Staying at Park Place Apartments places you in an ideal location for walking and hiking in Killarney. Situated in the heart of the town and just moments from the world-famous Killarney National Park, our apartments offer the perfect balance of town convenience and immediate access to some of Ireland’s most scenic walking routes.
From gentle parkland strolls to challenging mountain hikes, Killarney offers walking experiences to suit all abilities and interests.
Killarney National Park is a haven for walkers, with well-maintained paths, historic landscapes and breathtaking natural scenery. Guests can choose from relaxed walks close to town or venture deeper into woodland, lake and mountain landscapes. Below are some local walks we are pleased to recommend:
The Arthur Young Nature Trail is a scenic circular walk of approximately 7.5 kilometres, taking around two and a half hours to complete. A shorter option of approximately 4.5 kilometres is also available and takes about one and a half hours.
The trail begins and ends near Muckross House and winds through one of the most extensive natural yew woodlands in Europe. Walkers will encounter mosses, ferns, lichens, oak and arbutus trees, along with wildlife such as sika deer.
The route follows the Muckross Peninsula between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and mountains throughout the walk.
Located in the centre of town, Killarney House Gardens offer a peaceful walking experience within the car-free National Park. These mature gardens cover approximately five acres and feature elegant tree-lined avenues and open green spaces.
From here, walkers can continue on foot to nearby Knockreer Gardens and Ross Island without leaving the National Park, making this an ideal option for a relaxed stroll close to Park Place Apartments.
The entrance to Knockreer Gardens is located opposite St Mary’s Cathedral and is reached via a gentle uphill walk of around five minutes. The gardens are particularly attractive from mid-spring, with colourful displays of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and cherry trees.
Beyond the gardens, walkers are rewarded with panoramic views across the lake and surrounding mountains. A network of paths allows you to continue towards Ross Castle, Killarney Golf Course, Teahouse Point and Reen Point, or to enjoy a scenic circular route back towards the town.
For experienced walkers seeking a more challenging hike, Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, offers a rewarding but demanding climb.
The most common route follows Hag’s Glen to the Devil’s Ladder, a steep and rocky ascent. The full hike typically takes around six hours. From the top of the Devil’s Ladder, walkers reach Christ’s Saddle before continuing to the summit, marked by a cross at 1,039 metres above sea level.
Extreme care should be taken at all times, as conditions can change rapidly and navigation may be difficult, particularly in poor visibility. This hike is recommended only for well-prepared and experienced walkers.
With immediate access to Killarney National Park and a wide variety of walking and hiking routes nearby, Park Place Apartments provide an excellent base for walking holidays in Kerry. After a day exploring trails, lakes and mountains, return to the comfort and space of your apartment in the heart of Killarney town.
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