Kerry — A-1 Attractions
Photos (from top to bottom): Muckross House with Jaunting Cars, Lakes of Killarney, Killarney National Park, Ross Castle
Killarney
The centerpiece of County Kerry is Killarney, a small easily walkable town surrounded by Killarney National Park, Muckross Rd. (tel. 064-663-1440), a 25-square-mile expanse of unspoiled and unpolluted scenery — three beautiful lakes, mountains, woodlands, waterfalls, flora, and fauna.
The park offers tranquility, fresh sweet air, sylvan vistas, the sounds of over 100 species of bird, and an array of outdoor activities, from horse-drawn jaunting car rides and sign-posted walking and hiking trails, to boating, bicycling, fishing, and more. Admission to the park is free on foot or via bike or jaunting car, no cars are allowed beyond the parking lots. Open daily; a visitor centre is open mid-March to September. Web site: http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp
Killarney's man-made attractions include:
Muckross House & Gardens, Muckross Rd. (tel. 064-663-1440), a splendid 20-room Victorian mansion, built in 1843, with luxuriant gardens known for a profusion of azalea and rhododendron. House is accessible by guided tours. Open year-round. Web site: www.muckross-house.ie
Muckross Traditional Farms, Muckross Rd. (tel. 064-663-1440), adjacent to Muckross House, this is a walk-around working 1930-style farm run by horse-drawn equipment and pre-electrification methods. Meet and chat with farming families as they go about their daily chores in the houses, on the land, and with the animals. Open Mid-March to October. Web site: www.muckross-house.ie
Muckross Abbey, Muckross Rd. (tel. 064-663-1440), also known as the Muckross Friary, is a well-preserved ruin founded in the 1440's by the Franciscans. Closed early-Sept. to mid-June. Web site: www.heritageireland.ie
Ross Castle, Ross Rd. (tel. 064-663-5851), built in the 15th century by the O'Donoghue-Ross chieftains, it overlooks the Lower Lake. The interior contains 16th and 17th century furniture. Closed mid-Nov. to mid-March. Web site: www.heritageireland.ie
County Kerry's other great attractions include:
The
Ring of Kerry
Tralee
Dingle Peninsula
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