Maps & Historic Trails
Killarney's History has strong links with its tourism industry. Many of our centuries old heritage sites have been secured and saved for future generations mainly because of their importance to tourism. Over the past 250 years Killarney's Tourism Industry has created some of its own History. This section of the website takes you through 3 Historic Tourism Trails i.e., South Trail, Town Trail and West & North Trail in all cases you will experience the strong link between our Tourism Heritage and our much older Built and Natural Heritage. Two downloadable Historic Trails Maps are provided in the accompanying section.
In a further section you will find downloadable Maps of Killarney Town, Killarney Valley, Kerry County and Access to Ireland.
South Trail [Click here to download map]
START POINT CINEPLEX CINEMA - N71 (0.00.Miles)
1
Killarney House & Gardens (Park)
(0.1 miles / 0.16 km south on the N71)
The existing house was originally the "Courtyard & Stable" wing of the former 18th Cent. French Chateau style Killarney House - residence of the Earls of Kenmare and home to Thomas 4th Viscount Kenmare, - the Founding Father of Killarney Town and of Irish Tourism in 1754.
The gardens represent a 5 acre oasis of peace and tranquillity just a short walk from the busy centre of Killarney.
The house is not yet restored and is not open to the public.
The gardens represent a 5 acre oasis of peace and tranquillity just a short walk from the busy centre of Killarney.
The house is not yet restored and is not open to the public.
After 0.15 miles / 0.25 km from start south on the N71 - Turn to Right off N71 for Ross Castle, Race Course, Lakes etc.,
2
Killarney Race Course
(0.5 miles / 0.8 km from Turn Off)
One of three great Killarney community achievements in the depressed 1930's, (the other two being the Golf Course and the Fitzgerald GAA Stadium). Killarney Racecourse (arguably one of the most scenic in the world), was created to continue the long tradition of horse racing in Killarney. Today it hosts three racing festivals in May, July and August / September. It is also the home of a fine 9 Hole Golf Course.
3
Ross Castle (Ross Island & Lakes) (Park)
(1.4miles / 2.3 km from Turn Off)
Estimated to date back to the 1400's, and the last significant Gaelic fortress in Ireland to fall to Cromwellian forces in 1652. It was subsequently the home of the first Earls of Kenmare until they re-located nearer to what is now Killarney Town. It has been lovingly restored and refurbished in the 17th Century Style - Open to visitors by Guided Tour (March to October). Boat Trips (incl. all weather) available from the pier.
4
Ross Island & Copper Mines (Park)
(As for Ross Castle)
Site of one of Europe's most important Bronze Age Copper Mines (2400 BC), and a treasure chest of native wild flora, lake and mountain vistas. - Nature & Mining Trail c. 1 hour pleasant stroll.
5
Innisfallen Island (Park)
(As for Ross Castle)
Visible and just directly out (by short boat ride) from Ross Castle, a site of 7th Century Monastic Settlement and centre of Learning. Annals of Innisfallen completed here in c.17th century - now in Bodlein Library- Oxford.
Return to N71 via same road (1.4 miles / 2.3 km) - Turn right on to N71
6
Randles Court Hotel
(0.35 miles / 0.58 km south on the N71)
Built in 1906 as a family home, then a Church of Ireland Rectory, the current owners (Randles) restored and converted this into a hotel in 1992. Many original features retained.
7
Flesk River Bridge
(0.7 miles / 1.16 km south on the N71)
The primary river feeding into the Lakes of Killarney.
8
Gleneagle Hotel
(1.0 miles / 1.66 km south on the N71)
Formerly Flesk House. In 1957, acquired by the current owners (O'Donoghues) and became one of Ireland's most famous Hotels and Entertainment Centres. Includes the INEC (Ireland's National Events Centre).
9
Lake Hotel
(1.5 miles / 2.5 km south on the N71)
Built as a lakeside residence in 1820 and later changed to a hotel. Visited by Queen Victoria in 1861. Acquired by the current owners (Huggard) in 1940. Contains the ruins of McCarthy's Castlelough - one of the Gaelic Kings of Munster.
10
Muckross Estate (Park) (Pedestrian & Jaunting Car Entrance)
(1.9 miles / 3.15 km south on the N71)
The "first entrance" to Muckross after you leave town - for pedestrians horse drawn carriages and bicycles (Motor & Coach entrance to Muckross House c.1 mile further on the N71).
11
Killegy Churchyard (Park)
(2.3 miles / 3.8 km south on the N71)
Hill on your left - See large Celtic Cross - burial place of the Herbert family (former owners of Muckross Estate) and Rudolf Erich Raspe - author of The Adventures of Baron Munchhausen.
12
Muckross Abbey (Park)
(2.4 miles / 4.0 km south on the N71)
ranciscan Abbey founded 1448 - suppressed by Cromwell 1652 - extensive preserved ruins - burial place of Gaelic Lords and Poets.
13
Muckross Park Hotel
(2.5 miles / 4.1 km south on the N71)
Opened in 1795 and originally the Herbert Arms, it is Killarney's oldest hotel.
14
Muckross House/Gardens/Farms (Motor & Coach Entrance)
(3.0 miles / 5.0 km south on the N71) (0.4 miles / 0.66 km to house)
Beautiful Elizabethan style mansion, built by the Herberts 1843 / Visited by Queen Victoria 1861 / gifted to the State in 1932 and now, Killarney's most famous visitor attraction - Guided Tours of House, also visit the Gardens, Craft Shop, Restaurant and working Traditional Farms.
15
Queen's Drive (Torc Upper Car Park)
(3.3 miles / 5.4 km south on the N71)
Just beyond the Muckross Community Centre, take road on left for c. 1 mile to the Torc upper car park. Option to go to Torc summit or walk on to the Old Kenmare Road or go down the trails either side of the Waterfall.
16
Torc Waterfall (Park)
(4.1 miles / 6.8 km south on the N71)
Magical Waterfall - best viewed after a period of heavy rain.
17
Dinis Island & Cottage (Park)
(5.1 miles / 8.4 km south on the N71)
A relatively short walk to Dinis Cottage, Old Weir Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters. Also you can walk through the Island to Muckross House and back to your car via track just above the N71.
18
Eagles Nest Mountain
(6.3 miles / 10.4 km south on the N71)
Although less than 1200ft/360mtrs high, this represents one of the most striking views of the union of Lake & Mountain in Killarney.
19
Lord Brandon's Cottage (Park)
(8.8 miles / 14.6 km south on the N71)
A 45min rough path walk to Lord Brandon's Cottage - transfer point for Gap of Dunloe trip i.e., Horse Trap to Boat and vice versa.
20
Derrycunnihy Church
(9.3 miles / 15.4 km south on the N71)
The original mass chapel for the people of the Black Valley Gearhameen and nearby Looscaunagh. Also a good mid-point for meeting walkers (or starting a walk) on the "Old Kenmare Road".
21
Ladies View
(10.1 miles / 16.7 km south on the N71)
So called in 1861 after Queen Victoria's Ladies in Waiting described it as "The finest view in Ireland". Looking due north you can see the Killarney Lakes & Valley with Aghadoe on the distant horizon. To the west are the MacGillicuddy Reeks and the Black Valley with Torc and Mangerton mountains to the east.
