Day One

Arrive in time for a group lunch in one of Killarney’s oldest pubs, The Laurels, pre booking essential, and get yourselves ready for an afternoon of activities.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
You can walk, run, cycle or drive around Killarney, but it’s much better to sample it from the water itself. One of the best ways to do it is on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).  Nature in and around the rivers is in abundance. If you’re lucky you could spot a white tailed eagle soaring above and there will be no shortage of salmon and trout below. If you are lucky, you might be joined by the Red Deer who like to cross the rivers  or take a evening swim.

Cycle around Killarney National Park
Start your adventure at your own pace. Hire a bike, available in the town, and venture across Ireland’s largest National Park. With a variety of animals and flora distinct to the area, you will see some of Europe’s rarest species. There are spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney and Ireland’s largest mountain range, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.

Sunset Kayaking on the lakes
More water but so worth it as you Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. From your kayak, see the mystical 6^th
century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland’s last native red deer.

Finish off your evening by having dinner delivered from one of the local restaurants or pick up a Cocktail Box from JM Reidy’s, all the ingredients you need for a evening with friends.

Day Two

After a leisurely breakfast at your accommodations enjoy a 5km run at Knockreer, from the town entrance to Ross Castle, then hop on a jaunting car for the trip back to town.   If you fancy something more challenging the Muckross Dinis loop is 10km.  The route is right around Muckross lake and offers spectacular views and peace.  Locally known as Cardiac Hill, a steep and difficult ascent up hundreds of steps along the slopes of Torc Mountain. Don’t let this put you off the walk because when you reach the top, feel the burn in your legs and wipe the sweat from your brow, you can reap the rewards with panoramic views of the McGillycuddy Reeks, Lakes of Killarney and Killarney National Park.

Gap of Dunloe Tour – a full day
Not just a tour this is a full day adventure! Before you start pick up a picnic from a local deli (see Eat & Drink for ideas), Hire bikes in town and cycle onto Ross Castle to meet the boats that will transport you through the lakes to Lord Brandon’s cottage.  Our local boatman will share the folklore and legends inspired by the area, and keep an eye out for swimming deer!   At the cottage you depart the boats and begin your cycle through Black Valley, over the Gap of Dunloe and back to Killarney.  Stop along the way to enjoy you picnic, soak your feet in the cool streams and admire the amazing views.

To finish your day with a relaxing meal and some fine wines check out the restaurants that are open in eat & drink section – pre booking may be necessary.

DAY ONE

Arrive in time for lunch either at your accommodation or choose a takeout option from the many dell’s available see eat & drink for ideas

Explore the Local Area

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the National Park, starting at the Muckross Abbey, an old Irish monastery that was built in the 6^th century. The ruins remain surrounded by an active graveyard which allegedly host many famous characters from Irish history such as the O’Donoghue chieftains.  Continue on to Muckross House & Gardens, a 19^th Century Victorian Mansion and their renowned gardens overlook Muckross lake. Guided tours are available of the sixty-five room architectural masterpiece. Grab a coffee in their in-house café and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.  For something more energetic and to work up an appetite travel on to Torc Waterfall or  locally known Cardiac Hill this uphill track will test your stamina but you will be rewarded with unprecedented views.

Cycle around Killarney National Park
Start your adventure at your own pace. Hire a bike, available in the town, and venture across Ireland’s largest National Park. With a variety of animals and flora distinct to the area, you will see some of Europe’s rarest species. There are spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney and Ireland’s largest mountain range, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.

Sunset Kayaking
Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. From your kayak, see the mystical 6th century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland’s last native red deer. Return by kayak to Ross Castle in twilight, and possibly moonlight, as nightfall creeps over the oak and yew woods.

Finish your evening with the dining options in your hotel or check out the restaurants that are open in eat & drink section – pre booking may be necessary

DAY TWO

After a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation the day awaits.

