Breathtaking scenery... Unspoilt countryside... A pace of life to be envied!!
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 Town
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 town itself offers an extensive range of restaurants, entertainment and traditional Irish pubs. I would highly recommend 'Wilde Oscars' a bohemian, welcoming and stylish restaurant located in the centre of the town. A meal for two will cost about 60 Euros (£45) for a three course meal & wine.
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
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN KILLARNEY
Killarney National Park
Situated within walking distance of the town centre the National Park has many attractions for the tourist. Having spent a whole day here I feel that it is definitely a must on your holiday itinerary. Below are some of the places I visited within the National Park:
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.
InnisFallen Island – The island is situated on Lough Leane and can only be reached by hiring a motor boat and driver (costing 5 Euros) or taking the more commercial Waterbus trip from Ross Castle. The island is the site of the early Christian monastery of St. Faithlinn (Fallen) and is also associated with St. Finian the leper. The first impression of the island is just how isolated it is and how tranquil an environment. If you have hired your own boat to reach the island you may even be lucky enough to be the only people exploring the island.
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.
Muckross House/Gardens/Traditional Farms – The Muckross estate is a major tourist attraction within the National Park and at times you can feel like your on a conveyor belt of people. I suggest that if you wish to visit these attractions, you arrive early. I found the high volume of tourist a little annoying and spent less time here than I planned. The house serves as a visitor centre. Around the house are plenty of enchanting walks or if you feel a little more adventurous you can hire bicycles. The Muckross gardens contain fine specimens of flowers and has a water garden and rock garden. The farms are an opportunity to see the Irish traditional farming methods and discuss the methods with families who work in this way.
‘Ring Of Kerry’
The best part about staying in Killarney is that it is situated on the 'Ring of Kerry'. Which is a route around the unspoilt wonder that is Southern Ireland. Some of the sites within easy reach of Killarney Include:
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.
Meeting of The Waters – Situated 10km from Killarney again on the N71. The ‘Meeting of The Waters’ is a place where the major lakes of the National Park converge. It is a place of striking natural beauty. It takes about 1hr to walk from the designated car park. Some of the walk is along a nominated footpath and then by following signposts through the countryside. The walk itself is as breathtaking as the view at the end and well worth a visit. Once reaching the ‘Meeting of The Waters’ you will find a coffee shop and toilets.
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.
Molls Gap – Situated 15km from Killarney on the N71. This is another breathtaking view of the lakes of Killarney.
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.
For those of you who like to sit back and enjoy the view instead of driving or for those of you who enjoy participating in touring as a large group there are regular coaches trips round the complete route of the 'Ring of Kerry'. For the more adventurous (and brave) you can hike a designated route around the Ring.
There are plenty of other activities to participate in when visiting Killarney including:
Once you have exhausted all that Killarney has to offer there are other great places to visit such as:
'Dingle Penninsula' - Go to Dingle and swim with Fungi a tame dolphin that lives around the local waters. ‘Valentia Island – Situated at the most South Western point of Ireland. Visit ‘The Skelligs’ a selection of Rock islands with birds such as the Puffin & Kittiwakes. Also ‘Skellig Michael’ which is an island of significant archaeological interest, with wonderfully preserved monastic settlement.
ACCOMMODATION
B&B - From £20 pppn upwards. Self Catering - PLENTY of cottages, caravans and specially built centres. From £250 per unit. (Prices differ enormously according to season)
