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Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

1. From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

Explore the mystical Ring of Kerry on a full-day guided tour from Cork. See the picturesque village of Waterville, Killarney National Park, panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and other famous areas of ancient Ireland. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic drive to one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You will see two village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair.  Next, take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. You will admire the picturesque little village of Waterville that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Continue to the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Your next stop will be at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn and admires this site of natural beauty. Finally, take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

2. Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

Arrive at the riding stables located just outside Killarney town and meet your horse riding guide and gear up for your ride. Your guide will lead the group following the riding trail into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, taking in the essence of Killarney National Park. Your trail will take you past Lough Lein, the largest of the three lakes in Killarney and across areas of stunning natural beauty. Expect amazing views of soaring mountains, and rolling hills with a unique ecosystem including numerous species of fauna and flora. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, and forms part of a Special Area of Conservation.

Ring of Kerry: Lakes of Killarney Scenic Coach Tour

3. Ring of Kerry: Lakes of Killarney Scenic Coach Tour

The Ring of Kerry skirts the Iveragh Peninsula and is undoubtedly Ireland’s most popular scenic drive. Begin by passing through Killorglin, home to the famous Puck Fair festival held in August every year. Stop at The Bog Village, a little cluster of thatched-roof cottages demonstrating what rural life was like in Kerry in the 1800’s. Continue through the village of Glenbeigh, with beautiful views over Rossbeigh Beach and the rugged hills of the Iveragh Peninsula. In the summer months, take in the spectacle of a traditional Irish sheepdog show at Kells. Sample fresh local produce while pausing for a deliciously traditional lunch in Cahersiveen town, The Scarriff Inn or Waterville. After lunch, explore the historic cove at Derrynane, a rocky inlet and notorious hideout for smugglers in the 18th century. It is the former seat of the O’Connell clan and home to Daniel O’Connell, a legend of Irish history. Enjoy the village of Sneem – perhaps Ireland’s most colorful village – before traveling through the rugged and haunting landscape on the road to Moll’s Gap. The viewing point here offers sweeping vistas of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Ireland’s highest mountain, Corrán Tuathail – 3,414 feet high. Continuing from Moll’s Gap to Killarney, watch the sun glisten across the broad valley of the Killarney Lakes. Return to Killarney at approximately 5:00 - 5:30 PM.

Ireland: 2 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour

4. Ireland: 2 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour

Day 1: Dublin – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Peninsula  Meet your tour guide and fellow travellers at one of the central Dublin collection points in the morning. Enjoy a relaxing drive across the beautiful countryside with amazing views. Your tour guide will also ensure you have the best possible experience while on the road by telling stories and providing information you may be interested in. Take a short stop for refreshments and then continue the drive towards the West Coast. Then, enjoy a drive along the shores of Galway Bay with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal route is distinctive due to its gorgeous golden beaches and dolphins breaching off the shore. Make your way to the Burren which is one of the most popular landscapes in Ireland, famous for its Limestone Rock that stretches as far as the eye can see, reaching down to the sea shore. Before reaching the Cliffs of Moher, pause for lunch in the small village of Doolin with continuous views of Doolin Harbour and the Aran Islands. Then, arrive at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, which is considered one of the world’s great natural attractions. Here you can enjoy breath-taking views, relaxing walks, and take memorable photographs. In the afternoon, change bus and continue south towards the Kingdom of Kerry. Then, stay overnight in Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula.  DAY 2: Dingle Peninsula - Highlights of the Ring of Kerry - Killarney - Dublin  After a relaxing morning and a hearty breakfast, depart from the Dingle Peninsula and make your way towards some highlights of the Ring of Kerry, including Torc Waterfall, Moll’s Gap, Lakes of Killarney, Leprechaun Crossing, and Killarney National Park, before enjoying time at leisure in Killarney. Once you arrive at Killarney you can go on a horseback ride through the park or go on a horse and cart ride through Killarney National Park, both are optional. On your way back to Dublin, drive through the heritage town of Adare with its amazing Golden Vale, the finest agricultural land in Ireland. You should arrive back in Dublin by 7:00pm approx.

