Where do you start? Kerry is a hive for the outdoor enthusiast, those who love to drive, climb, hill walking, shopping, eating and so much more. So here are our top ten things to do and see in Kerry and all are accessible while staying with us at Killarney’s Holiday Village.
- Killarney National Park
situated close to Killarney Town and across from our village houses, the National Park and is Ireland’s Oldest National Park, created when Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. Set on a unique landscape encompassing all of the 26,000 acres of park, but also encompassing the infamous McGillycuddy Reeks (known as the Reek District) Mountain Range which includes Ireland’s highest Mountain, Carrauntoohill standing at over 1,000 meters, as well as Mangerton, the Black Valley, and so much more. Wildlife is left untouched within the park – cared for by a team that love the park as much as the people of Killarney do. - Torc Waterfall
Set on a backdrop of luscious green foliage and open to the public. Torc Waterfall towers over the park and is accessible by foot, car, bike and public transport. Visiting Torc shows the awesome power of nature at its finest. Above the waterfall is a steep climb to one of Killarney’s most breathtaking views of the town. Not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the effort. - Carrauntoohil
Corrán Tuathail (in Irish) Ireland’s highest mountain provides a great challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. Set at 1,038.6 metres and includes the only three peaks above 1,000 meters on the island, Corrán Tuathail stands at 1039 metres, Binn Chaorach at 1010meters and Caher standing at 1001 metres. A challenge that should only be undertaken by experienced climbers. For those looking for a guide on the way, check out our friends at Kerry Climbing. - Molls Gap
Situated between Killarney and Kenmare – Molls Gap is a beautiful location that is well worth visiting. 6.3km’s in length, and encompassing spectacular views including Ladies View, The Black Valley, Kate Kearney’s Cottage and the Gap itself – it will well worth taking the time to visit. - Ring of Kerry
The ultimate day trip – the Ring of Kerry is a 179km drive that can be started from our front door. The drive takes in wonderful places like Waterville – the home of Charlie Chaplin, Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Sneem, Parkinsilla, Kenmare, Killorglin – the home of Puck Fair, and of course our very own Killarney. It’s a trip that is worth taking in when staying in Killarney’s Holiday Village. - Skellig Michael
Situated off the Dingle Coast – and featured in the Star Wars movies, Skellig Michael is only accessible by boat and is approx. 8km’s from Portmcgee. Dating back to 600AD, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig became the base for many Catholics whose beliefs and rights were being suppressed with Sceilg Mhichil being the largest of both settlements. - Puck Fair – Killorglin
A 400+-year-old festival, it celebrates King Puck (goat), hoisting him 40 feet in the air so he can cast an eye over the ongoings. Locals take on the challenge every year to capture and bring back King Puck, known as the Goat Catcher. A local girl is then nominated to preside over the on-goings, known as Puck’s Queen. She is a local young lady who wears the traditional dress and oversees competitions, as well as the other events throughout the three-day festival.The King is then given his crown for the three days and on day three, the King is released back into the wild (minus his crown). During the festival, Killorglin invites stallholders to sell their stock on the streets of the town. - Star Gazing
Killarney, on a clear night, is wonderous. Imagine sleeping under a ceiling covered with lights – that’s what a night in Killarney will provide. Away from the hustle and bustle of the town, with nothing but nature to surround you – the sky is awash with a galaxy of stars. A great sight to see, and one that draws groups to the town. - Dunquin Harbour
If you are familiar with the region, then you will have seen breathtaking photos of Dunquin Pier. The history behind the pier and harbor – it’s one of the narrowest roads in Ireland and known for being the last stop for sheep before landing on the Great Blasket Islands. The pier isn’t for the faint-hearted, it’s a steep climb back to the top, with many having tried driving down and being pulled back up by tractor as it was never designed for vehicles. - Ross Castle & Muckross House
Ross Castle
Situated just outside Killarney town, Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house and is on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake – Lough Leane. The castle itself is open during the summer season, but the lake and the grounds are open all year round.
Muckross House
This 19th Century House is the focal point of Killarney’s National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of the parks three lakes, famed worldwide and well photographed. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape with marked walkways that lead to Torc Waterfall and beyond. The park can also be explored by horse-drawn carriages, by bicycle or on foot. During the 1850’s/1860’s the gardens surrounding Muckross house were extensively upgraded to facilitate Queen Elizabeths arrival.
