So, you’re planning on visiting Killarney National Park in Ireland! Well, you’ve come to the right place; being from neighboring Cork City I’ve visited this stunning park countless times over the years. And I’ll be completely honest even though it’s insanely popular with tourists – it’s still one of my favorite places to visit in all of Ireland.
Killarney National Park although huge (it’s a whopping 25,000 acres) is very easy to walk around and there’s so much to do here from visiting Muckross House to hiking to Torc Waterfall that I recommend spending one full day here!
But before visiting Killarney National Park, there are a few things you need to know – such as what time it opens, how much tickets cost, and what are the must-see sights here. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed guide to help you out and ensure you have the best time!
So, let’s dive in, shall we? Here are 9 things you need to know before visiting Killarney National Park!
How much time do you need in Killarney National Park?
I recommend allowing a full day at Killarney National Park or more specifically around 8 – 9 hours. That way, you’ll have enough time to go on a hike (we recommend the 3 km Knockreer circular walk) and visit the Park’s top attractions like Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross Abbey. As well as grab a coffee or lunch at the on-site Garden Restaurant, which is located at the main entrance.
With 8-9 hours at Killarney National Park, you’ll also have enough time to hike to Torc Waterfall, which is a 2.5 km hike from the car entrance to Muckross House.
Tour suggestion: The closest major city to Killarney National Park is Cork City. From there, you can join a full-day guided tour of Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. It’s the ideal way to see this stunning region if you don’t have a car. Plus, it’s excellently rated and costs just €60 per person!
Do you have to pay for Killarney National Park?
No, entrance to Killarney National Park is free! However, if you want to go inside Muckross House that will cost you €9 per adult and €6 for children aged between 6 – 18. Children under 5 are free.
If you wish to visit Muckross Traditional Farms that will cost €9 per adult and €6 for children aged from 3 years.
You can buy a combo ticket for both Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms and that will set you back €16 per adult and just €6 for children.
What is there to do in Killarney National Park?
1. Go hiking
One of the most popular things to do in Killarney National Park is to go hiking and luckily you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy one of the many trails here. For example, the 3 km-long Knockreer Circular Walk starts not far from Killarney Town and is rated as easy. It passes by Knockreer House and boasts gorgeous views of the McGillycuddy Reeks and Lough Leane.
My favorite hike in the Park is 4.5-km-long Rosie’s Beach Walk which is much less crowded than the Knockreer Circular Walk and leads to yep you guessed right – Rosie’s Beach. This stunning beach is a hidden gem in Killarney and many locals will tell you it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the area!
Rosie’s Baech Walk starts from the Muckross House car park and passes by Dinis Cottage before leading to the beach.
Other hiking trails in Killarney National Park include the Library Point Trail (5 km long), Muckross Abbey Loop (2.5 km long), and the Knockreer Castlerosse Loop (5 km long).
If you love hiking (like me) then this 7-day fully guided walking tour of South West Ireland will likely be right up your street! It includes 6 nights accommodation (all excellent by the way), and transfers to/from Dublin. You’ll even get to visit the Aran Islands, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher. And of course Killarney National Park. Prices start from €1,199 per person.
BOOK the 7-day South West Ireland guided hike here!
2. Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is one of the most beautiful parts of the park. It lies at the base of Torc Mountain and is 20 meters high and 110 meters long. In the pools below the falls, there are several large boulders and it’s surrounded by lush forestry – giving it a fairytale feel.
The waterfall is a 2.5 km walk from the entrance to Muckross House, therefore we recommend doing this last. It will be quieter later in the day anyway.
Handily, the waterfall is just a 5-minute walk from the car park here.
3. Boat ride on Lough Leane
From Ross Castle, you can hop on a boat trip to Innisfallen Island which is home to a 6th century abbey. The boat is glass-covered so that you can take in the wow-worthy mountain views. If you’re lucky you may even spot red deer and the elusive white tailed eagle along the way.
The boat cruise is an hour long and costs as little as €16 per person. It’s also excellently rated – scoring 4.7/5.
You can book the boat tour in advance here!
4. Ross Castle
Overlooking Lough Leane, Ross Castle is one of the must-visit sites in Killarney National Park. Believed to have been built in the 15th Century as the base for O’Donoghue Mór, an Irish Chieftain.
As the legend goes, this Chieftain sleeps at the bottom of the lake, and every 7 years on the first morning in May he awakens and you may catch a glimpse of him riding a white horse. If you do, you’ll have good luck for the rest of your years.
You can see the inside of this medieval castle however there is a €5 per adult fee.
Related Read: Ross Castle reminded me a lot of the famed Blarney Castle. I’m from Blarney and you can read my guide to visiting Blarney Castle here!
5. Muckross House
Muckross House is the crown jewel at the heart of Killarney National Park this mansion house dates back to 1843 and has a whopping 65 rooms! And although the interior of the house is very grand it’s the gardens that surround it that are really eye-catching. On the grounds of Muckross House, you’ll find a Rock Garden, Sunken Garden, and Stream Garden.
Entry to Muckross House will cost you €9 per adult and €6 for children aged between 6 – 18. Children under 5 are free.
6. Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey is one of my favorite parts of Killarney National Park. It was founded over 500 years ago, in 1448 as a Franciscan Friary. And it’s a great place to take some unique photos, especially in the large courtyard which contains a giant yew tree. The abbey is mostly roofless, so the light streaming in, in the morning is beautiful!
The history of the Abbey is quite shocking as it was often raided and the monks were subjected to violence.
