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Visiting Killarney National Park by Car

Ireland remains to this day one of my favorite places on earth. Its glorious nature and green meadows go on for miles. I want to go again. One day. Especially to see the Cliffs of Mohor aka Princess Brides Cliffs of Insanity.

Killarney, County Kerry is a very special place indeed. It’s full of history, heritage, activities, and world-class hospitality. The Town in the Park is a true gem of the County Kerry and the whole of Ireland. Its stunning National Park with 26,000 acres of beauty belongs to the top 10 travel destinations on our planet.

Where is Killarney?

Killarney is on the shores of Lough Leane in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. It’s a stop on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, and the start and finishing point of the 200-km Kerry Way walking trail. The town’s 19th-century buildings include St. Mary’s Cathedral. Across the bridge from the cathedral is Killarney National Park.

Visiting killarney national park by car

How long do you need at Killarney National Park?

Two days is probably just enough time to explore Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.

Do you have to pay to get into Killarney National Park?

Is there a Killarney National Park entrance fee? No – there’s no fee for entering the park, however, some attractions may charge admission.

Is Killarney National Park worth visiting?

The Ring of Kerry is one of my favorite parts of Ireland and Killarney is worth a visit as it remains one of the top tourist destinations for both Irish and foreign visitors.

Visiting Killarney National Park by car  - castle

What can I do at Killarney National Park?

This beautiful place can be explored in many ways and at many costs. You can hike or drive through the park with a map at your own pace or take a guided walk. Also, you can bring/rent a bike to explore the Park’s most secluded places and enjoy its primordial beauty.

By the way, in a bike-on-a-boat tour, you can board a boat with your bike to cruise through the lakes and then cycle to the Gap of Dunloe, Lord Brandon’s Cottage, Ross Castle, and come back by bike.

You can do a 1-hour boat tour of Killarney. Check prices here.

The Ring of Kerry is a 110-mile-long scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula that thrills you with wonder every time you make a turn. Mountain and ocean views are amazing.

Here are some tips on how to make this trip even more exciting:

  • drive clockwise starting from Kenmare; this way you will avoid dragging behind coach tours as you will be driving in the opposite direction.
  • If you have extra time and want more adventures, stray off the road and explore smaller roads crisscrossing the peninsula.

If the weather is favorable and you feel fit, try climbing on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Sing Irish ballads in Killarney pub, take a boat to Skellig Michael, dive and climb rocks in Caherdaniel, cycle/hike the Kerry Way, or, if you don’t feel like sweating too much today, take a rest at a lakeside hotel with relaxing SPA procedures.

Alternatively, you can do a Ring of Kerry tour here.

What is Killarney famous?

Killarney is most famous for its religious settlements which are a prominent feature of Killarney’s history and more importantly the early history of Ireland.

One of the most notable historic settlements which lay in ruins today as an infamous tourist attraction is a monastery on Innisfallen Island; founded by St. Finian the Leper in 640.

If you want to experience Killarney National Park and its surround take a tour of the whole Wild Atlantic Way.

Visiting killarney national park by car  - castle Ireland

What else should I do besides Killarney National Park?

If you’ve ever seen the Princess Bride you’ll recognize one of the most popular scenes takes place when the princess is being carried up the side of a massive cliff front on the back of Andre the Giant, along with Inigo Montoya and Vizzini.

It’s where we hear the famous Cliffs of Insanity quote by Vizzini, “inconceivable.” And at the top where Inigo Montoya confronts the Dread Pirate Roberts. What is the quote from Princess Bride? “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

The Cliffs of Insanity location is in County Clare. Known as the Cliffs of Moher they rise to 214 meters (702 ft) above the Wild Atlantic Ocean and are over 300 million years in the making.

I have seen so many amazing natural wonders during my travels from the Grand  Canyon in the USA to the Dead Sea in Israel, Cappadocia in Turkey, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Cliffs of Moher is one of these and happens to be the 2nd most popular tourist attraction in Ireland.

Visiting Killarney National Park by car - cliffs of mohor

What should I eat while at Killarney National Park?

During my month in Ireland, I ate my way through the entire emerald isle. Most of the dishes I ate were downright drool-worthy, but one. Shudder. Read my 5 Unforgettable Foods To Try In Ireland (& One Irish Dish To Skip) so you can complete your own unforgettable food journey in Ireland.

 

Where can I stay at Killarney National Park?

Opt for the hotel that backs onto the Park for the most breathtaking views right from your window.

Check cheapest accomodation prices here.

 

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