From Dublin: Galway and Kerry 3-Day Budget Tour

5. From Dublin: Galway and Kerry 3-Day Budget Tour

Discover the majestic beauty of the Ring of Kerry and South Ireland on a 3-day budget tour by bus to Gaelic-speaking Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Mix with local characters, and learn the legends of the “Emerald Isle” up close and personal. Enjoy an unforgettable night in Killarney, Ireland’s party capital. Dormitory style accommodation is provided in hostels, with the option to stay in B&B or apartment-style accommodation for those that crave a bit more privacy. Day 1: Dublin - Connemara - Galway Depart Dublin for Galway, traveling towards the west of Ireland, and stopping en route for a comfort break. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Irish midlands. Experience the rugged wilderness of Connemara as you drive over dramatic mountains that have been the setting for countless Hollywood movies. Discover a working family farm and a historic silver mine at Glengowla. Continue along the Connemara coastline to Galway City. Find a nice pub in Galway Bay to listen to some traditional Irish music before retiring for the night. Day 2: Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Kerry Experience the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive down the west coast. See beautiful beaches of golden sand, keeping a lookout for dolphins and whales along the way. Follow the route of the Atlantic Way, the world’s longest coastal touring route. Explore the lunar landscape of The Burren, the only place on earth where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Then, discover the crown jewels of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher. See why the cliffs were chosen as a backdrop for the film "The Princess Bride," and why world surf champ Kelly Slater shot the award-winning surf movie "Wave Rider" there. Spend the night in Kerry, where nightlife offerings include the chance to sing a few of the songs your guide will have taught you during the day (please note that on some tours, accommodation will be in Cork, depending on availability). Day 3: Kerry – Blarney Castle - Dublin Take in some highlights of the Ring of Kerry (which typically include Moll's Gap, Leprechaun Crossing, Killarney National Park, Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall) before enjoying time at leisure in Killarney. Many guests enjoy an (optional) horse and carriage or horse ride. The journey back to Dublin takes you on a leisurely drive through the heritage town of Adare, with its fabulous thatched cottages, and the Golden Vale, Ireland's finest agricultural land with its rolling fields and pastures. Return to Dublin by 19:00 approx.

South Western Ireland: 4 Days from Galway to Kerry

6. South Western Ireland: 4 Days from Galway to Kerry

Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Dublin – Connemara – Galway From Dublin you’ll cross the midlands of Ireland in style in the green Paddywagon! You’ll be in the west in no time at all. Experience dramatic mountain scenery that has been the setting for countless Hollywood blockbuster movies. You’ll stop in the charming village of Cong to see magnificent Ashford Castle and the ruins of Cong Abbey. Enjoy lunch at one of Cong’s quirky cafés and take a lakeside walk. Your route follows along the massive Lough Corrib on the way to Galway. When you arrive your guide will find a nice pub for you overlooking Galway Bay, where you can enjoy the scenery and some traditional Irish music. Consider taking an optional walking tour of the city with a local guide or participating in an award-winning pub crawl! Day 2: Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Today you’ll have the wild Atlantic Ocean at your side as you drive along the west coast. See golden sand beaches and maybe even a few dolphins and whales. Explore the lunar landscape of the Burren, the only place on earth where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean flowers grow side by side. Then it's on to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Tonight you'll stay in the village of Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula. Mix with the locals and enjoy the character of a real Irish village, away from all the tourist traps. Pull up a stool by the fire or choose to dance the night away! Day 3: Dingle – Killarney Head out on the short drive to Dingle, a charming Gaelic-speaking fishing village. You’ll have ample free time for shopping and lunch before a pleasant tour around Slea Head. There will be loads of time off the bus to take in the views and maybe a wee hike, or to just breathe in that wild Atlantic air. Learn stories and songs of this traditional region from your guide. See Sleeping Giant Island and the famous 3 Sisters mountain range. Spend the night in Killarney, a popular town because of all the things to see and do. You’ll find traditional music, great restaurants, dancing, and an idyllic national park. Day 4: Killarney - Dublin The day begins with a horse and cart ride through Killarney National Park (optional) or horseback ride through the park for the energetic and adventurous (optional). Afterward he head for the world famous Blarney Castle. You will enjoy 2 hours visiting the Castle where you kiss the Blarney Stone if you wish After lunch we take a leisurely drive through the Golden Vale region, Ireland's finest agricultural land and home to some of the best livestock in the world. Before we reach Dublin, we'll pause at the Rock of Dunamase - a ruined castle perched high on a hill overlooking the province of Leinster - amazing photo opportunities and vistas await you.

