Our top things to do in Kerry this Summer | Day 1 Itinerary

lovers’ walks, secluded lakeshores and stunning waterfalls make Killarney the perfect basecamp for a break in Kerry.

an ideal location for exploring all our beautiful county has to offer.

Here are OUR TOP THINGS TO DO IN KERRY THIS SUMMER | DAY 1 ITINERARY


Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park

  • An ideal paradise for lovers and families alike.
  • Secluded hidden lakes, beaches, enchanting waterfalls and mesmerising sunsets.
  • Breathtaking scenery with over 25,000 acres of woodland, waterfalls and vistas abound.
  • See all of our favourite picks in Killarney National Park below:
Ross Castle view with mountains in the background

1. Ross Castle

Sits on the edge of Lough Leane, built in the 15th century.

Just a stone’s throw from Killarney town, the trip to the castle is best taken by Jaunting Cart.

The castle is open for tours throughout the season and boat trips are available to Inisfallen Island from the castle too.

2. Lough Leane

The largest of the three lakes of Killarney.
Locals and tourists alike pause and catch their breath at its unique natural beauty. 

Muckross Abbey view from side of cemetery on a sunny day

3. Muckross Abbey

An old Irish Monastery situated in the middle of the national park.

Founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary, its most striking feature is a central courtyard, which contains a large yew tree and is surrounded by a vaulted cloister

Torc Waterfall

4. Torc Waterfall

A cascade waterfall at 20 metres high, 110 metres long, A short walk of approx 200 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.

Ladies View

5. Ladies View

Gap of Dunloe, Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy Reeks can be seen from Ladies View, an amazing viewing spot – ideal for a romantic snap!

Meeting of the Waters

6. Meeting of the Waters

Where all three of Killarney’s glorious lakes merge together. Most definitely one of the best hidden gems in Killarney. The area is so beautiful, echoing peace and tranquillity in a world of its own.

Share your Experience

#LoveKillarney
We had an early start from Dingle this morning, in order to enjoy a peaceful Gap of Dunloe.
This is such a magical drive! So good, we drove up it twice!
Breakfast was enjoyed on the rocks just below our car there, before we headed for Killarney, via the Black Valley, Moll's Gap, diniscottagetearooms and Killarney National Park.
Huge thanks to Tommy Griffin, Kerry footballing legend, for the accommodation at his dog friendly muiris_dans Bar in Dingle last night!
Iggy has just surprised me with her delayed 50th birthday present to me! So tonight, we're staying at the *Dog Friendly* Dromhall Hotel!

killarneydromhallhotel
Killarney
Co. Kerry
gocar_ireland

We had an early start from Dingle this morning, in order to enjoy a peaceful Gap of Dunloe.
This is such a magical drive! So good, we drove up it twice!
Breakfast was enjoyed on the rocks just below our car there, before we headed for Killarney, via the Black Valley, Moll`s Gap, diniscottagetearooms and Killarney National Park.
Huge thanks to Tommy Griffin, Kerry footballing legend, for the accommodation at his dog friendly muiris_dans Bar in Dingle last night!
Iggy has just surprised me with her delayed 50th birthday present to me! So tonight, we`re staying at the *Dog Friendly* Dromhall Hotel!

killarneydromhallhotel
Killarney
Co. Kerry
gocar_ireland
...

824 20
We just drove through the Gap of Dunloe (magical!!), the Black Valley, Moll's Gap and we are currently at the Dog Friendly, Dinis Cafe, in Muckross.
This is a beautiful stop off for walkers/cyclists, plus there's a water station and treats for our canine companions too!
* Another lucky find! *

diniscottagetearooms
Muckross
Killarney National Park
Co. Kerry

We just drove through the Gap of Dunloe (magical!!), the Black Valley, Moll`s Gap and we are currently at the Dog Friendly, Dinis Cafe, in Muckross.
This is a beautiful stop off for walkers/cyclists, plus there`s a water station and treats for our canine companions too!
* Another lucky find! *

diniscottagetearooms
Muckross
Killarney National Park
Co. Kerry
...

