National Parks Atlas
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01 · Ireland · County Kerry

Killarney National Park

Ireland's first national park: lakes, oak and yew woods and the country's last native red deer – right on the edge of Killarney town.

Photo: dconvertini ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Killarney at a glance · PDF, 2 pages

Killarney National Park: landscape and origins

Muckross House is the heart of the park: a Victorian mansion with gardens that cost nothing and farms from another era.

The mid-19th-century mansion shows furnishings and artefacts of its time. The Herbert family laid out the gardens in preparation for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861; the Sunken Garden, Rock Garden and Stream Garden were added later.

The Muckross Traditional Farms show rural life in the 1930s and 1940s, with a small, a medium and a large farm, a forge, a carpenter's workshop and a schoolhouse. They open only at weekends in spring, daily from May to September, and are closed from November to February.

You buy tickets on arrival; no pre-booking is needed. Children up to two years are free, and children aged 3 to 5 pay nothing for the house.

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms: opening times and admission 2026 ↗

The park in numbers

Location
about 6 km (3.7 mi) from Killarney, on the N71
House, adults
€9
Farms, adults
€11
House and farms
€18
Gardens
free
Parking
free
July and August
9:15–19:00

Visiting Killarney National Park: lakes, woods and Muckross

Field book 03 · TicketsThe NPWS says it clearly: the national park and gardens cost nothing.Field book 01 · WhenThe houses keep fixed hours, the landscape does not.Field book 02 · Getting thereThe town is the gateway, the N71 the main route.

02 · Places

Map: Muckross, Ross Castle, Torc and the Gap of Dunloe

Heritage sites, waterfalls and landings, every point referenced in OpenStreetMap.

Photo: Colin Park ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

Map

14 places on the map

Heritage sites, waterfalls and landings, every point referenced in OpenStreetMap.

Open map3D terrain · details and photos for every place
  • Viewpoints1
  • Mountains & rock2
  • Water2
  • Arrival3
  • History2
  • Nature3
  • Surroundings1

03 · Out and about

Hikes & routes: trails, boats, bikes and jaunting cars

On foot, by bike, by boat or by carriage.

Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

“A national park that starts at the edge of town – and charges no entry.”

Ladies View · looking across the Lakes of Killarney

Hikes & routes: trails, boats, bikes and jaunting cars

Offer photo: Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killarney boat tour

Deros Coach Tours and Charter Coaches · Gap and lakes · 5 hours

Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killarney boat tour

The classic in half a day: by coach to Kate Kearney's Cottage, 10 km (6.2 mi) on foot through the Gap of Dunloe, then by boat across the Upper Lake, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane, under the Old Weir Bridge to Ross Castle and back to town by coach.

4.7 out of 5 stars194 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €60as of 4 Oct

  • 5 hours
  • 10 km (6.2 mi) walk
  • Boat across three lakes
  • Coach both ways

Departure Deros Tours, 22 Main Street, Killarney; also pickup at Ross Castle at 10:00.

According to the list of inclusions, the tour covers transport to Kate Kearney's Cottage, the boat trip across the lakes and the return from Ross Castle; the jaunting car ride through the gap, lunch and tips are not included. If you would rather ride than walk, say so when booking and pay in cash on the day. The next toilets are at Lord Brandon's Cottage at the end of the walk. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

More checked toursAd · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

  • Lakes of Killarney: boat cruise from Ross Castle ↗Killarney Jaunting Cars – Tangney Tours · 1 hour · GetYourGuideShorter and without a walk: in a heated, glass-covered boat across Lough Leane, past Innisfallen, with four departures a day.

    4.6 out of 5 stars1,192 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €17as of 4 Oct

  • Killarney: jaunting car through the park to Ross Castle ↗Killarney Jaunting Cars – Tangney Tours · 1 hour · GetYourGuideAn hour in a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through car-free parts of the park to Ross Castle, with commentary from the jarvey.

    4.8 out of 5 stars553 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €45as of 4 Oct

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 4 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

Nature in Killarney: red deer, yew wood and sea eagles

Field book 04 · Where to stayCamping is not allowed in the national park.Field book 05 · RulesFew prohibitions, but clear ones.

