☘️SOUTH WEST OF IRELAND -8 DAY ESCORTED GOLF TOUR

About Killarney

Killarney, located in County Kerry, is a highly sought-after destination due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Some of the attractions that you will visit while in Killarney will include Killarney National Park:

Killarney National Park

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, and exploring its ancient woodlands, lakes (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, Upper Lake), and wildlife. The park was established in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State by the Bourn and Vincent families. The land around the lakes has a long history of human occupation, dating back to the Bronze Age with evidence of copper mining on Ross Island. It was also home to monastic settlements, such as the 7th-century Inisfallen Abbey, and served as strongholds for Gaelic chieftains.

Muckross House & Gardens

Built between 1839 and 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Muckross House & Gardens is a magnificent 19th-century Victorian mansion and its surrounding estate, nestled within the stunning Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland. It’s a testament to the elegant lifestyle of the landed gentry of the past. Here you will also find Muckross Abbey: A beautifully preserved 15th-century Franciscan friary ruin, Muckross Abbey is a peaceful and atmospheric site to explore, with its distinctive central courtyard and ancient yew tree. The surrounding gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rock Garden, and Stream Garden, are beautifully landscaped and free to explore.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a magnificent and historic tower house situated on the shores of Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s three lakes, within the breathtaking Killarney National Park in County Kerry. The Castle was originally built in the late 15th century by the O’Donoghue Mór (O’Donoghue the Great) chieftains, who were a powerful ruling family in the region. It served as their ancestral home and a symbol of Gaelic power.

The castle has undergone significant restoration including the great hall, dining room, and bedrooms and is now furnished with 16th and 17th-century period furniture, offering visitors a glimpse into its past. The spiral stone staircase, built with varying heights to break the stride of attackers, is a notable feature. The construction is of a typical tower house with strong defensive features:

Thick Stone Walls and Narrow Windows: Designed for defense, the lower levels have narrow slits for shooting arrows or guns, while upper levels have larger windows for light. Bartizans and Machicolations: These are defensive turrets and openings that allowed defenders to drop stones or boiling liquids on attackers.

Fortified Bawn: The tower was originally surrounded by a square bawn (enclosed courtyard) with corner towers for added protection. It’s an iconic landmark, steeped in history and folklore.

The Ring of Kerry

Killarney is a popular starting and finishing point for exploring this world-famous scenic driving route.

The Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula or Corca Dhuibhne in Irish is a breathtakingly beautiful finger of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean from County Kerry on Ireland’s southwest coast. Often described as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic, it’s renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, rich ancient history, vibrant Irish-speaking culture, and charming towns. The peninsula is characterized by a wild and rugged coastline, with steep cliffs, wide sandy beaches, and numerous headlands and coves.

A range of mountains forms its spine, running from the Slieve Mish in the east to the Brandon range in the northwest, including Mount Brandon, the peninsula’s highest peak (952m). Its location at the edge of Europe means it’s heavily shaped by the Atlantic elements, leading to a mild but unpredictable climate. Expect all four seasons in one day, so layering is key! Fuchsia and even palm trees thrive here due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream.

The diverse geological formations, spanning 485 million years, contribute to the unique landscape of contrasting rugged rock, verdant fields divided by ancient stone walls, and sheltered coves. Inhabited for nearly 6,000 years there is evidence of early human activity, from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, is abundant with numerous archaeological sites like standing stones, forts, and beehive huts.

Jaunting Car Rides

A Jaunting Car Ride is a traditional, horse-drawn carriage tour, offering a unique way to experience Killarney National Park and hear local folklore. It’s an iconic and charming way to experience the local sights and scenery.

The Carriage of a jaunting car is typically a two-wheeled vehicle pulled by a single horse. Its distinctive feature is the seating arrangement: passengers sit back-to-back, facing outwards, with their legs dangling over the side. This unique design allows for unobstructed views of the surroundings. Some larger versions might have benches facing forward. The “Jarvey” is the driver of the jaunting car. These individuals are as much a part of the experience as the ride itself. They are usually local, often multi-generational, and are renowned for their wit, storytelling, historical anecdotes, and knowledge of the area. They’ll share local folklore, facts, and often a good laugh.

The gentle, unhurried pace of a jaunting car offers a refreshing contrast to today’s rushed high-speed travel and it connects you to how people moved around centuries ago. It’s a genuine piece of Irish heritage, often operated by families who have been Jarveys for generations, adding a layer of local character that modern transport simply can’t replicate. The combination of the unique seating, the clip-clop of hooves, the fresh air, and the Jarvey’s engaging stories all contribute to a truly distinctive and nostalgic experience.

Free day to enjoy a range of leisure activities in Killarney, Co. Kerry.