October, 2015
With 26,000 acres, this stunning National Park makes one of the top 10 travel locations in the world. It is best accessed by car, which makes it a worthwhile stop on your self-guided road trip. The park is located near a town called Killarney, in the County of Kerry in the south of Ireland. We opted to stay outside of the town, at an inn located inside the National Park – definitely a more peaceful and serene environment.
A few sights I highly recommend include Ross Castle, Muckross House and Torc waterfall.
Muckross House is known for its incredible gardens, particularly the rhododendrons in the spring and roses in the summer. Walking the estate and park, which is quite extensive, is free, but there is an admission charge for the Traditional Farm and the Muckross house itself. The house is a gorgeous mansion with manicured gardens and views of mountains across the lake. I recommend walking the Muckross Lake Loop (15 km), which will take some time as you’ll want to discover the traditional working farms and other elegant gardens along the way. You will eventually come across the 200-year-old Dinis Cottage where you can grab some refreshments before heading behind the cottage to where there is a short path that leads to the Meeting of the Waters. Here, the the upper lake flows down to join the lower loughs. En-route back toward the Muckross House, you will want to take the side trip to the top of Torc Waterfall which is a 4km circuit and well worth the view.
Ross Castle is one of the finest examples of a native Irish castle in the country. Its mystical presence, enchanting location and history, makes Ross Castle an essential visit on a trip to County Kerry. Nestled perfectly in the lush green country side, the magnificent and enchanting Castle towers over the soft landscape. Depending on the day, the Castle may be engulfed in fog which may make you feel like you are entering a fairytale land where you just might come across a King! It is worth a visit toward the evening to see it lit up at night.
Around the corner from your inn, if you stay where I recommended in South-West Ireland 7 Day Itinerary: An Ultimate Road Trip Guide, you will find a traditional Irish Gastropub. Major Colgan’s will provide you that genuine Irish pub feel with original wood floors, beamed ceilings, stone walls and open fireplaces. Live music and dancing combined with traditional Irish pub fare, paired with local stouts you can’t go wrong.
The next day as you depart, touring the Ring of Kerry toward your next destination, make sure to take time to stop at the Ladies View. The view here is known for one of the best in Killarney Park and named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting during the royal visit to Ireland in 1861. There is a café across from the lookout which is an ideal spot to fuel up before continuing your drive.