631 18
Some stunning light up at Dromluska Cottage in the Black Valley last month. I always think the drive in is ridiculously long until I get out and shoot this place. It’s worth every minute on the road. 📸

Some stunning light up at Dromluska Cottage in the Black Valley last month. I always think the drive in is ridiculously long until I get out and shoot this place. It’s worth every minute on the road. 📸 ...

928 27
1 of 2

One of the most beautiful drives I've ever driven!

The Gap of Dunloe (photo) 
The Black Valley
Moll's Gap
Kissane Sheep Farm
Killarney Lakes
diniscottagetearooms @
Muckross Lake 
Torc Waterfall &
killarneydromhallhotel

Huge thanks to gocar_ireland for making this all possible. 🙏

1 of 2

One of the most beautiful drives I`ve ever driven!

The Gap of Dunloe (photo)
The Black Valley
Moll`s Gap
Kissane Sheep Farm
Killarney Lakes
diniscottagetearooms @
Muckross Lake
Torc Waterfall &
killarneydromhallhotel

Huge thanks to gocar_ireland for making this all possible. 🙏
...

908 19
Can you tell I’m happy about this class weather we’re having right now… Summer 2021 is never ending 🤸🏻‍♀️

Can you tell I’m happy about this class weather we’re having right now… Summer 2021 is never ending 🤸🏻‍♀️ ...

767 9
The view from the top of the Devils Ladder on the way back down from Carrauntoohil this morning. Ashamed to say it was my first time climbing the mountain today, and it’s only over the road from me. Another one off the bucket list anyway.✔️

The view from the top of the Devils Ladder on the way back down from Carrauntoohil this morning. Ashamed to say it was my first time climbing the mountain today, and it’s only over the road from me. Another one off the bucket list anyway.✔️ ...

844 34
Lots of unanswered questions in this world, but why the hell did St Patrick not banish the migies too!?

This is Ross Castle ross_castle_ire and it's just around the corner from our hotel.
We resume our WAW tour in the morning.

killarneydromhallhotel
Killarney
Co. Kerry
gocar_ireland

Lots of unanswered questions in this world, but why the hell did St Patrick not banish the migies too!?

This is Ross Castle ross_castle_ire and it`s just around the corner from our hotel.
We resume our WAW tour in the morning.

killarneydromhallhotel
Killarney
Co. Kerry
gocar_ireland
...

664 22
Moody scenes last night at the stunning Ross Castle in Killarney. 🏰

Moody scenes last night at the stunning Ross Castle in Killarney. 🏰 ...

1018 36
Before anyone eats the head off me I took this before the lockdown! 😬 Had a bit of a run in with someone earlier today who thought I was still taking photos! Taken at the beautiful St Finians Bay on the Skellig Ring. Hope everyone is keeping well and safe. Have a good weekend guys! 🏠

Before anyone eats the head off me I took this before the lockdown! 😬 Had a bit of a run in with someone earlier today who thought I was still taking photos! Taken at the beautiful St Finians Bay on the Skellig Ring. Hope everyone is keeping well and safe. Have a good weekend guys! 🏠 ...

1061 63
You know I never turn down an opportunity to head to Kerry!

Did you know wanderwildfestival is just a few weeks away!?

If you haven't heard of it, it's an outdoor festival in Killarney with everything from hiking Carrantoohill to yoga and bike tours of Killarney National Park.

There are so many activities to choose from and it runs the 25th-27th March, so check out the schedule on wanderwildfestival.com

As if I needed an excuse for another visit 😊🤩

Pr invite
#wanderwildfesival #lovekillarney
.
.
.
.
.
#instaireland #insta_ireland #passionpassport #liveforthestory #Kerry  #wanderireland #killarney #ireland #joepic #discoverearth  #kerrycliffs #discoverourland #beautifuldestinations #Lonelyplanet #loves_ireland #irishblogger #irelandaily #irelandtravel #rawireland #discoverireland #exceptional_pictures #loveireland #voyaged  #mountainviews #earthfocus #wildatlanticway #mountainscapes #adventureofalifetime

You know I never turn down an opportunity to head to Kerry!

