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Guide to Europe >> Ireland >> Killarney
Killarney |
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The Irish city of Killarney is located in the southwestern part of the country where visitors can view some of the most scenic landscape and wildlife in Ireland. Killarney considers its tourist industry to have begun in 1754 when Thomas Fourth Viscount Kenmare decided to attract visitors to the city by describing its natural beauty, ancient ruins and legends.
College Backpacking recommends a 1-night, 2-day stay in Killarney. Spend an entire day in the National Park and then tour the main city’s shops and pubs, catching a live trad music performance. |
| Tourist Sites |
Killarney National Park
Ireland’s first national park founded in 1932, Killarney National Park encompasses over 25,000 acres of land. In 1981 it was deemed a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Inside the park lies beautiful scenery and wildlife, including many different woodlands and lakes, and a walk along the upper lake is ideal for viewing the Purple Mountains.
Muckross House with its traditional farm (€5,75 house, €10 house and farm, €2,25/ €5 students) also resides in the National Park. The house was built for Henry Arthur and Mary Balfour Herbert in 1843, and the rooms maintain their 19th century style, with a servants’ area in the basement.
Torc Mountain stands in the park at around 500 meters. The mountain is popular with hikers, and its trail passes through woods, streams and a variety of wildlife to the panoramic view at the top. To begin the tour, start at the Torc Waterfall.
Torc Waterfall’s surge of water stems from the “Devil’s Punch Bowl.” “Torc” means “boar,” and the legend goes that a man under a spell became a boar at night; when the secret of his nocturnal transformation got out, the man transformed into a humiliated ball of fire and plummeted into the Devil’s Punch Bowl, creating the rift for water to rush through.
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Ross Castle
Hours: 10:00am- 5:00pm; 9:00am- 6:30pm in the summer,
Tickets: €5
Built in the 15th century by the O’Donoghue chieftains, Ross Castle resides in the park on the lower lake. A prophesy stated that the castle could never be taken by land, so Cromwell’s forces passed through the lake in order to reach the castle, overcoming the defenders who recognize the prophesy’s fulfillment. The interior of this castle contains décor from the 16th century. |
Dunloe Castle
This 13th century castle was built by the Norman Fitzgeralds as a defense for the Gap of Dunloe. The castle lies on the beautiful gardened grounds with the Hotel Dunloe Castle. |
| Restaurants |
| Tours |
| Transportation |
Intercity
Trains: Trains connect with Killarney Station from Cork (2hr), Dublin (3.5hr), and Limerick (3hr).
Buses: Killarney’s bus station is located on Park Rd., and buses depart for Belfast, Cork, and Dublin. |
| Night Life |
Danny Mann's
Address: 97 New Street, Eviston House Hotel
A huge pub with pool, darts, multiple televisions, and plenty of good food. Each night the pub features a live band playing entertaining the crowd with Irish music. |
Kube
Address: Killarney Towers Hotel, College Square
Hours: 10:00pm- late
Located in the Killarney Towers Hotel, Kube’s chic and stylist mood welcomes a younger crowd who tires of the traditional pub scene. With plush, leather furniture and a elegant décor, Kube is a hot spot for well-dressed clubbers. |
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