04 · Before you go

Places nearby

Photo: dconvertini ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Field book 07 · Sources7 sources, checked 4 Oct 2026

Field book · Killarney National Park

checked 4 Oct 2026

Killarney at a glance · PDF, 2 pages ↓

00My visit

Nothing saved yet. Every place card has a pin, and so does every place on the Map. What you save collects here, with days, notes and a preview you can share.

01Opening hours and best time to visit: open on foot around the clock

The houses keep fixed hours, the landscape does not.

24 hours on foot

Pedestrians can enter the park around the clock all year, except for the gardens of Killarney House and Muckross House, which open daily with varying hours.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Muckross House 2026

January to March 9:15 to 17:30, April to June and September and October until 18:00, July and August until 19:00 with last admission at 17:40.

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms: opening times and admission 2026 ↗

Show on the map

Ross Castle: March to November

From 5 March to 3 November 2026 daily 9:30 to 17:00; the first tour is at 10:00.

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland): Ross Castle – opening and admission 2026 ↗

Show on the map

Gardens in May and June

Muckross Gardens are most colourful in May and June, when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in flower.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – walking trails, jaunting cars, boats, heritage sites ↗

Climate through the year

Weather and climate in Killarney National Park

Best months by the climate data: June to August. Average daytime highs of 17 to 18 °C, lows of 10 to 11 °C, 94 to 110 mm of precipitation a month. The wettest month is December (143 mm), the driest April (84 mm).

Climate chart in Killarney National ParkAverage daily highs from 8 °C to 18 °C, lows from 3 °C to 11 °C; monthly precipitation from 84 mm to 143 mm.
All monthly values as a table
Monthly averages 2001–2020, NASA POWER model
MonthHigh °CLow °CPrecipitation mm
January7.93.8138
February7.93.3104
March9.33.695
April11.64.984
May14.07.391
June16.69.794
July17.911.3105
August17.711.2110
September16.210.1101
October13.28.1128
November10.05.8142
December8.34.4143
Year1,335

Modelled values, not a weather station: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for a grid cell of about 55 × 45 km around the map point Meeting of the Waters (52.01° N, 9.55° W), with an average cell elevation of about 140 m. Averages for 2001–2020. Higher ground and valleys can differ markedly.

Source: NASA POWER, climatology 2001–2020 ↗ · retrieved 4 Oct 2026

02How to get there: train, car or bus to Killarney, then on foot, by bike or jaunting car

The town is the gateway, the N71 the main route.

By train

Killarney has a railway station on the edge of town; according to the NPWS the park can be reached by train, car and bus. Killarney House is a few minutes' walk away.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Show on the map

The N71

The road from Killarney towards Kenmare runs through the park and past many of its sites. You may not drive through the gardens or up to the heritage sites.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Walking to Muckross

It is about 6 km (3.7 mi) from town to Muckross House, partly on roads and partly on park trails.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Show on the map

No park shuttle

The NPWS does not run a shuttle bus. Private buses run from town to the sites, as do jaunting cars and boats.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Parking

Muckross House has several car parks, including one for camper vans, open 8:00 to 21:00; Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey around the clock. The NPWS asks you to leave the small car park at Torc Waterfall for visitors with limited mobility.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Killarney Executive Tour Co. · Hop-on hop-off · day ticket

Killarney: hop-on hop-off bus to Killarney National Park

To the main sites without a car: the bus runs from Mission Road in town to Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens and the Traditional Farms. Get off, walk, take the next bus on – all day long.

4.6 out of 5 stars333 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €16as of 4 Oct

Departure Mission Road bus stop in Killarney.

According to the list of inclusions, the trip covers the day ticket with live or recorded commentary; admission fees and food and drinks are not included. The bus runs daily from mid-February to mid-December, and the last return arrives in the centre at 17:50. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 4 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

03Tickets & entrance fees: park and gardens free, some houses charge

The NPWS says it clearly: the national park and gardens cost nothing.

Check official fees ↗

Park and gardens: free

“The National Park and gardens are all free to enter, but some of the heritage sites charge admission fees”, says the NPWS. Muckross House also states that there is no charge for the park and Muckross Gardens.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Free parking

Parking within the national park is free, according to the NPWS. The main car parks are at Muckross House, Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Muckross House: €9

In 2026 adults pay €9 for the house, €11 for the Traditional Farms and €18 for both. Children aged 6 to 18 pay €6 for the house; the family ticket with two children costs €26. No pre-booking is needed.

