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Visiting Killarney in Co. Kerry

© Irene Togher

Killarney is one of the most visited towns in Ireland. During the summer months the place is jam packed with tour buses and camera-lugging travelers. However, you shouldn't let that keep you away. The town was born to cater for tourism and if you don’t go you'll miss the magnificent lakes and mountains, surrounding the town that draw all those visitors every year. The natural beauty of the environs will easily dispel any negative thoughts you might have about going to such an obviously "touristy" place.

You're not going to visit this town and miss the Lakes of Killarney, by far the top attraction. The lakes are located in the Killarney National Park and are made up of the Upper Lake (often called Lough Lein), the Middle Lake (known as Muckross Lake) and the Lower Lake. The lakes are beautifully dotted with small islands, the most noteworthy being Innisfallen. Visitors can row out to this island in a rented rowboat and it's famous for the 7th century monastery that was once located here. It's believed that Brian Boru himself was educated there. Today you'll see only the remains of a 11th and 12th century Church and priory but there's a wonderful serenity here that's welcome to all visitors.

The park surrounding the lakes is a picturesque plethora of waterfalls, rivers, mountains, rich flora and fauna and so much natural beauty that you'll have to rip yourself away at the end of the day.

Within the national park you'll also find a couple of excellent attractions, apart from the glorious natural beauty. The main one is Muckross House and Gardens. Many advertisers have dubbed this place the "jewel of Killarney" and arguing that point is far from your mind when you see it.

The house is a gracious Victorian mansion complete with ivy-covered walls and picture perfect grounds. It dates back to 1823 and today is home to the Kerry Folklife Centre. Take a stroll around the various exhibits of furniture, paintings and craft shops inside before exploring the pretty gardens, well known for their azaleas and rhododendrons. Alternatively take one of the many horse and cart jaunts through the grounds.

Getting back to some natural beauty, you shouldn't miss going to the Gap of Dunloe - a premier sightseeing and picture-taking spot. Massive, glacial rocks form the gap and create breathtaking views over the lakes and mountains of Killarney. Probably the best way to see the gap is to cycle there yourself but otherwise take one of the many organized tours from the town center.