Killarney Jaunt & Afternoon Tea

7. Killarney Jaunt & Afternoon Tea

Begin your tour with a lively jaunt through the bustling streets of Killarney Town, bursting with scenes of colour and charm before entering the quiet and peaceful surroundings of the picturesque Killarney National Park. Enjoy views of the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain peaks in Ireland, witness the country’s last remaining herd of majestic Red Deer, and take in the unique sights and sounds of the Oak and Yew Woodland, as you learn about the history of the Park and how it came to be. Journey on towards Ross Castle and its Tower Keep on the edge of Lough Lein and be spellbound by spectacular views along the way. Once the ancestral home of the O’Donoghue Clan, you will be enchanted by the striking beauty of the Castle as you listen to your Jarvey Guide unfold its history with tales of woe and warship as well as the ancient prophecy and legends of the fortress. Take a quick jaunt back through the leafy green suburbs of Killarney’s Ross Road and back into the outskirts of the Town before disembarking from your journey at the Great Southern, Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel and the perfect place to end the most memorable tour. Relax and rewind in the splendour of the spacious Grand Foyer where High Tea has been served since Victorian times. Relish in a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked fruit or plain scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as a selection of pastries and banana bread, and of course, freshly brewed tea or coffee, complimented by a refreshing glass of prosecco. Children’s option also available. Please notify us of any dietary requirements.

Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour

8. Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour

Discover the scenic splendor of southwest Ireland on a comprehensive 5-day tour of The Burren, the Dingle Peninsula, and the fabled Ring of Kerry. Stop at historic castles and monasteries, and wander the colorful fishing villages to sample fresh seafood. Enjoy dramatic views from the Cliffs of Moher, and stroll along the vast stretch of Inch Beach watching the local surfers. Transportation is by small minicoach, with accommodation in quaint bed and breakfast guesthouses for a more intimate experience. Day 1: Depart Dublin and head west through the farmland and peat bogs of Kildare and Offally counties. Stop at Locke’s Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world. Sample the local whiskey to experience the true spirit of Ireland. Continue west to the mighty Shannon River, and vist the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise. Admire its collection of churches, stone crosses, and round towers. After an afternoon stop in a traditional pub in one of the attractive villages, travel to Galway City to check into your base for the night. This lively student town has no shortage of good pubs and restaurants to enjoy in the evening. Day 2: From Galway City it’s only a short drive along the coast to The Burren, one of Ireland’s great natural treasures. Marvel at the limestone pavements, barren hills, and rare flora. See Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. You will spend most of the morning exploring this unique area, stopping in Kilfenora for lunch. Known as the “Town of the Crosses,” there will also be time to visit the old cathedral before driving to the Cliffs of Moher. Marvel at this natural beauty, where the cliffs drop almost 700 feet into crashing Atlantic Ocean waves. Take a walk along one of the cliff top trails, and watch the seabirds at work. Alternatively, visit the award-winning environmental exhibition to learn about the region’s ecology. Then, travel south through County Clare, passing the famous golf course and beach at Lahinch to catch the ferry across the Shannon Estuary and into County Kerry. Go to the beautiful lakeside town of Killarney, your base for the next 3 nights. The pubs here are great for food and most have live music in the evenings. Day 3 Today, you will explore the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most scenic parts of Ireland. Your first stop in this heartland of Gaelic culture will be Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand facing the Atlantic Ocean popular with surfers. From here, increasingly narrow roads lead onto the peninsula itself, through the town of Dingle and out to Slea Head. This is an area of ancient forts and dwellings that date back thousands of years. Visit some of the best examples along the way. Enjoy views of the Blasket Islands as they rise dramatically from the sea. Marvel at the mountains of the famous Ring of Kerry to your south. Weather permitting, time will be allotted for a walk on the beach or along the cliff tops. Learn why the area is important in Gaelic literature. Then, head back to Dingle town with its brightly colored buildings and busy harbor. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, before returning to Killarney. If the weather is good you could enjoy an evening walk in Killarney National Park, just on the edge of town. Day 4: Today, you will take one of the world’s classic routes, the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. Depart Killarney and enjoy the views to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Join the coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells to Cahersiveen. Possible stops along the way include Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace, and the ring fort of Cahersiveen. Go to the little fishing village of Portmagee for a lunch of local seafood. Alternatively, cross to the island of Valencia and visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the small community of monks who once lived on the nearby rock island of Skellig Michael. In the afternoon, stop in picturesque Waterville, a favourite holiday destination for Charlie Chaplin. Stop again at the top of the Coonmakista Pass for one of the best views in Ireland. From here, the road drops down to sea level, where you will visit Derrynane House, the family home of Daniel O’Connell. You can stroll in the gardens and down to the beach, as well as look inside the house itself. Continue around the Ring, stopping at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. There will also be time for a short walk to the Torc Waterfall before returning to Killarney. Day 5: The final day of your tour heads east through the mountains of West Cork and the market town of Macroom. Then, drive along the Lee Valley to Blarney Castle. Visit the castle and take one of the woodland walks to the mystical Rock Close. Explore the village of Blarney, stopping for lunch and a bit of shopping. There may even be time to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, although in peak season it can be very busy. In the afternoon, head to the Rock of Cashel to see the medieval monastery complex high above the town. Finally, go to Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle and park, as well as some lovely riverside walks. Visit the National Craft Centre, or just hang out in one of the pubs for a last Guinness. Hit the road again for the final leg of your journey, arriving back in Dublin at approximately 19:30.

