Kim H.

We knew that when we left Cork we wanted to take a detour so that the drive would take us up thru the Killarney National Park. This meant heading out of the city centre in the late morning, trying out the more narrow and scenic country roads and stopping in the small town of Kenmare. This is absolutely a drive worth going out of the way for and only had a few shared-lanes roads. The total drive time was probably about 45 minutes, but we pulled off the road a few times to see the lakes and enjoy some nature. It was a very beautiful day with a light breeze and mostly clear skies. There were a couple of major turnouts that we could've stopped at the store or the tourist information center, but we skipped those for the less crowded spots. On our last stop, we found that there were a couple hikes that we could've done. There was one that went to a waterfall and would've been about 4 miles each way.

Liz M.

Torc waterfall is a beautiful short trail with some stunning views. The trail also leads up to the Muckross house a 19th century mansion which you can also go inside for a visit. I've been to about 14 National Parks in the U.S. but Killarney National Park is a gem and the pictures really don't do it any justice. The air is fresh and crisp. The park seems very well maintained. During winter time we still saw a few people jogging up the beautiful trails. I can easily spend a few day here. Loved it! A must stop even if you're not into National Parks!

Nini T.

Crisp and fresh air. Surrounded by beautiful sites. I really enjoyed my hike. We saw the blue lake and deers. I highly recommend hiking this trail and am happy I saw so amazing plants, animals, and bodies of water. I went hiking with a group of 5 peaoplw. The hotel were staying us told us we definitely should go and check it out. It was such a short walk, filled with so many views. Family, group, and pet friendly. Definitely pack some water and maybe a snack. A great way to kill some time before your breakfast buffet.

Terry B.

I've done 2 big walks in this forest - the first in May of 2003 and the next one exactly 14 years later. I started at the castle, and followed someone's advice to take the dirt roads back to the town center. On the second visit I took advantage of the boat tour around the lake. Words fail me in describing the beauty of this park, so fortunately I took many photos on both walks. I always felt that the 2 hours spent in 2003 were the best and most productive photo sessions in my illustrious career as a rank amateur. I ran across several dog walkers on the second sortie, and told one "I hope you know how lucky you are." She did. The road follows the lake at first, making for a few good long shots back at the castle. Just before the road turns inland, there is a small wooden cross between the road and the lake. In 2003, it struck me that there was a drop of water at the right side that reminded one of a tear. I also saw it on the return journey. The biggest object to accomplish was finding the rather iconic Tolkienesque tree near the end. I finally did, although the tree was considerably weather beaten, but then so was I. Quite a few trees in the area had been upended over the years, so my tree was lucky. It is a goal to make this hike one more time - this time with my wife, who has maybe heard too much about it. Maybe next May.

Nina S.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARK!!! I was amazed by the beauty of this national park, so much so that I drove it twice! I only had time to see the waterfall and bits and pieces of the stops along the road but if I could go back I would spend longer doing the hiking trails. I 100% recommend at least incorporating this national park in your travels of Ireland.

Tara R.

Absolutely beautiful park with lovely views of wildlife/river and castle! My husband and I enjoyed walking for hours and had to tear ourselves away lol

Mark W.

Simply one of the best sites to visit in Ireland. This park is MASSIVE with well defined trails and lots to explore and to do. The views of the mountains are breathtaking, esp in a morning dew. The gardens around the house are also well kept and the hikes are such a treat. They are well paved, well established and well kept. It is just a fantastic place to be. There is a cafe nearby if you want to get something to eat or drink. They have a gift shop and there is ample parking. Come see what the fuss is about!

John L.

The entire Park is full of breath taking views, wild life, winding roads, and unforgettable moments. Be sure to only stop at the designated view points. Mind the paths while trying not to tread on the nature below your feet and simply enjoy the moment. Some say, it's a shame you can't wander through the park lands, camp at will, fish the lakes from the shore of a boat. I'm sure there was a time and measures had to be taken to reassure this wonderful natural place can be experienced by future generations.

Jacqueline T.

We spent the day here and enjoyed our time. We stopped at Torc Waterfall, Meetings of the Waters, Lady's View, and the Gap of Dunloe. The park is really pretty. It's made up of three lakes and the surrounding area. Torc Waterfall and the hiking around it was pretty. The meetings of the waters had good views of the lakes as did Lady's View. Lady's View is just a lookout point. We walked about 45 minutes around meetings of the water and we did the yellow trail at Torc Waterfall. The Gap of Dunloe was gorgeous. We took a horse carriage back to it since it was already getting late in the day. This is definitely one of the best things to see in the Kerry area.

Laura G.

Killarainy National Park is 26,000 acres of natural beauty. In the park there is so much to see and do. You can explore mountains, lakes, islands and flatlands. We took a boat tour through all of the lakes and visited The Muckross House $ Gardens, Meeting of the waters, Ross Castle and the Torc Waterfall. We were unable to visit the Innisfallen Island because the tour boats to the island were out of season. It is offered during the summer months. Hiking in the park is amazing. No snakes or other wild things to worry about. There is a walking route with many different places to start and stop depending on your time and capabilities. There are ancient forests to explore, lakes and historical sites. I read that Torc Mountain was one of the easiest mountains to climb because of the clear trails.

Kanchan B.

Killarney National Park in County Kerry was the first national park created in Ireland. The genesis was the donation of the Muckross Estate to the Irish state in the 1930's by an American (Irish) family. (It's a bit of a tragic story, but a lovely outcome for the future generations who get to enjoy the generosity of the donor-family). The park encompasses vast swathes of mountains, lakes, islands and old growth forests. Below is list of some of the famous sites to visit within the park as well as my commentary on them: 1) Muckross House & Gardens - absolutely go! The house can be visited only via a paid guided tour, but the gardens are free. 2) Muckross Abbey - free and a 1km beautiful walk from the house. 3) Torc Waterfall - really worthwhile visiting, is free 4) Ross Castle - entry only thru a guided paid tour but grounds are free. I would pick Muckross Estate over Ross castle of pressed for time, but we did spot the famous Red Deer in the vicinity of the castle grounds 5) The Meeting of the Waters - need to take a tour and beautiful 6)Stone circle at Lissivigeen - well preserved archaeological feature 7) Knockreer House - didn't get to visit 8) Inisfallen Island - need to take a bot tour from Ross Castle The park has something for everyone and it is mostly absolutely free, so you can stroll, roam, cycle or meander around the park to your heart's content. But absolutely GO, GO, GO. Note: #259 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016

Mac O.

Gorgeous, stunning, magnificent. Killarney NP is everything you want a National Park to be, and contains everything you want a National Park to contain: it's beautiful, rugged, natural, breathtaking, and captivating. It has lakes, waterfalls, trails, landmarks, flora, and fauna... We've visited twice now and were gobsmacked each time. Highlights include Torc Falls (a short hike through temperate forest will get you to this beaut); Muckross Peninsula; Muckross House and Gardens; and Ladies View (a pretty lookout overlooking the even prettier Upper Lake). Getting around is easy. You don't really have to leave your car if you don't want, but I suspect you'll want to! Easy hikes and walks to natural scenery or strolls around Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, or any other number of landmarks will tempt you. Killarney National Park is such a great diversion when you're in this part of the Emerald Isle!