7. Muckross Traditional Farms
A firm family favorite within the park – Muckross Traditional Farms offers an insight into farm life in 1930s and 1940s Ireland. Here, you can visit three working farms all of which have animals and machinery. You can even step inside the farmer’s house at each of the farms and see how farming families lived. There is also a Labourer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop, and a Blacksmith’s Forge.
When we visited, my daughters especially loved the petting area and small play area.
Entrance to Muckross Traditional Farms will cost you €9 per adult and €6 for children aged from 3 years.
8. Schoolhouse
On your walk to Muckross Abbey, you will likely pass by an old schoolhouse. This one is said to have been built in the early 19th Century and comprises of two classrooms. Interestingly, in the winter, the pupils here were expected to bring sods of turf to light the fires.
9. Horse-riding
A truly unique way to see the Park is on this 2-hour-long horseriding tour that takes you to the hidden parts of Killarney National Park. You’ll take in epic mountain scenery and ride alongside Lough Lein. All equipment is provided and the tour will be adapted to your ability. So, it’s suitable for beginners, too.
You can BOOK the horseriding tour here for $153 USD!
What is the best time of day to visit Killarney National Park?
I’d recommend getting to Killarney National Park around 9 am to beat the crowds, as most coach tours tend to arrive at the Park after 10 am. When you get there you should head straight to the more popular attractions like Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Muckross Abbey. If you get to these sites early enough you should have the place pretty much to yourself.
Please note that Killarney National Park is open 24/7 but the on-site car park (next to Muckross House) does close when it gets dark. Exact opening times vary by season.
Similarly, Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms are not open all the time. Their opening house vary month to month but as a general rule of thumb Muckross House is open from 9 am to 6 pm and Muckross Farms are open from 10 am to 6 pm in the summer and from 1 pm to 6 pm in the low season.
What is the best month to visit Killarney National Park?
I’ve visited Killarney National Park over 10 times now and I have to say my favorite months to visit are May or September. As during these months the weather is still fine (not too cold), you have a lower chance of rain and it’s not as busy.
The peak months to visit the Park are July and August.
Related Read: You’re reading this blog because you love Ireland, then, why not read my detailed guide on how to move to Ireland
How do you get around Killarney National Park?
Most people walk around Killarney National Park however, seeing as the Park is a massive 25,000 acres if you want to see most of it you will need to either rent a bike or hop on the famed jaunting carts.
Unfortunately, if you want to rent a bike you will need to do so from Killarney town – we recommend Killarney Bike Rental on Muckross Road. Here, you can rent a bike for 20 per day. That price includes the bike, helmet, lock, repair kit, pump and, a map.
However, you will need to cycle the busy Muckross Road for the first section before crossing over to the cycle path. So, please have your wits about you when driving on the road. As I said, it is a busy road! All in, it will take around 30 minutes to cycle from Killarney to Muckross House.
Perhaps the most bucket-list-worthy way to get around Killarney National Park is on a jaunting car. These are essentially a horse-drawn carriage and were used in Ireland in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. You can get a jaunting car from Muckross House, Torc Waterfall or from Killarney town. They cost from €36 per person.
You can BOOK your jaunting car online here!
What is the history of Killarney National Park?
Killarney National Park was given the title of Ireland’s first national park in 1932 but the area is said to have been inhabited as far back as the Bronze Age!
In the medieval area the area was inhabited by monks over at Muckross Abbey and Innisfallen Abbey on Innisfalled Island as well as Irish Chieftain O’Donoghue Mórwho resided in Ross Castle.
However, after the invasion of Cromwell and his army around 1649 the park was acquired by well-known local families and even Arthur Guinness at one point.
How to get to Killarney National Park?
Killarney National Park is located in the town of Killarney in County Kerry. The main entrance to the park is around a 6-minute drive from the town. You can either drive to the park from the town in your car or rental car, or walk 30 minutes along the pedestrian path that starts not far from the center of town. Or you can rent a bike from town and cycle there. A taxi from Killarney will cost you around €12 or you could get a jaunting car from the center of town.
The closest international airport is Cork Airport which is 89 km away. From Cork, you can join a full-day guided tour of Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. It’s the ideal way to see this stunning region if you don’t have a car. Plus, it’s excellently rated and costs just €60 per person!
You can book this tour from Cork City to Killarney here!
Where to Stay Near Killarney National Park
- The Lake Hotel – Around 5 km from the national park and just 2 km from town this refined manor dates back to the year 1820. However, this 4-star hotel which sits right on the lake has been modernized inside and boasts regal rooms some of which have balconies. Rates start from €250 per night.
- Castlerosse Park Resort – Boasting stunning mountain and lake views, this 4-star property is located 6 km from the national park. The property features an indoor swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and a fitness center. It’s reasonably priced at around €150 per night.
- Muckross Park Hotel & Spa – This amazing 5-star hotel is one of the closest hotels to the park entrance. And it’s easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Killarney. The rooms here are all individually designed and feature plush furnishings fit for royalty. Here, you’ll also find an award-winning spa and two restaurants. Expect to pay around €300 a night here.
- Killarney Oaks Hotel – Situated just over 5 km from the park entrance, this modern 4-star hotel is a budget-friendly option. With rates starting from €150 per night. The hotels looks out onto the Mangerton mountain and the national park. The rooms here are both luxurious and stylish.
Thanks for Reading!
As I said, visiting Killarney National Park is one of my favorite things to do in Ireland. I mean, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country for good reason. And I really hope you enjoy visiting Killarney National Park as much as I do!
You may also enjoy reading my other Ireland content, such as –
Best Free Things to do in Cork County
The best beaches you must visit in West Cork
Unique things to do in West Cork
Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by snaphappytravel