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.
West & North Trail [Click here to download map]
START POINT ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL -N72 (0.00.Miles)
23
St. Mary's Cathedral (RC)
(0.00 miles / 0.00 km from start )
Designed by the famous neo-Gothic designer, Pugin, the foundation stone was laid in 1842. Building was suspended during the worst period of the Great Famine, when the partially completed building was used as a shelter & hospital for the sick and dying. It was not completed until 1855. Killarney's cathedral is reputed to have been one of Pugin's favourite buildings.
24
Presentation Convent & School
(0.00 miles / 0.00 km from start)
Located to the east (town side) of the Cathedral, just off Cathedral Walk, are the Presentation Convent and Presentation School (second level school for girls). The Convent (stone building to the left) and the School (brick building to the right) date back to 1875 and 1886 respectively.
25
Bishop's House & Seminary
(0.00 miles / 0.00 km from start)
Further up Cathedral Walk on the right hand side, are situated the imposing stone buildings housing the Bishop's House (also now the Parish Presbytery) and St. Brendan's Seminary (now a second level Boy's College). These buildings in the style of the Cathedral date back to 1860 and 1861 respectively.
26
Knockreer Estate (Park)
(0.00 miles / 0.00 km from start)
Leaving your transport as parked for your visit to the Cathedral and surrounding buildings, go over the Deenagh River via the bridge directly opposite the Cathedral and enter Knockreer (Killarney National Park). Original grand entrance to Killarney House No. 2 - the Earl of Kenmare's Mansion (destroyed by fire in 1913). See 1834 Deenagh Gate Lodge.
27
Presentation Monastery (Old Mon)
(0.10 miles / 0.16 km from start)
Designed by Pugin to blend in with the Cathedral, the Presentation Monastery & School were built in 1861. Today it serves as a 'Day Centre' for people with disabilities.
28
Ballydowney - Emmet Memorial Park
(0.6 miles / 1.00 km from start)
At this roundabout (place name Ballydowney) turn left. Immediately to the left of the roundabout is a small green area and the old bridge. This little park commemorates Robert Emmet (Irish Patriot 1778-1803), who's mother (Elizabeth Mason ) was born in Killarney and after her marriage, lived in Ballydowney for c.10 years from the mid 1760's.
29
Castlerosse Hotel
(1.4 miles / 2.34 km from start)
The Castlerosse Hotel occupies the site of one of Killarney's original 'grand hotels', i.e., The Royal Victoria. Throughout the 19th century, Royalty and Aristocracy from around the world frequented it.
30
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
(1.9 miles / 3.15km from start)
This is the second of the great Killarney community achievements during the depressed 1930's (the other two being the Racecourse and the Fitzgerald GAA Stadium). Opened for play in 1939, it replaced the old Deerpark Golf Course. Home to 3 x 18 Hole Championship Courses, its Killeen Course hosted 'back to back' Irish Opens in 1991/92 (both won by Nick Faldo).
At 3.7 miles / 6.14 km west on the N72 - Turn to left for Gap of Dunloe 31.
31
River Laune
(5.0 miles / 8.3 km from start)
The River Laune is the river which joins the famous Lakes of Killarney to the Atlantic Ocean. The Laune is one of Ireland's premier Salmon rivers.
32
Dunloe Castle & Gardens
(5.8 miles / 9.6 km from start)
Site of the original 11th century feudal keep, the remaining ruins of the castle are situated behind the present hotel overlooking the River Laune and in the midst of one of Ireland's most treasured gardens.
33
Kate Kearney's Cottage
(7.0 miles / 11.6 km from start)
Built c.1850, it marks the entrance to the world famous Gap of Dunloe and a 'place of refreshment' for the weary traveller. Arguably Ireland's best known 'Cottage'.
34
The Gap of Dunloe
(7.0 miles / 11.6 km from start)
This breathtaking pass through the mountains (created by glacial action) is beyond question the 'ultimate day tour' for visitors to Killarney. For slightly over 7 miles (c.12km), on horseback, pony & trap or on foot, the tour eventually takes you to the Upper Lake and by boat through the 3 Lakes, back to Killarney.
RE-START POINT KATE KEARNEY'S COTTAGE - ON TO SAME ROAD AS YOU ARRIVED (0.00.Miles)
At junction 1.0 miles / 1.66 km from the Kate Kearney's re-start, go directly across junction - follow sign for Beaufort.
At junction 1.0 miles / 1.66 km from the Kate Kearney's re-start, go directly across junction - follow sign for Beaufort.
35
Ogham Stones
(1.4 miles / 2.3 km from re-start)
On your right, a collection of ancient Ogham Stones found in the area. Ogham was the 'original' form of writing used by the Irish.
36
Beaufort Village
(2.0 miles / 3.3 km from re-start)
This quiet Kerry village was the centre of the early Irish cinema industry when the Kalem-Olcott Film Company made some 28 silent movies here between 1911-1914. The Beaufort Bar (on your right as you go through the village) was 'Location HQ' and contains pictorial memorabilia from the movies made by Sidney Olcott.
At junction/bridge 2.4 miles / 4.0 km from re-start, turn right on to N72 towards Killarney
At Golden Nugget Bar 5.1 miles / 8.5 km from re-start, turn left and after c.500mtrs take first turn right to Aghadoe.
At Golden Nugget Bar 5.1 miles / 8.5 km from re-start, turn left and after c.500mtrs take first turn right to Aghadoe.
37
Aghadoe Heights View
(6.3 miles / 10.5 km from re-start)
Looking due south, from the green area to your right you can see the 'mirror image' panoramic view of the Killarney Lakes & Valley. Directly across the lakes and the valley on the opposite horizon is located Ladies View which looking due north, gives you the reverse panorama.
38
Aghadoe Monastery
(6.4 miles / 10.6 km from re-start)
One of the most important early Christian sites in Killarney (c. 6th century). The remaining ruins of Church and Round Tower are c. 11th century and immediately below are the ruins of a 13th century Norman Castle. - Parkavonear.
At first junction 7.8 miles / 13.0 km from re-start, turn right and after c.250mtrs turn right on to N22 towards Killarney.
At roundabout 8.4 miles / 14.0 km from re-start, take exit directly across from where you enter (keeping hotel on your left).
At roundabout 8.4 miles / 14.0 km from re-start, take exit directly across from where you enter (keeping hotel on your left).
39
St. Columbanus Home
(8.50 miles / 14.1 km from re-start)
Immediately to your right is St. Columbanus Home. This was built in c. 1839 as a 'Workhouse' and was used extensively during the Famine Period. Today it serves as a comprehensive care home for the elderly of the wider county area.
40
St. Finian's Hospital
(8.7 miles / 14.4 from re-start)
To your left (on the hill) - this magnificent stone structure is typical of the large hospitals built in the mid-19th Century Victorian period. Designed by Thomas Dean and strongly influenced by Pugin's designs, it was built in 1849. It continues to serve as a psychiatric hospital but is due for a change of role within the next 2 years (+/-).
You approach the town, keep left and at 9.2 miles from re-start, take a further left at roundabout
41
Fitzgerald's GAA Stadium
(9.40 miles / 15.6 km from re-start)
To your left you will find the third major community achievement during the depressed years of the 1930's (the other two being the Racecourse and the Killarney Golf Club). This c. 45,000 Capacity Stadium is one of the top 5 GAA Stadiums in Ireland - building commenced 1936. Check to see if it is open for a visit.
END OF KILLARNEY VALLEY 250 HISTORIC TOURISM TRAIL WEST & NORTH
