An overview of one of the largest towns in Southern Ireland. All information was gathered on my trip to the Emerald Isle in July 2000.

Killarney is a busy market town and the oldest and most popular tourist destination. That said it is not as busy or as much of a tourist trap as you think it is going to be. With ‘Killarney National Park’ and the ‘Ring of Kerry’ a short drive away you can easily escape into the beautiful unspoilt countryside of Southern Ireland

The shops in Killarney are mainly of the tourist variety, where you can get the usual Guinness branded merchandise, Leprechauns of all shapes and guises as well as good quality knit wear and clothing. The Tourist Information Office is situated near ‘New Street’ next to the major car park & supermarket (Tesco). Most of the banks are also situated on New Street. For withdrawing money from these you will require an international debit card or a Visa/Mastercard

Ross Castle – The castle is situated 2km south of Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane. It is open to the public via an entrance fee. The building itself dates back to the 15th century. Although a beautiful site, I myself did not find the actual castle interior overly interesting. With only the usual ‘museum pieces’ and reference material.

Muckross Friary – Founded for the Franciscans in 1448 & built in the Irish Gothic style. The most breathtaking feature of the Friary is the old Yew tree growing in the central cloisters of the building. Apparently it is supposed to be magical! Much of the Friary remains along with its graveyard which includes some of the great Gaelic poets.

‘Ring Of Kerry’

Torc Waterfall – Situated on the N71 & 8km from Killarney. The waterfall is a very short walk from a designated car park, via a large set of steps. The waterfall is best viewed after it has rained, due to the increased volumes of water. The waterfall is breathtaking and I found it a very relaxing and invigorating experience.

Ladies View – Situated 12km from Killarney on the N71. This is one of the most spectacular views of the National Park. From here you can see as far as the eye can see. Including Irelands highest mountain range ‘MacGillycuddy’s Reeks’. Ladies View is so named because it was much admired by Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting when they visited the area in 1861.

Gap Of Dunloe – Situated to the west of the National Park near ‘Killorglin’ off the R562. There is a place to park and from here you can walk the 10km through the Gap in the mountains created by forging ice flows during the ice age. A much easier and I think more beneficial way of viewing at least part of this walk is to hire a ‘Jaunting Car’ (a pony and two wheeled trap and driver) costing 40 Euros. The sense of isolation has you head into the gap is awe inspiring and calms the soul. If you are a little braver you can hire your own pony and ride up into the gap. The Gap of Dunlow was one of my favourite places that I visited in Killarney. Partly because of its astounding beauty, but also for the sense of isolation from the world. It really is one of Killarney best unspoilt wonders of nature.

ACCOMMODATION

Swansea – Cork (8hr overnight crossing)
Fishguard – Rosslare (4hr crossing)
Pembroke – Rosslare (4 hr crossing)

Cork – Killarney – 55 miles
Rosslare – Killarney – 163 miles