Killarney, Ireland has many activities and attractions which many tourists and locals come to visit all year round. Although people travel to Killarney for many different reasons including scenery, good food, music and excellent accommodations, one of the main attractions for tourists is the variety of outdoor activities available.
Marathons and charity walks and runs are popular with locals and also people from all over Ireland. One popular event is a walk from Kenmare to Torc Waterfall, which is organised each year for Multiple Sclerosis. This event which takes place on a 20 km path over some of the most scenic terrain in the country attracts hundreds of participants each year. There are also many marathons held on a regular basis for just fun or for charity organisations who are trying to raise awareness and money. It is a great day for family and friends to get together and enjoy each others company.
People who attend these marathons travel from all over Ireland and some come from abroad. There are plenty accommodations of a high standard available at budget prices and packages to suit the needs of these participants. Killarney is a tourist town in which the hotel sector warmly welcomes visitors.
Killarney is also known for its National Park which is surrounded by beautiful mountains such as the MacGillicuddy Reeks. There are many sights to see such as the famous Lakes of Killarney, waterfalls, woods and mountains where you can tour on foot trails which are sign-posted around the park. The park covers an area of thousands of hectares and is a popular destination among hill walkers and mountain climbers.
Muckross House has many sights and activities for both adults and children which include the walled garden centre, traditional farms, Mucros pottery, weaving and craft shop. Muckross House is worth seeing for its eyecatching landscape, nature, and sightseeing walks, which are popular with tourists from all over the world. The interior of the house has a wealth of historical items mainly from the victorian period.
For the more adventurous there are many activities such as hill walking, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain climbing and walking around the many trails which are signposted around Killarney National Park. Other attractions include (1) Muckross House (2) Muckross Abbey (3) Ross Castle (4) Innisfallen (5) Old Copper Mines (6) Ladies View and many more wonderful sights. Relaxing activities include golfing, fishing, walking and bird watching which are popular within the local community and also with tourists visiting this beautiful National Park.
Wildlife is all around Killarney. Coolwood Wildlife Park which is situated on a 50 acre complex is worth visiting. There are various types of wildlife including red squirrels, monkeys, racoons, pygmy goats, large birds of prey. Also around the Killarney National park you will find wildlife such as Red Deer Stags, Roaring Stags, and White Tailed Eagles as well as a wide variety of native flora and fauna.
There is a local tourist information office which is located on Beech Road, here they will provide information on must see sights and attractions and also tours that are available. Killarney views are unbeatable compared to other countries.
Holidaymakers and tourists to Killarney are well catered for as there are over 30 hotels, including luxury five-star hotels, and hundreds of good quality bed and breakfasts which are usually somewhat cheaper.
About the author: Collette Lundy writes for Stay in Kerry and promotes Killarney Hotels and Killarney Bed and Breakfast.