Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Killarney National Park
As you drive from Killarney to Kenmare, heading south on N-71, you'll sweep through
scenic Killarney National Park (just south of Killarney town) on the most mountainous
stretchoftheRingofKerry.This25,000-acrepark(Ireland'soldest)wasestablishedwhen
Muckross Estate was donated to the nation in 1932. Glacially sculpted rock ridges cradle
three large lakes teaming with trout and salmon that lure sport fishermen.
Hikers enjoy an easy 10-minute stroll along a mossy trail from the roadside up to
Torc
Waterfall
(look for small parking lot beside N-71, 2 miles—3 km—south of Muckross
House), then lace up their boots to take on more strenuous trails beyond. If you go early or
late in the day, keep an eye out for Ireland's only native herd of red deer. The park's old-
growth oak, yew, and alder groves are the best preserved in Ireland, and rhododendrons
explode beside the road in late May and June.
Enjoy expansive lake views from
Ladies View,
right beside the N-71 road, half a mile
(1 km) from the park's southern exit.
Just south of the park exit, you'll pass long thin Looscaunagh Lough (beside the road
on the left). A few hundred yards farther, the Black Valley opens up beneath you on the
right. This remote valley was the last chunk of Ireland to get electricity—in 1978. The
