Local Attractions »
Walking
The Park Place is ideally located within the heart of Killarney Town, but has the dual advantage of being situated right on the doorstep of the ' Killarney National Park'. The National Park is a haven for any walking enthuasists, whether one is interested in a short walk around the immediate vicinity of the hotel or to venture deeper into the woodland & mountain are, the Killarney National Park has something to offer everyone. The following are some local walks that we are pleased to recommend.
Arthur Young Nature Trail
Distance: 7.5 kms long (2.5 hours walking, also shorter version 1.5 hours, 4.5 kms). Begins and ends near Muckross House. One of the most extensive natural Yew Woods in Europe (great varied carpet of mosses and liverworts underneath), oak, fern, lichens, arbutus, sika deer, holly, old copper mines. Along Muckross Peninsula between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake. Fine views of surrounding lakes and mountains.
Killarney House Gardens
A quiet place in the centre of town. Mature 5-acre garden, cherry drive. Staying within the car-free National Park you can walk to Knockreer Gardens and Ross Island.
Knockreer Gardens
Entrance at corner opposite the Cathedral. Route signposted. Up gradual hill on right. Five minutes to gardens. Especially attractive from mid-Spring with flowering camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, cherries. Retrace route to garden entrance at top of hill. Go left and continue along the road. Shortly, great panorama of lake and mountain. After crossing the cattle grid (in fence) take footpath immediately right to great panoramas. At junction, at bottom of hill, road straight ahead to Killarney Golf Course or go left and follow circular route that leads back to the Cathedral entrance. Alternatively take first right dirt track. After crossing the Deenagh River turn left to walk along the southern shore of the Deenagh back to the Cathedral or go straight ahead through extensive swamp woodland to Ross Castle. Detour along track to Teahouse Point and Reen Point.
Carrantuohill
Takes about six hours. Follow the same route (as outlined in Hag's Glen walk) to the end of the Hag's Glen. Climb the rock-strewn Devil's Ladder straight ahead. Be very careful not to upset the loose rock and hit somebody behind you - or that somebody in front doesn't hit you. At the top of the ladder (Christ's Saddle) turn right and follow the cairns or bundles of stones to the cross on top of Ireland's highest mountain (1,039m). Danger - extremely easy to lose direction at top. If you lose your way do not move until the bad weather has cleared.