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Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is a beautifully diverse expanse of woodlands and pasture. It is the first national park of Ireland and is home to over 25,000 acres of mountains, lakes, woodland trails and even castles! There is an unusual species of Red Deer that roam the park, and it is the best place in Ireland to explore the unusual biological features of an old-growth forest.

The area has been inhabited by people since the Bronze Age. A guided tour of Ross Castle will include information about the evidence of copper mining done at the time. The ruins of Inisfallen Abbey and Muckross Abbey might be of interest to historical buffs. It has been suggested that 'Lough Leane' was first denoted by those of Inifallen, as it means 'Lake of Learning.'

There are bike rentals in the town of Killarney, which can make covering the parks differing ecological areas easier. However, a slow stroll from town with a packed lunch can be the best way to take in the small details and stunning landscapes. Be careful when it rains - huge stretches of trail will be absolutely flooded. Around popular destinations such as Ross Castle there will be at least one remaining path to and from the location by plywood walks.