About Killarney National Park

The first national park in Ireland is the Killarney National Park. Originally the Muckross Estate, it was donated to the country in 1932. The park has grown to include 26,000 acres of land.

Killarney National Park encompasses the Lakes of Killarney, the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, woodlands, and waterfalls. The Reeks are the tallest mountains in Ireland. The park boasts the only herd of native red deer on the mainland. Because of its unique ecological diversity, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981.

Although the park is concerned mainly with the conservation of its ecosystems, recreation and tourism abound. The Muckross House is where you’ll find the visitor center, and Knockreer House is the education center. For the hiker and the cyclist, there are trails that will take you to views over Lough Leane. Wander to Dinis Cottage, over the Old Weir Bridge, and to Ross Castle and Ross Island. Take in a whiff of the famous rhododendrons and azaleas in the Muckross Gardens.

The park is open all year. Why wait?

 

Must See

  • Ross Castle
  • Muckross House

  • Killarney House and Gardens

  • Muckross Abbey
  • Torc Waterfall

How to reach

By bus:

Take a bus from Cork Bus Station, Cork Parnell to Killarney, Killarney Bus. It is a journey of 86.7 km that is covered in 1 hour and 35 minutes and is followed by a 9 minute taxi ride.

By train:

Take a train from Cork Kent to Killarney. It is a journey of 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs 42 to 56 EUR.

Tips

  • For conservation reasons, the removal of rocks, plants, animals, mushrooms, and other materials from the National Park is not permitted.
  • Camping and fires are not permitted in Killarney National Park.
  • The last admission to Muckross Traditional Farms is always one hour before closing.
  • Admission to Muckross House is by guided tour only.
  • If you have limited time, it is recommended to take a horse and cart ride.
  • If you plan on hiking make sure you wear comfortable footwear.
  • Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars!

Visit Time

Gardens

October to June:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

 

July to September:   

Sunday:           08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Monday:          08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Tuesday:         08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Wednesday:    08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Thursday:        08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Friday:             08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Saturday:         08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

 

Visitor Center

October to June:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

 

July to September:   

Sunday:           08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Monday:          08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Tuesday:         08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Wednesday:    08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Thursday:        08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Friday:             08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

Saturday:         08:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.

 

House Tours

October to June:

Sunday:           09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

Monday:          09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

Thursday:        09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

Friday:             09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

Saturday:         09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

 

July to September:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No waiting.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

3 to 4 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Broken Clouds 10.03°C

 

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