Located in County Kerry, Killarney National Park offers a wide range of natural beauty. In the National Park, you can find lakes, mountains as well as historic sights. Next to that, Killarney National Park is the start of the Ring of Kerry, which has been described in a separate travel guide. Next to spending 1 day driving the Ring of Kerry, I would highly advise taking another full day to explore the other beautiful places to be found in Killarney National Park. This travel guide shows you an overview of the must-visit spots and places to stay nearby!
Also check out my detailed guide on the Ring of Kerry.
O'Sheas Ceol Na Habhann B&B, Davitt's Guesthouse, Kingdom Lodge, The Brehon Hotel & Spa
When you buy through links in this blogpost, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost. Thanks for your support.
The best time to visit Killarney National Park (and Ireland in general) is between April and October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are green. Furthermore, summer offers longer daylight hours!
All must-visit spots in the park are easily accessible from Killarney, one of the major places in Ireland. Nevertheless, if you want to explore the spots mentioned in this Killarney National Park travel guide, renting a car is the best way to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can book the hop-on on hop off bus, which stops at many of the key locations in this guide (but you won’t be able to visit Gap of Dunloe)
You an also enjoy a lake cruise!
My personal favourite around Killarney is the dramatic Gap of Dunloe. This glacial valley in between the mountains is amazing to discover in the morning when the crowds are still limited. You can explore the gap by foot or horse-drawn cart or take a boat tour. These boat tours can also start from Ross Castle.
Read the detailed guide about Gap of Dunloe here.
One of the most famous places in Killarney NP is the Torc Waterfall. With only a 5 to 10-minute walk through the forest from the cark, you’ll reach the 20-meter-high waterfall. Alternatively, you can extend your adventure and hike up Torc Mountain for views over the park. Torc Waterfall is worth a quick stop if you have a rental car, as it is also near other sights. However, to be completely honest, the waterfall left me quite impressed, also due to the large crowds.
Another popular stop along the way is Muckross House, which is a 19th-century mansion with the Killarney lakes in the background. If you are a fan of history, guided tours are available. Furthermore, you can stroll through the Muckross Gardens and visit the traditional farms. We decided to skip a visit to Muckross House once we arrived at the parking, as it was BUSY. Nevertheless, the building is beautiful and worth visiting if you want to learn more about the culture and history. A visit to the house or farm costs €9 and a combi-ticket €16 (2025).
Near Muckross House, you can find another sight: Muckross Abbey. A ruin surrounded by ancient trees. If you are not visiting Muckross Abbey, there is separate parking for Muckross Abbey to save you the walk. Visiting the abbey’s cloisters and graveyard sets you back in time.
Another sight in the park is Ross Castle, a beautifully restored fortress with a rich history. Also at Ross Castle, guided tours are available to learn more about its past. Furthermore, there is the possibility to join a boat trip across the lake. Also, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a small bite at the restaurant located next to the castle.
Near Killarney, you can also find two famous viewpoints. The first one is Ladies View, which is a famous scenic stop named after Queen Victoria waits. A little further, you find Molls Gap and the Avoca Cafe. I was slightly underwhelmed by Molls Gap and the views, nevertheless, it is such an easy stop to add to your round trip.
Also located near Killarney and Gap of Dunloe, you can find Ireland’s highest Mountain called Carrountoohil. If you are into hiking, this is an alternative use of the day! The most popular route is the Devil’s Ladder, which is best suited for experienced walkers1 Unfortunately, we didn’t have sufficient time in Ireland to include this hike into our 7-day itinerary.
If you plan to stay overnight, I would recommend staying in either Killarney or Kenmare. This allows you to execute this 1-day Ring of Kerry itinerary as well as the sights around Killarney National Park the next day before continuing your journey.
O’Sheas Ceol Na Habhann B&B in Kenmare: We stayed for two nights at this B&B and loved it! It is slightly outside Kenmore (30 minutes walking) and the owner is so incredibly nice! You can book a room starting at €120 a night.
Davitt’s Guesthouse in Kenmare: If you want to stay in Kenmare town, this is a great option! Rooms start from €155 per night.
Kingdom Lodge in Killarney: An affordable option right in the city centre of Killarney offering rooms for 2 persons or a family room for 4. Prices start at €130 a night.
The Brehon Hotel & Spa near Killarney: A luxury hotel offering beautiful views of Killarney National Park and great spa facilities while also being near Killarney town. You can book a room for €225 a night.
