Muckross

With so much to see and do in Killarney, planning is the key to making the most of your visit. Use these itineraries as a starting-point to create a memorable trip for you and your group. Whatever your interests, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

DAY 1

Explore the National Park on horseback, bike, on foot or with a jaunting car. Take a guided tour of Victorian mansion Muckross House (page 4), discover hidden corners of the gardens, or take a trip back in time at Muckross Traditional Farms (page 7). After lunch visit 15th century Ross Castle. Take a stroll to the copper mines (page 57), or take a boat and tour around Lough Leane (page 16). Watching the sun set on Lough Leane, then check out our dining guide for a welldeserved meal at one of Killarney’s many restaurants.

DAY 2

Take a trip through the Gap of Dunloe with a traditional tour, combining a boat journey on the lakes with a walk or jaunting car ride through this beautiful mountain pass (page 30). In the evening, pull up a stool and relive the day’s events at one of Killarney’s lively bars (see page 42). Visit a traditional Irish pub for some craic agus ceol, enjoy a pint of local craft beer, or opt for a whiskeytasting experience.

DAY 3

Drive round the Ring of Kerry (page 18), part of the Wild Atlantic Way and home to some spectacular coastal scenery and small, characterful towns. If shopping’s more your style, stay in town for a spot of retail-therapy and a wander through Killarney’s historic streets (page 40).

Céad Míle Fáilte - A hundred thousand welcomes to everybody visiting our little part of the world. This a taste of the variety of visitors who stay with us each year, what they have to say about their experiences in Killarney ... and why they come back

year in year out. Photographs by Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

Louise Delahunty and Eabha Delahunty from DINGLE.

“Muckross House is our favourite. The walk is great. I love the town even for just the shopping. We feel like tourists every time we visit.”

James and Ursula Mackenzie from TIPPERARY.

“We’re here on our anniversary. Muckross House would probably be our favourite. Everything is nice. It’s quiet.”

Shannon Regter and William Dennehy from

CORK CITY. “We like the park and the fresh air. Torc Waterfall is lovely and the view is unreal. The friendliness in the town is great, and there is a great reception in Killarney.”

Ming Zhong, Effy Fei and Kuma from CORK.

“Muckross is really nice. The lake here is beautiful. Killarney is a lovely town with plenty of restaurants and great food and life.”

Sean, Atticus, Donna and Ezra O'Connell from CO. WICKLOW.

“Killarney is a laidback place. There are lots of things to do here. We really like Torc Waterfall and we love the French bakery Petite Delice.”

John and Anne O'Regan with

Margaret Madden and Theresa Martin from Middleton and Glanmire in CORK.

“We all love Killarney. All of Killarney is beautiful. Torc Waterfall and Muckross House would be our favourite.”

Fionn Mulchinock, Nina O¹Brien, Zoe O¹Brien, John O'Brien, and Cliona Mulchinock from

CO.WICKLOW. “Killarney is a great town with lovely scenery. Muckross Abbey and Muckross Gardens are great to wander with the kids. It¹s hours of fun. The town itself is lovely with a good vibe and good atmosphere.”

Aria Casey and Laia Farrell, with Shadow the dog, who are originally from BARCELONA but living in Killarney now.

“I love it. The people are very nice. I like the lakes and Ross Castle.”