About Killarney National Park
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Killarney National Park is a unique and special place. It was Ireland's first National Park and came into being in 1932 when the Muckross Estate (the core of the present day National Park) was presented to the Nation by Senator Arthur Vincent and his parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn, in memory of his late wife Maud. Situated in south-west Ireland, close to the most westerly point in Europe, the National Park covers over 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) of mountain, moorland, woodland, waterways, parks and gardens. A major geological boundary occurs within the Park, and this, in combination with the climatic influence of the gulf stream and the wide range of altitudes in the Park, gives rise to an unusual and varied ecology. The mountainous old red sandstone uplands support large areas of blanket bog, and the remoteness and relative inaccessibility of some of these areas aids the continued survival of Ireland's only remaining wild herd of native Red Deer. In addition to this, the largest area of old-growth Oakwoods left in the country can be found on some of the lower mountain slopes, a remnant of the woodland that once covered much of Ireland. The lowland limestone areas of the National Park also boast some rare habitats, notably a large stand of pure Yew woodland at Reenadinna on the Muckross Peninsula, which is thought to be one of only three pure Yew woods in Europe. Other significant woodlands include several large areas of swamp woodland (carr) on the shores of Lough Leane, which provide an important refuge for wildlife. Central to Killarney National Park however are its three lakes, all inter-linked but quite different in their respective characters. The lakes support a large population of Brown Trout, as well as an annual run of Salmon, and sport angling has been a popular pastime for generations in Killarney. Noteworthy fish species include the Arctic Char and Killarney Shad. In addition to all the mammal and fish life one would expect in an area such as this, the Park boasts a wealth of bird life, including migrant Greenland White-fronted Geese, which spend the winter months on some of the bogs in the area. Several unusual invertebrate species are also to be found in the Killarney valley, such as the Northern Emerald Dragonfly, which is found nowhere else in the country. Noteworthy plant species include the Strawberry Tree and the insectivorous Greater Butterwort. Human history has also left its mark in the Killarney area, and the well preserved remains of Inisfallen Abbey, a monastic settlement which was founded in the 7th century and inhabited until the 14th century, still stand on an island in Lough Leane (meaning 'Lake of Learning'). Muckross Abbey (founded in about 1448) is also still standing, the central feature of which is a vaulted cloister around a courtyard which contains a huge Yew tree, traditionally said to be as old as the abbey itself. Muckross House, the ancestral home of the Herbert family, is at the core of the National Park, and is open to visitors all year round. In the same area is the Muckross Traditional Farming Project, a re-creation of rural Ireland prior to electrification.
Killarney Town.
Killarney Town is a vibrant town in Kerry in the South West of Ireland. It acts as a gateway to the beauty spots of the south west and within easy reach of the Dingle, Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas. Immediately to the south and west of Killarney are the magnificent Lakes of Killarney and the magnificent mountains of the McGullicudy Reeks. Yet another feature of Killarney is the Killarney National Park - which hosts a unique blend of history, flora and fauna - and contains unique habitats, plants, animals and fish. Killarney Town has numerous places for the weary traveller hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs. More budget accommodation is available in the numerous hostels and camping sites. In terms of nightlife Killarney is unequalled - there are over seventy pubs, many of which feature live music - both contemporary and traditional. Whether you prefer to eat before, during or after your drink Killarney has plenty to offer. There is a wide variety of restaurants catering for all budgets and tastes
