick · Aran Islands · Kilkenny · Waterford · Donegal town · Portmagee