There’s a lovely bit of magic in travelling from Kenmare towards Killarney National Park. One minute you’re enjoying the colourful streets, stone walls and lively craic (good conversation and even better company) of Kenmare; the next, the road is climbing through the mountains, with mist gathering over the lakes and sheep keeping a mildly suspicious eye on proceedings.
At only about a 20-minute scenic drive from Kenmare, Killarney National Park is wonderfully easy to explore from town. It makes O’Donnabhain’s an ideal base for discovering not only the park, but also the Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas, the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle lakeside stroll, a heritage-filled day out or a proper mountain adventure, here are some of the best ways to see Killarney National Park from Kenmare.
The scenic drive from Kenmare: Moll’s Gap and Ladies View
The most memorable way to approach the park is along the N71 via Moll’s Gap. This mountain road links Kenmare and Killarney and is part of the wider Ring of Kerry route.
The scenery changes quickly as you leave Kenmare behind. The road rises into open mountain country, with views across rugged valleys and distant peaks. It’s a drive best taken slowly : partly because the views are spectacular, and partly because Kerry roads have never been accused of rushing anywhere.
One of the essential stops is Ladies View, a famous viewpoint overlooking the Lakes of Killarney. The three principal lakes are:
- Lough Leane, the largest and closest to Killarney town
- Muckross Lake, also known as the Middle Lake
- The Upper Lake, set further south in a dramatic mountain valley
Ladies View is an easy stop on the road between Kenmare and Killarney, and the panorama is particularly beautiful when the mountains are reflected in calm water. Stop for a Coffee or even an Irish Coffee and enjoy it on the roof top terrace, when you can enjoy spectacular view of the Lakes and Killarney national Park
Torc Waterfall: an easy walk with a spectacular reward
For many visitors, Torc Waterfall is their first introduction to Killarney National Park. The waterfall is around 18 metres high and tumbles through native woodland on the slopes of Torc Mountain.
The short walk from the main car park is straightforward, with steps leading through the trees to the viewing point. If there has been plenty of Kerry rain : which is not exactly a rare event : the waterfall is at its most impressive.
For walkers who’d like to make more of a day of it, the Torc Waterfall loop connects woodland paths, lakeside views and the wider Muckross area. The route from Muckross House towards Torc Waterfall offers a mixture of paved paths, forest trails and gentle climbs. Allow several hours if you want to take your time, stop for photographs and enjoy the scenery.
The National Parks walking and hiking guide lists a variety of official trails, from easy lakeside walks to more challenging routes.
Muckross House and Gardens: Victorian elegance in the park
A short distance beyond Torc is Muckross House and Gardens, one of Ireland’s best-known historic houses.
Built in the mid-19th century, the house is a grand Victorian mansion with period furnishings and beautifully preserved rooms. It became particularly important in 1861, when Queen Victoria visited with her family. The Herbert family spent years preparing the estate and gardens for the royal visit : proof, perhaps, that worrying about whether the flowers look presentable is not a modern invention.
The gardens are a highlight in their own right. There are formal displays, an arboretum, a large glasshouse and colourful plantings of rhododendrons and azaleas, especially lovely in late spring and early summer.
Muckross is also a useful starting point for several walks:
- The Muckross Lake Loop
- The Muckross Peninsula walk
- The route towards Dinis Cottage and the Old Weir Bridge
- The lakeside path towards Torc Waterfall
The Muckross Peninsula walk is a particularly peaceful option, with woodland, open views and glimpses across Muckross Lake. It’s a fine choice for couples, families and anyone who prefers a walk with plenty of places to pause.
Muckross Abbey: ancient stone and a remarkable yew tree
Not far from Muckross House stands Muckross Abbey, a haunting and beautifully preserved Franciscan friary.
The present abbey was founded in the 15th century by Daniel McCarthy Mor for the Observantine Franciscans. Its original stonework, vaulted cloister and square tower remain remarkably atmospheric, while an ancient yew tree grows in the centre of the cloister.
The site has much older associations too. Local tradition suggests that an earlier monastery may have stood here as far back as the 6th century. The graveyard contains the remains of local chieftains and Gaelic poets, and it continues to be used today.