From Dublin: 3-Day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way

9. From Dublin: 3-Day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way

Day 1 Head south of Dublin and travel through the Wicklow Mountains to your first stop at the famous Glendalough. Here, enjoy some free time to admire the lovely lakes, learn more about their history at the visitor center, and bask in the serenity of the monastic city ruins. Afterward, continue your quest to the West and visit the traditional market town of Kilcullen for a lunch break. After lunch, travel to the Rock of Dunamase and the ruins of Dunamase Castle in the ancient plains of County Laois. Later on, visit "Ireland's Prettiest Village", Adare; where you can admire a superb collection of thatched cottages and old structures, including the ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery. Finally, head for County Kerry and the windswept Dingle Peninsula, a stronghold of Irish culture and language, where you will be staying in the town of Dingle for the next two nights. Day 2 Today, find out why the Wild Atlantic Way is known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world in the Dingle Peninsula. Enter the heartland of the Gaeltacht (the areas within Ireland where the Irish language is the principal tongue of the local people). Discover the best of the peninsula including highlights such as Conor Pass, Tóchar Maothaithe, the Beehive Huts, Slea Head, and Gallarus Oratory. After a day full of natural splendor, spend the night in Dingle. Day 3 Before leaving the Dingle Peninsula, stop at Inch Beach, where you can get a glimpse of your next destination, the Kerry Mountains and Killarney National Park. Pass by a few lakes and take a short walk to the Torc Waterfall, a 20-meter high cascade of water that originates high in the mountains. Break for lunch in the lively town of Killarney before making your way across country to the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone. Take some time to explore its Round Tower, High Cross, and Gothic Cathedral. From here, enjoy a relaxing drive with time to reflect on the past three days as you make your way back to Dublin for the early evening.

Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

10. Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe. Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area. Please Note - The tour can go in two directions. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's you will enjoy a 1.5-2 hour Jaunting Cart ride through the 12km (7 mile) Gap of Dunloe. Please Note - The Jaunting Carts are a separate business to Gap of Dunloe Tours and are an additional cost to the tour price. Jaunting cars are available to hire at Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. You may then pay the Ponymen direct for the Jaunting Car journey. They charge €100 per jaunting cart, and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen. The 2023 Ponymen rates have increased to €120 per jaunting cart. Your Jaunting Cart trip ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash). At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Bricin Bridge Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation. If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. *For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky. What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

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Other Sightseeing Options in Killarney National Park

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What people are saying about Killarney National Park

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 758 reviews

This was such a fun an exhilarating experience. The people here are so kind and they really make sure that you are well taken care of on your horse. A ride through the park with your guides describing what you're seeing, the history of everything was so fascinating, truly a once in a lifetime experience. If you don't have a lot of experience on horses, they make sure that you are well taken care of, and the horses themselves are fantastic! Very personable, individualistic, and such a joy to get to know. Seriously, do this!

Had an amazing experience horseback riding! The guides were very friendly and helpful, the national park was beautiful. I had such a fun time even though the weather was not ideal. Would definitely visit the stables again!

Mac was wonderful and very interesting with facts about Ireland. The tour is great because it is not too long And you see it all! What a fabulous day

My daughter and friends we’re traveling for her 21st birthday. I booked this excursion for them. They loved it!

Absolutely fantastic opportunity for the first travel to the ring of Kerry