{"id":5289,"date":"2026-11-10T09:59:05","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T08:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/guides\/que-faire-a-killarney\/"},"modified":"2026-11-10T10:22:47","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T09:22:47","slug":"what-to-do-in-killarney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/what-to-do-in-killarney\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Killarney: National Park, Lakes and Gap of Dunloe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lakes, mountains, ancient forests and traditional horse-drawn carriages: Killarney<\/strong>, Killarney, in County Kerry, is the gateway to Ireland's oldest national park and the starting point of the Ring of Kerry. Here's what to do in Killarney and its national park, and our tips for making the most of your visit. Based in the UK and Ireland since 2012, we incorporate it into our tailor-made trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> In Killarney, don't miss the national park: Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane, Muckross House and its gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Torc Falls. Explore it on foot, by bike, by boat, or in a jaunting car, the traditional horse-drawn carriage. Nearby, discover the Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View, and the Ring of Kerry. Allow 2 to 3 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Things to do in Killarney: the national park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Created in 1932, Killarney National Park is Ireland's first national park. It extends around three lakes, at the foot of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ross Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This 15th-century tower house, built by the O'Donoghue clan, stands on the shores of Lough Leane. It is also the starting point for boat trips on the lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muckross House and its gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This elegant Victorian mansion hosted Queen Victoria in 1861. Its gardens, traditional farm buildings, and lakeside paths are worth a visit in themselves. Nearby, the ruins of Muckross Abbey, founded in the 15th century, exude a peaceful atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Torc Waterfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the heart of the forest, this nearly 20-meter waterfall can be reached in a few minutes on foot from the road. You can then climb to the top for a beautiful view of the lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Killarney National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to explore the park?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n