Things to do in
the Local Area
Killarney has much to offer its visitor, at night there are many gourmet restaurants and pubs to choose from, while during the day there is a wide range of outdoor pursuits and sight seeing to avail of. Take a short stroll by the shores of Lough Leane, visit the 15th century Muckross Abbey, explore Muckross House and Gardens or just relax in our large gardens and peaceful surroundings. Carriglea House is a perfect base for touring, located on Muckross Road which is part of The Ring Of Kerry and The Kerry Way walking routes, minutes from Muckross House and Gardens and Killarney Lakes. Also ideal for touring the Dingle Peninsula, Beara and Glengarriff and the Ring of Kerry. Carriglea is located in an enviable position in the centre of all 3 Peninsula. John and Eileen are at hand, throughout your stay, to give you more detailed advise and information.
The Ring of Kerry
Beginning and ending in Killarney, The Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of The Iveragh Peninsula. The combination of ocean islands mountains town and villages makes it one of the top 10 scenic route in the world, its an exciting journey of discovery
The Beara Peninsula
Lesser known and least developed of the 3 peninsulas but considered by many to be the most beautiful. It follows the most southernly section of The Wild Atlantic Way, it offers quintessentially pretty villages and towns. The dramatic landscape will leave you at one with nature as well as with an abundance of priceless memories.
Killarney National Park
The National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Entrance to the park is free. The Park is famous for its' native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer. The National Park Visitor Centre (located at Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Access for visitors with disabilities to The Visitor Centre. The Education Centre, located at Knockreer House, provides a range of courses related to nature conservation and the ecology of The National Park for school children, students and other groups.
Muckross House
Within Killarney National Park is Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty. In particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons, an extensive water garden, and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery in the adjacent walled garden centre. Access for visitors with disabilities, including platform lifts and elevators.
Muckross Traditional Farms
Muckross Traditional Farms preserves in real life the farming traditions of rural Ireland in the past. Three separate working farms, with a range of farm animals including traditional Kerry cows and farm machinery will help you relive the past. Muckross Traditional Farms takes you back to a time before the advent of electricity when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land, and with the animals. A complimentary vintage coach operates around the Traditional Farms for the benefit of elderly and physically challenged visitors. Full access for visitors with disabilities.
Muckross Abbey
This Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The tower was added after the church was built and is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church.
The cloister and its associated buildings are complete and an old yew tree stands in the centre.
The monks were finally driven out by the Cromwellians in 1652.
Ross Castle
This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains. It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. The castle contains 16th and 17th century oak furniture. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor only by prior arrangement.
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a magnificent defile running between the McGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple mountain group. At the entrance to the gap is a famous cottage, named after a woman called Kate Kearney who supposedly died in childbirth at the age of 102!. Having arrived at the cottage by coach the visitor then commences the seven mile journey through the Gap to Lord Brandon's cottage by trap, pony or on foot, where a light lunch can be obtained. There is much evidence of glacial action in the Gap, in striae and ice-moulded rocks. The towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple and Tomies mountains, the silence and solitude of the rugged glen - all combine to make an unforgettable impression upon the visitor. The boats depart from Brandon Cottage approx 2.15pm and arrive later in the afternoon at Ross Castle having come through the three lakes of Killarney. On this section of the tour you will be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. Motorcoach will await you at Ross Castle to take you back to Carriglea House.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is approximately 4 kilometres from Carriglea House and can be accessed from a car park on the N71 better known as the Muckross road. A short walk of approx 300 metres brings you to the waterfall. From that point steps lead to another viewing point at a higher altitude that provides a view over the Middle Lake. The path is also part of the Kerry Way long distance walking route and a starting point for circular walking routes which are indicated by a map down at the start of the trail beside the car park. The waterfall which is approximately 20 metres high is at its best after heavy rainfall.
Dinis Cottage
Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island in Killarney National Park looks out over the Middle Lake and dates back to the 1700s. It has been beautifully restored in recent years and just as it has for 200 years it operates as a tea room. The Old Weir Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters are within walking distance of the cottage. The windows of the Cottage feature the names of the many who carved their names with their expensive diamonds with the earliest dating back to the mid 1800s. Getting there - It is possible to walk or cycle through the Muckross peninsula to Dinis. It can also be accessed via a pleasant walk or cycle along by the lake. Boat trips operate to and from the Cottage from Muckross House.
"...Exceptional! The house has a soul, the atmosphere of the house, just around the corner you could have met ancestors,... perfect breakfast, Ellen was very nice, always with a smile, a lot of advices,... Thank You,... and don’t change anything..."
-Fabrizio
"...I stayed here with my daughter . I can’t say enough how wonderful it was! The house was beautiful , the food delicious , the owner a treasure! She added that personal touch that made all the difference! I would stay again!..."
-Judy Drummond McElfish
"...So true that memories will last a lifetime. This was my favorite spot on our trip 3 years ago. Highly recommend to book a stay at this lovely piece of heaven..."
-Paeb Fo
Lakeside walled estate.
The Dingle Peninsula
The loop around the most western point of Ireland, gives you beautiful views stretching out over The Atlantic and The Blasket Islands. Dingle Town is a sheltered fishing harbour and marina, while Slea Head was the location of the movie, Ryans Daughter’ and ‘Far and Away’.
