Killarney National Park — Three Lakes, Torc Waterfall & Red Deer
Killarney, Ireland
About This Activity
Killarney National Park (10,236 hectares, Ireland's oldest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) is free to enter and encompasses the three Lakes of Killarney, ancient yew woods, and the purple MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains. Torc Waterfall is a 15-minute easy walk from the road. Ross Castle and Muckross House anchor two ends of the park; jaunting cars (traditional horse-drawn traps) offer rides from the Kenmare Place rank in town into the park.
Seasonal note: Open year-round; best May–Sep for weather and long evenings
Compare with Alternatives
See how Killarney National Park — Three Lakes, Torc Waterfall & Red Deer stacks up against other must-see activities nearby.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 107 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in Ireland — Adventure
Dublin → Galway → Killarney
Best 5 Days in Ireland — Without History
Dublin → Galway → Killarney
Best 5 Days in Ireland — Adventure & Walking Tours
Dublin → Galway → Killarney
Best 5 Days in Ireland — Adventure & Nature
Dublin → Galway → Killarney
Best 5 Days in Ireland — Adventure & Photography
Dublin → Galway → Killarney
Best 5 Days in Ireland — Adventure & Family Friendly
Dublin → Galway → Killarney
More Activities in Killarney
Skellig Michael UNESCO Monastery Boat Tour from Portmagee
Boat to Skellig Michael to climb a 6th-century island monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location.
Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive — Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry
Drive the 179km Ring of Kerry loop past mountain passes, Atlantic coastline, and Kerry's most scenic villages
Rental car Killarney to Cork
Self-drive via Ring of Kerry (1h30m scenic drive)
Killarney National Park Full Day — Lakes, Old Weir & Red Deer
Spend a full day walking Killarney's three lakes, ancient oak woods, and the Old Weir Bridge at the Meeting of Waters.
Gap of Dunloe — Glacial Mountain Pass Walk, Killarney
Walk or cycle the glacial Gap of Dunloe — a narrow valley between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain
Muckross House & Traditional Farms, Killarney National Park
Tour a Tudor-style Victorian mansion visited by Queen Victoria in 1861, with ornamental gardens and a working traditional farm
Killarney Lakes Boat Tour
Cruise the three lakes of Killarney with views of mountains and ancient sites
Killarney National Park Half-Day — Torc Waterfall & Lakes
Hike to Torc Waterfall and drive to Ladies View for a half-day in Ireland's oldest national park.