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>> Killarney Visitor Attractions
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Killarney Visitor Attractions
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A Magical Garden of Friendship
Guarded by the mighty McGillycuddy Reeks, the Killarney Valley must have been a magnificent discovery for the neolithic people. With the decline of the Irish chieftains in the 16th century, much of this area came under the control of two landlords, the Kenmares and Herberts. Today the valley is within Killarney National Park and is a treasure chest of Ireland's natural heritage. Alongside Killarney´s three lakes are Ireland´s last oak and yew forests. The 27,000 acres also contain 141 bird species, red and sika deer, and a fascinating variety of plant life. All waiting for you to explore. Arthur Vincent donated Muckross Estate to the nation and said, ´I want Muckross to be a real garden of friendship - the greatest playground in the world.´ You may agree his wish has been granted.
Carriages with class
In the days when landlords ruled in great walled estates, the jaunting car offered an ideal vantage point. Today these same conveyances provide an escape from the noise and pollution of the motor car as you view the National Park. Before the arrival of the infernal combustion engine, these light horse-drawn ´sidecars´ ruled the roads of Ireland. Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Ross Castle, Knockreer Estate - see them in style, in the traditional way, by jaunting car. Definitely one for the camera!
Deals in wheels
The trusty bike is ideal for viewing the National Park. A half-day tour takes you through the Knockreer Estate to Ross Castle. The Muckross / Dinis tour makes a day, taking in Muckross Abbey and House, Dinis Cottage, and Torc Waterfall. Hire a bike in O´Neills, Plunkett St, for £5 a day (064 31970 / 35153).
Fresh angle on the lakes
Great news for anglers! A survey of Lough Léin has shown it to be the best-stocked brown-trout lake in the country. But the king of the Killarney fish must be the salmon. From late winter, anglers in small boats patiently ply the bays in hope of the ultimate prize.
In bygone days visitors enjoyed salmon roasted on fresh-cut arbutus twigs over an open fire on the lakeshore. Today in many of Killarney´s excellent restaurants, you can enjoy salmon fresh from the lakes. More details.
Killarney´s Red Deer
Red deer roam freely through the National Park. These magnificent animals are survivors of Ireland´s last ice age, over 10,000 years ago. Although the main herd inhabits the mountain areas of Torc and Mangerton, they can also be seen in Muckross and Knockreer, especially in the early morning. The rutting (mating) season falls in October; calves arrive in June and July. Some deer have recently been moved to the Blasket Islands.
Night at the manor
How would you like to dine with Lord and Lady Killarney while being entertained by the enchanting melodies of Thomas Moore and Percy French? Killarney Manor have recreated the ambience of an Irish manor house circa 1860, and a gathering of family and friends. People of all ages and nationalities are made to feel at home - and the universal language of music and merriment ensures a good time is had by everyone.
Transport Museum
The National Museum of Irish Transport in Killarney contains a spectacular collection of road transport artefacts dating from the 18th century, all in excellent original condition and all lovingly cared for. Among the superb cars, bicycle, motorbikes, fire engines, and children´s vehicles are many priceless gems. Don´t miss the opportunity to see the first motorcar ever driven in Ireland, a 1898 Benz Velo, or the luxurious 1907 Silver Stream, so luxurious in fact that its maker failed to get the £2,000 asking price and never made another. The collection of bicycles here is equally intriguing, everything from the ´hobby horse´ to the ´penny farthing´. Advertising signs, books, magazines, even the re-creation of a 1930s garage are all here - certainly a national treasure.
Trainspotters´ delight
The world´s largest model railway has come to Killarney. Over 1,000 square feet of fascinating detail. Over 50 trains running on over a mile of track transport you through landmarks from Killarney to continental Europe, by day and night. See a pub on fire, a helicopter rescue, and much more in this miniature magical world, regardless of the weather.
The sport of kings
The sound of galloping hooves and the roar of the crowd always makes for great excitement. Check our Events Diary and local press for racing at Tralee, Listowel, Killarney, Dingle, Caherciveen, and Rossbeigh beach. Afterwards, enjoy a meal in any of the fine restaurants (see our Restaurant Guide) and soak up the atmosphere around town where there´s always lots of entertainment.
Golfing in Killarney
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club celebrated its centenary in 1993. An article in the Irish Field of October 1908 gives an insight into the club at the time: ´Though the present club was formed in 1891, there had for a long time been a lot of promiscuous golf played about Killarney´. Be that as it may, in October 1939 the flamboyant playboy Lord Castlerosse opened O´Mahony´s Point Course on his own lands on the Western Demesne. Castlerosse, a famous gossip columnist, was wont to play the course with an attendant butler bearing a jug of whiskey and a soda dispenser. Once, when buried in a bunker, he was heard by the gallery to exclaim: ´Oh good God, come down and help me with this shot! And don´t send Jesus - this is no job for a boy´.
A second course, Killeen, was opened in 1971 and was redesigned and upgraded by David Jones in time for the staging of the 1991 Carroll´s Irish Open. Jones included a fiendish pond on the 18th - but paid for his ingenuity when, during the tournament, he became the first pro to splash into it. Castlerosse would have approved! This year sees the opening of its 3rd course at Lackabane.
Coolwood - really cool
Local man Sean Buckley was inspired by his love of nature to create Cool Wood Wildlife Sanctuary & Children´s Zoo. The woodland site of over 50 acres on the outskirts of Killarney town has proved a real hit with families, especially kids. The six-acre zoo has a wide variety of fascinating animals and birds, such as marmoset monkeys, wallabies, llama, barn owls, and black swans. There are also a playground and 3 kilometres of scenic walks. Not just for nature lovers!
Visitor Attractions
- Cool Wood - Children´s Zoo & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Muckross House & Gardens
- Muckross Traditional Farms
- National Museum Of Irish Transport
- Killarney Manor Banquet
- Killarney Model Railway
- Kate Kearney´s Cottage - Gap of Dunloe
- Killarney Walks - Walking Tours
- The Gap of Dunloe Tour
- Lily of Killarney - All weather cruises
- M.V. Pride of the Lakes
- Killarney Golf Club
- Dunloe Golf Course & Driving Range
- Ross Golf Course
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