Description of the attraction
Killarney National Park is a biosphere reserve of more than 25 thousand acres in the southwestern part of Ireland in County Kerry near the town of Killarney.
The history of Killarney National Park began at the heart of the Macross House. In 1911, the estate was acquired by Californian tycoon William Bourne for his daughter Maud and her husband Arthur Vincent. In 1929, Maud died prematurely, and soon Arthur Vincent decided to donate the estate to the Irish State, which he actually did in 1932, thus laying the foundation for the first national park in Ireland. True, at that time the park was called "Born-Vincent Memorial Park", but over time, having significantly expanded the territory, the reserve got its current name.
Killarney National Park includes mountains and plains, forests and moorlands, lakes and waterfalls (including Tork Falls, which is 18 m high). The ecosystem of the reserve is unique and is under state protection. Rock oaks, strawberry trees, holly, yew, ogika, pingicula grandiflora, heather, gorse Gall, St. Patrick's cabbage, Irish euphorbia, ferns, various mosses and lichens, and much more grow here. The fauna of the national park is also very rich and varied. It is home to Irish deer, pine martens, badgers, red squirrels, forest mice, as well as more than 140 species of birds (blackbird, white-fronted goose, chough, nightjar, scottish partridge, etc.). The world famous Killarney Lakes are famous for their abundance of trout and salmon. Among the most interesting inhabitants of the lakes, it is worth highlighting the rather rare Irish lake trick, arctic char and trout.
In addition to magnificent natural landscapes and fantastic landscapes, the National Park is famous for its various historical and architectural monuments. You should definitely visit Macross House with a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion (19th century), a luxurious garden, an arboretum with exotic plants specially imported from the southern hemisphere, and traditional Macross farms. However, a wonderful example of medieval architecture in Ireland - Ross Castle and the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey of Macross - deserve special attention.
You can organize an exciting trip to Killarney National Park both independently and as part of an excursion group. You can also book a private tour with a professional guide.
