Come Back to Killarney

Senior Times

German native Karin Löhr takes a fresh look at our most celebrated tourist attraction.

Killarney, of course, is centred around its three lakes which have understandably been the inspiration of poets and painters for many centuries. The lakes of Killarney occupy a broad valley stretching south between the mountains. The three lakes and the mountains that surround them all are within the Killarney National Park. The park (10,000 ha / 25,000 acres) is international renowned for its scenic beauty and scientific interest. It protects the most extensive area of natural oak woodland remaining in Ireland as well as characteristic plants.

On the mountain slopes roam the only herd of native red deer which have been here since the end of the last Ice Age. The lakes are studded with islands and having on its eastern shore the historic Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle.

Killarney

An interesting visit may be made to Innisfallen - an island of 8.5 hectares (21 acres). Evergreens flourish all over the island, and the holly is particularly luxuriant. Boats and boatmen can be hired at Ross Castle to get to the island and abbey.

The wooded peninsula of Muckross separates the Lower (Lough Lane) from the Middle Lake sometimes called Muckross Lake. At the tip of the Muckross Peninsula is the quaint Brickeen Bridge and Dinis Island further on with its sub-tropical vegetation and views of the "Meeting of the Waters". At this point, where the waters from the two Lakes reach the Upper Lake can be seen a wealth of luxuriant plants and shrubs.

Added to the beauty of the three main lakes are many other lakes in the folds of the mountains, and the numerous picturesque cascades such as the 18 metres (69 ft.) high Torc Waterfall. Surrounded by trees, is this one of the finest waterfalls in Ireland. A footpath winds its way up beside the fall and affords magnificent views of the Lake area.

Sites of interest in the town reflect it’s strong religious and educational history. Killarney (Cill Airne - The Church of Sloes) was a Church foundation from the 5th or 6th Century, house settlement began here from around 1500. Visit the St. Mary’s Cathedral, which is considered as the finest example of revised Gothic Revival in Ireland and admire the statue of the "Speir Bhean", i.e. Beautiful Woman facing the Franciscan Friary. Make a guided tour through the Kerry Wooden Mills and its historical building date from the 17th century.

Only 4 km from Killarney can you find the ruins at Aghadoe Hill date from the seventh century. Aghadoe is a pagan site where you can get perhaps the most comprehensive view of the Killarney district, with a wonderful panorama of the lakes and mountains.

The nature reserve "The blue pool" is perhaps Killarney’s little secret. The enclave - mostly known to locals - with its waters coloured naturally by local limestone & other rocks is the halcyon home of local wildlife. Sit quietly for a few moments and see kingfishers catching trout in the local pool and squirrels darting in the trees.

Join the Killarney lake tour and sail down the lake in the comfort and safety of a covered heated and modern vessel see. Enjoy the breath-taking scenes of gentle lowland and scattered islands in the shadow of the towering ruggedness of the McGullycuddy Reeks mountain range. A full commentary is given while you sit back and take in the magnificent scenery.

For further information: www.killarney.ie.

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