Did you know wanderwildfestival is just a few weeks away!?

If you haven`t heard of it, it`s an outdoor festival in Killarney with everything from hiking Carrantoohill to yoga and bike tours of Killarney National Park.

There are so many activities to choose from and it runs the 25th-27th March, so check out the schedule on wanderwildfestival.com

As if I needed an excuse for another visit 😊🤩

Pr invite
#wanderwildfesival #lovekillarney
.
.
.
.
.
#instaireland #insta_ireland #passionpassport #liveforthestory #Kerry #wanderireland #killarney #ireland #joepic #discoverearth #kerrycliffs #discoverourland #beautifuldestinations #Lonelyplanet #loves_ireland #irishblogger #irelandaily #irelandtravel #rawireland #discoverireland #exceptional_pictures #loveireland #voyaged #mountainviews #earthfocus #wildatlanticway #mountainscapes #adventureofalifetime
...

0 21
GAP OF DUNLOE🍀 
Need i say more? 
Can we just appreciate that scenery??! 

If you’re ever visiting Killarney be sure to stop at the gap for some of the most unreal views everrrrr. #
As the roads are so narrow, one of the main forms of transport through the gap, is horse and cart, and not often passable by car. 

During our trip, we had the bessssst weather, however on the day we went to the gap of Dunloe, it rained non stop and all horse and carts had stopped operating for the day because of the slippery road conditions (typically my luck). 

We returned the next day and finally managed to squeeze it into our busy itinerary, and we were definitely NOT disappointed. How could you be with those views 🤩. 

Safe to say the kids had a ball and we were definitely glad we returned the following day to enjoy the experience.

GAP OF DUNLOE🍀
Need i say more?
Can we just appreciate that scenery??!

If you’re ever visiting Killarney be sure to stop at the gap for some of the most unreal views everrrrr. #
As the roads are so narrow, one of the main forms of transport through the gap, is horse and cart, and not often passable by car.

During our trip, we had the bessssst weather, however on the day we went to the gap of Dunloe, it rained non stop and all horse and carts had stopped operating for the day because of the slippery road conditions (typically my luck).

We returned the next day and finally managed to squeeze it into our busy itinerary, and we were definitely NOT disappointed. How could you be with those views 🤩.

Safe to say the kids had a ball and we were definitely glad we returned the following day to enjoy the experience.
...

777 69
Day 2 of snow spam ❄⛄

Day 2 of snow spam ❄⛄ ...

783 36
How cool was this hiking trail that led to a waterfall? So cool that I took a picture of the stairway instead of the waterfall that was right behind me. Oh the waterfall is beautiful, but this little stairway - little he says...the sucker about wore me out - did more to make me feel like I was in Ireland then just about anything. A great trail to walk with fantastic views if you'reever in Killarney.

How cool was this hiking trail that led to a waterfall? So cool that I took a picture of the stairway instead of the waterfall that was right behind me. Oh the waterfall is beautiful, but this little stairway - little he says...the sucker about wore me out - did more to make me feel like I was in Ireland then just about anything. A great trail to walk with fantastic views if you`reever in Killarney. ...

695 13
Quite a lot of people categorise themselves as introverts or extroverts, or extraverted introverts and vice versa. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m an “activityvert” 😅 I’m most energised when I’m exploring new places, swimming in new locations, hiking mountains or staying busy doing the things I love outdoors 🤸🏻‍♀️

Anyone else here feel like they fall under the “activityvert” category?

📍Torc Mountain, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Quite a lot of people categorise themselves as introverts or extroverts, or extraverted introverts and vice versa. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m an “activityvert” 😅 I’m most energised when I’m exploring new places, swimming in new locations, hiking mountains or staying busy doing the things I love outdoors 🤸🏻‍♀️

Anyone else here feel like they fall under the “activityvert” category?

