Killarney National Park Visitor Centre

Killarney National Park: A Shopper's Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Experience Natural Beauty: You'll find a large, relaxing park beside a beautiful town. The scenery is stunning, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere perfect for enjoying nature.
• Explore Diverse Landscapes: The park boasts a variety of environments, including shrublands, wetlands, trees, and water features. It even resembles a rainforest in places.
• Enjoy a Waterfall Hike: A short, 10-minute walk takes you to Tork waterfall, a fantastic photo opportunity. Just be aware of potentially slippery steps.
• Immerse Yourself in History and Nature: The park offers an overview of its wildlife, staff, history, and fauna through modern exhibits and multimedia, making it an informative and entertaining experience.
• Discover Local Expertise: The jarvies (horse cart drivers) are a wealth of knowledge and love the park, providing insightful tours.
• Participate in Interactive Activities: The park has interactive activities for both kids and adults, making it a great place for families.
• Consider a Jaunting Cart Tour: A horse cart tour provides fantastic information and can be quite funny. You will tour the park, and your route may include a stop at Ross Castle.
• Enjoy Aquatic Activities: You can swim in the lake, but wear swim shoes due to the stony bottom and be mindful of the depth, which increases rapidly.
• Explore Victorian-Era Settings: Visit the house settings from the Victorian time, with a beautiful large garden at the back.
• Benefit from Free Admission: Admission to certain areas or attractions within the park is free.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Limited Amenities at the Visitor Center: The visitor center is small and doesn't have a gift shop, beverage machines, or water fountains. You’ll need to bring your own water.
• Potential for Muddy Paths: The walking paths can get muddy, particularly after rain.
• Varying Park Experience: While many reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one reviewer from British Columbia (known for national parks) expressed less enthusiasm.
• Swimming Precautions: The lake has a stony bottom, and the water depth increases quickly; swim shoes are recommended, and caution is advised.