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms: opening times and admission 2026 ↗

Show on the map

Ross Castle: €5

Adults €5, seniors and groups €4, children and students €3, families €13. Access to the interior is by guided tour only, with at most 15 people per group.

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland): Ross Castle – opening and admission 2026 ↗

Show on the map

Killarney House: exhibition free

The interactive exhibition about the park in the visitor centre is free.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Show on the map

04Where to stay: in Killarney, not in the park

Camping is not allowed in the national park.

No camping in the park

Camping, fires and barbecues are not allowed in the national park; according to the NPWS there are campsites a short distance away.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

No overnight stays in car parks

Overnight parking and camping are not permitted in the car parks at Muckross House and Ross Castle.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Killarney as a base

The town borders the park; Killarney House is on the edge of town, Muckross House about 6 km (3.7 mi) further on.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Show on the map

05Rules in Killarney National Park: dogs, drones, canoes, swimming

Few prohibitions, but clear ones.

Dogs on a lead

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times; take dog waste home.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – walking trails, jaunting cars, boats, heritage sites ↗

No drones

Recreational drones are not permitted in the national park; they disturb nesting birds in particular.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Permits

All commercial and organised activities require a permit, for example jaunting cars, pony trekking, canoeing and kayaking, filming and fundraising walks.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Canoeing only with a permit

Canoeing and kayaking are allowed on the lakes, but only with a permit and after power-washing your boat.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – walking trails, jaunting cars, boats, heritage sites ↗

Swimming at your own risk

The gently sloping Goleen shore of Muckross Lake is a traditional bathing place. There are no lifeguards, and inflatables are not allowed.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

06Frequently asked questions: Killarney National Park

Is there an entrance fee for Killarney National Park?

No. According to the NPWS, the national park and gardens are free, and so is parking in the park. Some heritage sites charge admission, such as Muckross House (€9 for adults) and Ross Castle (€5).

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

How much is Muckross House?

In 2026 adults pay €9 for the house, €11 for the Traditional Farms and €18 for both. Children aged 6 to 18 pay €6 for the house. The gardens are free.

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms: opening times and admission 2026 ↗

How do I get to Killarney National Park?

By train, bus or car to Killarney; the park starts on the edge of town at Killarney House. The N71 towards Kenmare runs past Muckross, Torc and the lakes.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Is there a shuttle bus in the park?

The NPWS does not run one. Private buses run from town to the sites, as do jaunting cars and boats.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

When is Killarney National Park open?

On foot around the clock, all year. The gardens of Killarney House and Muckross House open daily with varying hours.

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗

Can I camp in Killarney National Park?

No. Camping, fires and barbecues are not allowed; there are campsites a short distance away.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, but only on a lead.

NPWS: Killarney National Park – walking trails, jaunting cars, boats, heritage sites ↗

07Where the information comes from

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), Muckross House and the Office of Public Works.

  1. National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS): Killarney National Park – area, opening, parking, permits ↗
  2. NPWS: Killarney National Park – contact and FAQ (entry, drones, shuttle, swimming) ↗
  3. NPWS: Killarney National Park – walking trails, jaunting cars, boats, heritage sites ↗
  4. NPWS: Killarney National Park – nature and conservation (red deer, Reenadinna, sea eagles) ↗
  5. Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms: opening times and admission 2026 ↗
  6. Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland): Ross Castle – opening and admission 2026 ↗
  7. NPWS: announcement of a National Parks Bill for Killarney (24 Jul 2026) ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 4 Oct 2026. Not a live status. Dates apply only to the year stated. A successful automatic fetch is not an editorial confirmation; outdated automatic values are hidden and replaced by the source link.

Current information from the park ↗

Image and map credits

Location sources: All points come from OpenStreetMap and are referenced individually by object number. Their position relative to the park was checked against the OpenStreetMap boundary of Killarney National Park (relation 7508533): Killarney House, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, Innisfallen, Old Weir Bridge, Meeting of the Waters, Lord Brandon's Cottage, Torc Mountain and Purple Mountain lie inside; the railway station, Kate Kearney's Cottage and the Gap of Dunloe lie outside. Markers do not imply that access is permitted. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coastlines of the chapter map: Natural Earth.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