Welcome to the Killarney National Park Website
South and west of the town of Killarney in Co. Kerry is an expanse of rugged mountainous country. This includes the McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland which rise to a height of over 1000 metres. At the foot of these mountains nestle the world famous lakes of Killarney. Here where the mountains sweep down to the lake shores, their lower slopes covered in woodlands, lies the 10,236 hectare (26,000 acres), Killarney National Park . The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area a special scenic beauty.
The nucleus of the National Park is the 4,300 hectare Bourn Vincent Memorial Park which was presented to the Irish State in 1932 by Senator Arthur Vincent and his parent-in-law, Mr and Mrs William Bowers Bourn in memory of Senator Vincent's late wife Maud.
The focal point of the National Park for visitors is Muckross House and Gardens. The house which is presented as a late 19 th century mansion featuring all the necessary furnishings and artefacts of the period is a major visitor attraction is jointly managed by the Park Authorities and the Trustees of Muckross House.
The former Kenmare Desmene close to Killarney Town is also part of the National Park and features Killarney House and Gardens and Knockreer House which is the education centre of the park.
Killarney National Park contains many features of national and international importance such as the native oakwoods and yew woods together with an abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs and a profusion of bryophytes and lichens which thrive in the mild Killarney climate. The native red deer are unique in Ireland with a presence in the country since the last Ice Age.
Killarney National Park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), part of a world network of natural areas which have conservation, research, education and training as major objectives.
KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ENJOY YOUR VISIT
The National Parks and Wildlife Service notes with regret the ongoing protest by jarveys at the front entrance gates to Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry. The National Parks and Wildlife Service wishes to advise its patrons and visitors that such protest action is neither recognised nor has any connection with any industrial relations code. Contrary to some misleading notices in the vicinity of Muckross House, the National Parks and Wildlife Service assures its patrons and visitors that all facilities – Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Muckross Gardens and Arboretum and Muckross House Walled Garden Centre – remain open to the public and you will be accorded a warm welcome by all the staff there. The National Parks and Wildlife Service regrets any inconvenience caused by this protest and wishes to thank all its patrons, visitors and the public for your continued patience and support in its efforts to make Killarney National Park a clean and safe environment for all.
CLICK TO VIEW FULL TEXT OF NPWS STATEMENT ON THE ONGOING PROTEST BY JARVEYS