Rock Climbing the Gap of Dunloe
This area of outstanding beauty is one of the very best and picturesque places for rock climbing in the whole of Ireland.  The climbing consists of old red sandstone crags and cliffs mainly of horizontal cracks with an endless selection of single pitch climbs of various grades.

or

Gap of Dunloe Tour
A traditional bus will transport to you to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year old family run restaurant. Walk through the world-famous glacial valley the Gap of Dunloe. After completing the walk, you will be transported by boat through the three Lakes of Killarney by a guided tour who will share folklore and legends inspired by the area.

Killarney House & Gardens
Wind down the day, grab a coffee in town and talk a short stroll to Killarney House & Gardens. Built in the 18^th century, the original ‘Killarney House’ was home to the Earls of Kenmare. It was known locally as ‘The Mansion’ and one of the finest mansions in Ireland at the time. In recent years, the mansion has undergone extensive reconstruction to restore it to its former glory and the sunsets from the Gardens are quite spectacular

Finish your evening with the dining options in your hotel or check out the restaurants that are open in eat & drink section – pre booking may be necessary

DAY ONE

Arrive in time for lunch either at your accommodation or choose a takeout option from the many dell’s available see eat & drink for ideas

Explore the Local Area
After any journey it is great to explore the National Park taking in plenty fresh air and enjoying the open spaces.  Let the Kids burn off their excess energy in the grounds of Muckross House & Gardens, walk or bike to Muckross Abbey and keep an eye our for local deer and wildlife.

Jaunting Car Trip Around Killarney National Park
Hop on a jaunting car with a knowledgeable jarvey. Learn the history of the area and Ireland’s most famous folklore and tales. You will see the majestic Lakes of Killarney, which allegedly is the portal to the famous Tír na nÓG – Land of Youth.  Your jarvey will stop and give you plenty of opportunities to take pictures, with Ireland’s highest mountain range serving as your background.

OR

Cycle around Killarney National Park
Start your adventure at your own pace. Hire a bike, available in the town, and venture across Ireland’s largest National Park. With a variety of animals and flora distinct to the area, you will see some of Europe’s rarest species. There are spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney and Ireland’s largest mountain range, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.

Ross Castle & The Ducks
Visit the 15^th century castle located on Lough Leane. The caste was built by O’Donoghue Mór and legend has it that O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of the  lake, appearing every seven years on May Eve.  The local ducks and swans have become accustomed to locals arriving each evening to feed them, so pick up some see and join in the fun.

Finish your evening with the dining options in your accommodation or check out the restaurants that are open in eat & drink section – pre booking may be necessary

DAY TWO

After a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation the day awaits.

Kayaking on the Lakes
Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. From your kayak, see the mystical 6^th
century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland’s last native red deer. To book www.moractive.com

Kennedy’s Pet Farm
Kennedys Pet Farm is a family-run farm, and have loads to offer for your day out and more. It is the ideal venue for family days out in Killarney, where you can relax while the kids enjoy the safe and fun-filled surrounds of the farm. To book www.kennedyspetfarm.com

Knockreer Children’s Playground – toddlers & pre teens
The playground is located with the much larger “playground” of the National Park, and for younger children there is nothing like a good playground to burn off some youthful energy. Walk or cycle from the town centre, bring a picnic and let the kids run free in a safe space. The adjoining playing fields are a great place to have a run around, kick a ball, catch a frisbee etc.  or cycle further along the greenway keeping an eye out for a heron fishing for his lunch or a dipper bobbing up and down the rocks.

Escape Rooms – pre teens and older
Wits, guile and ingenuity are required to solve puzzles, riddles, ciphers among other challenge to escape from the themed scenarios within the 60minute time frame. Suitable for family & groups of 8 – 12 people from ages 8 upwards. To book  www.escapekillarney.ie

Killarney House & Gardens
Built in the 18^th century, the original ‘Killarney House’ was home to the Earls of Kenmare. It was known locally as ‘The Mansion’ and one of the finest mansions in Ireland at the time. In recent years, the mansion has undergone extensive reconstruction to restore it to its formal glory and as the gateway to Killarney National Park.

Finish your evening with the dining options in your hotel or check out the restaurants that are open in eat & drink section – pre booking may be necessary.