Muckross Abbey is only a short walk from the road, making it easy to visit alongside the house, gardens and lake walks. Take a little time to step inside the cloister. The stone arches, moss and silence tell their own story.
Ross Castle and Lough Leane
On the eastern shore of Lough Leane, Ross Castle rises beside the water like something from an old Irish tale.
Built in the 15th century by the chieftain O’Donoghue Mor, this traditional tower house and keep was later restored and furnished with examples of 16th- and 17th-century interiors. The castle is open seasonally, with guided tours available at certain times.
Ross Castle is also the gateway to a lovely section of the park. You can explore the paths around Ross Island, follow the Ross Island Mining Trail or take a boat trip across Lough Leane.
Traditional boat trips connect Ross Castle with parts of the Lakes of Killarney, including Innisfallen Island and the Dinis Peninsula. Another classic way to see the area is by jaunting car, the traditional horse-drawn carriage. Local jarveys often add stories and history along the way, with the occasional opinion about the weather thrown in for free.
The Old Kenmare Road and the Kerry Way
For experienced walkers, the most rewarding connection between the two towns is the Old Kenmare Road, part of the traditional Kerry Way long-distance walking route.
The full route between the Killarney and Kenmare areas is approximately 16 kilometres and crosses woodland, open uplands, boardwalks, streams and old mountain roads. It’s not a casual afternoon stroll, and there are no cafés conveniently appearing every ten minutes, so bring proper footwear, water, food and suitable clothing.
The route offers a wonderfully wild side of the park, with views towards Torc and Mangerton, abandoned settlement remains, oak woodland and broad views in the direction of Kenmare Bay. It’s also one of the better places to look for red deer.
Killarney National Park is home to Ireland’s only native herd of red deer. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the quieter upland areas and woodland edges can be excellent for wildlife watching, particularly early or late in the day. In autumn, the stags’ rutting calls add an unforgettable soundtrack to the landscape.
Always keep your distance from deer and other wildlife, stay on marked trails where possible and leave no trace behind.
Longer walks: Mangerton and Carrauntoohil
If you’re an adventurous walker, the area around Killarney offers more demanding mountain days.
Mangerton Mountain overlooks the park and offers a challenging climb with views across the lakes, valleys and surrounding Kerry mountains. Conditions can change quickly, so it’s important to check the forecast, carry a map and compass or reliable navigation device, and allow plenty of time.
For highly experienced hillwalkers, Carrauntoohil : Ireland’s highest mountain : is another option in the wider Kerry region. It requires proper preparation and should not be treated as a simple extension of a visit to Muckross or Torc.
If in doubt, ask locally about current trail conditions or consider using a qualified mountain guide.
A day in the Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most popular excursions from Killarney and can easily be included in a day trip from Kenmare.
This dramatic glacial valley runs between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. The road and walking route pass a series of lakes, steep rock faces and mountain scenery that feels wonderfully remote.
Many visitors combine a walk through the Gap with a jaunting car journey or a boat trip across the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle. It’s a memorable full-day outing, especially for first-time visitors to Kerry.
Why stay in Kenmare for Killarney National Park?
Killarney National Park is close enough to visit easily from Kenmare, but staying in Kenmare gives you a quieter, more personal base at the end of the day.
At O’Donnabhain’s, you can start the morning with a hearty Irish breakfast, spend the day exploring waterfalls, lakes and historic houses, and return to the town for a welcoming drink, traditional music and good food.
Our guesthouse accommodation is set away from the noise of the bar, giving you a comfortable place to rest after a day outdoors. When evening arrives, our gastro bar and restaurant is ready with seasonal dishes, locally sourced ingredients and fresh Atlantic seafood : just the thing after a walk through Kerry’s hills.
If you’re researching things to do in Kenmare, planning a stay in Kenmare accommodation or looking for well-placed Ring of Kerry accommodation, the town is an excellent base for seeing both peninsulas and Killarney National Park.
And when the boots come off, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay local too. From a relaxed lunch to a proper evening meal, Kenmare’s independent food scene makes choosing between the town’s Kenmare restaurants a pleasant challenge.
So pack your walking shoes, leave a little room for weather-related improvisation and set off towards the park. We’ll be here in Kenmare when you return, ready to hear which view, walk or deer made the biggest impression.