Killarney town is a popular place for tourists to stay and in the summer months it can get up to 10,000 visitors a day. There are plenty of hotels and shops where you can buy traditional Irish hand made products.
Lakes of Killarney
Attractions in Ireland
Sporty types will love Killarney as there is plenty for them to do. Activities available include mountain climbing, swimming, cycling, fishing, horse riding and canoeing.
The nightlife in the town is rich and varied, with plenty of places offering entertainment such as live music and traditional dancing.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle was built in the 1500s by the O’Donoghues.
The castle was attacked by the Roundheads during the Irish Confederate Wars. The castle had seemed impregnable and there was an old prophecy that it would not be taken until a “warship could swim on the lake”.
This gave the castle defenders some comfort but then the Roundheads did in fact bring in a boat and placed it in the lake. It was laden with heavy artillery and started to attack the castle from the water.
Local people were terrified because they saw the prophecy coming true. The castle was eventually taken by the Roundheads.
Muckross House
Muckross House is a stately home near Muckross Lake. It is a fabulous mansion from the Victorian era. You can take a guided tour of the house and gardens. The house is furnished in period style and the gardens include a water garden, rock garden and flower garden.
Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey was founded in 1448 as a friary by the Franciscans. It contains a church, bell tower, gothic arcade and a cloister with an old Yew tree.
Some of County Kerry’s most famous poets including O’Rathaille, O’Suilleabhain and O’Donoghue are buried here.
The Abbey has been attacked, damaged and then reconstructed several times over the years. It was even burned down by Oliver Cromwell’s men in 1653.
Visitors can see that the Abbey no longer has a roof although there are a number of parts that have been very well preserved. Tourists have been particularly impressed with the Courtyard.
Ladies view
Ladies view is one of the most picturesque areas of Killarney National Park.
It got its name in 1861 when Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting visited the lakes and were particularly moved by the view at this site. It is located on the ring of Kerry (N71) above the Upper Lake.
Killarney’s lakes so blue
The unspoilt beauty of the Lakes of Killarney make put them high on the priority list for people taking holidays in Ireland, especially tourists coming in from America. The wonderful views, the slow pace of life and the warm Irish welcome make it a wonderful place to unwind and relax.
Lakes of Killarney
Killarney town and area
More top attractions in Ireland
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