📍Torc Mountain, Killarney, Co. Kerry
...

882 63
Upper lake tranquility Killarney, not a perfect sunrise but a pretty decent one all the same. Not as fabulous as michaelmcgillycuddy recent post though 🥲

#insta_ireland 
#bestirelandpics 
#sunrisephotography 
#raw_ireland 
#the_full_irish_ 
#dailyireland 
#lovekillarney 
#jawdroppingshotz

Upper lake tranquility Killarney, not a perfect sunrise but a pretty decent one all the same. Not as fabulous as michaelmcgillycuddy recent post though 🥲

#insta_ireland
#bestirelandpics
#sunrisephotography
#raw_ireland
#the_full_irish_
#dailyireland
#lovekillarney
#jawdroppingshotz
...

521 34
Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. Legend of this castle has it that O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. On the first morning of May every seven years he rises from the lake on his magnificent white horse and circles the lake. Anyone catching a glimpse of him is said to be assured of good fortune for the rest of their lives. The large rock at the entrance to the bay is known as O’Donoghue’s prison. Ross Castle was the last stronghold in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. It was eventually taken by General Ludlow in 1652.
------------------------------------------------------------------
#rosscastle #killarneynationalpark #irishcastle #countykerry #castlesofireland #visitkerry castleandchateau  #irelandcollective #irelandtravel #raw_ireland #irelandloves #jashseurope #total_medieval #total_europe #daily_ireland #bestirelandpics #castellidelmondo #wideanglephotography #tokinausa #munster #lovekillarney #killarneyireland  yourcastles world_of_castles_ #castellinelmondo #nasvetzaizlet #irska #irelandtv #teamtokina #monumental_world #monumentalworld

Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. Legend of this castle has it that O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. On the first morning of May every seven years he rises from the lake on his magnificent white horse and circles the lake. Anyone catching a glimpse of him is said to be assured of good fortune for the rest of their lives. The large rock at the entrance to the bay is known as O’Donoghue’s prison. Ross Castle was the last stronghold in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. It was eventually taken by General Ludlow in 1652.
------------------------------------------------------------------
#rosscastle #killarneynationalpark #irishcastle #countykerry #castlesofireland #visitkerry castleandchateau #irelandcollective #irelandtravel #raw_ireland #irelandloves #jashseurope #total_medieval #total_europe #daily_ireland #bestirelandpics #castellidelmondo #wideanglephotography #tokinausa #munster #lovekillarney #killarneyireland yourcastles world_of_castles_ #castellinelmondo #nasvetzaizlet #irska #irelandtv #teamtokina #monumental_world #monumentalworld
...

773 105
This was just great to watch!
Iggy scored high marks with John and Noel Kissane, even though she has never worked with sheep like this before!
Iggy was born to two working parents and the natural herding instinct is there to see. They complimented her barking too, as that helps drive on the sheep even better!
When travel restrictions are lifted, please check out and support John and Noel's open days at the farm.

Thanks a mil for the invite guys!
James and Iggy 🐕🚶‍♂️

Www.kissanesheepfarm.com

Kissane Sheep Farm
Moll's Gap
Co. Kerry

This was just great to watch!
Iggy scored high marks with John and Noel Kissane, even though she has never worked with sheep like this before!
Iggy was born to two working parents and the natural herding instinct is there to see. They complimented her barking too, as that helps drive on the sheep even better!
When travel restrictions are lifted, please check out and support John and Noel`s open days at the farm.

Thanks a mil for the invite guys!
James and Iggy 🐕🚶‍♂️

Www.kissanesheepfarm.com

Kissane Sheep Farm
Moll`s Gap
Co. Kerry
...

616 43
Happy Monday 🌞🌸🌻🌷💕

Fingers crossed for less rainy days this week 🤞 

Also shout out to the Europes gardeners #thoseflowerstho 👏

Happy Monday 🌞🌸🌻🌷💕

Fingers crossed for less rainy days this week 🤞

Also shout out to the Europes gardeners #thoseflowerstho 👏
...

674 75