Absolutely gigantic: these are the words to describe Killarney NationalPark.in English). With its 10,000 hectares of wilderness, it is officially Ireland’s first and largest national park. A veritable treasure trove of nature, it is one of the country’s must-see tourist attractions. We love its majestic landscapes, its forests, lakes and mountains. A superb playground for hiking and getting away from it all… away from the rest of the world!
Did you know? Killarney National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, under the designation of“Biosphere Reserve“.
A term that illustrates the wild beauty of the park: here, the hand of man is virtually absent. Nature and wide-open spaces reign supreme, in a harmony of striking charm. And that’s the magic of the place!
So you’ll love putting on your hiking boots and setting off to explore its vast expanses of desolate moorland, plains, hills, lakes and mountains.
Among the Park’s must-sees are 3 Irish lakes:
It’s a pleasure to walk along their shores or admire them from the mountains. In fact, there are 4 main peaks: Purple Mountain, Shehy Mountain, Mangerton Mountain and Torc Mountain. There are a number of trails for good walkers who are not afraid of the gradient. Starting on Purple Mountain, the circuit winds its way between MacGillycuddy’s Reek. Allow 11 km to go round it: it will take you no less than 3 hours!
If you prefer more “accessible” sites, we recommend several ultra-touristic spots:
Killarney National Park also boasts a particularly rich flora and fauna. Many rare species are present, and you may come across red deer (the Park is home to the country’s last remaining herd), peregrine falcons, wild ducks… etc.
Bring good shoes and a good camera if you’re hiking: you’ll quickly get hooked, and the more you hike, the more intense the scenery will be! You’re in for a real treat!