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Killarney, Ireland

Next to Dublin, Killarney is Ireland's premiere tourist destination. The town is small, walkable, and quaint without being overbearing. There are just enough cafes, restuarants, and pubs to manage the gap-year backpackers and summer tourists. A stroll out of town leads directly through a cow pasture and into the Killarney National Park. If you're looking for the quintessential green Ireland, make Killarney your first stop and continue on with the Ring of Kerry tourist trail.

ATTRACTIONS

Apart from the simple 18th century Killarney House, there are few old buildings of interest. Yet just outside of Killarney, within the bounds of the national park, is a romantic Victorian mansion of the late 19th century called Muckross House. One can take a guided tour through the 65 rooms and surrounding grounds. The interior of Muckross House exemplifies the stark contrast between servant and aristrocratic life during the 1800s. The world-renowned gardens and traditional farms demonstrate the rural methods of the 1930s.

An older, more rustic experience would be a visit to Ross Castle, also a part of the Killarney National Park. This 15th century stronghold of Irish chieftains reflects the typical architectural style of the Middle Ages, with a series of fascinating traps and defensive measures. The tour, inexpensive and entertaining, will fill you in on each trick and trap. In the very last room at the top of the tower there are great views of Lough Leane, so have your camera ready.

Festivals

Killarney Summerfest arrives at the end of June and hosts a series of concerts with big-name Irish bands.