Killarney National Park

Killarney - Hillcrest Farmhouse Irish Breakfast — Hillcrest Farmhouse Irish Breakfast

Killarney National Park was just to the east of where we stayed in the Black Valley. A section of the Ring of Kerry (N71) runs right through the park. We had not explored it at all during our two night stay at Hillcrest Farmhouse, other than the sheep pastures that were just inside the park boundaries a short walk from our B&B. On our 10th day in Ireland we woke up, readied ourselves for a long travel day, packed up the car and consumed another terrific Irish breakfast.

We visited the sheep one last time on our way out of the Black Valley. They were quite entertaining each time we visited them.

Killarney National Park, near the town of Killarney, County Kerry, was the first national park in Ireland. It was created when Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. The park has since been substantially expanded and encompasses over 25,425 acres of diverse ecology, including the Lakes of Killarney, oak and yew woodlands of international importance, and mountain peaks. It has Ireland’s only native herd of red deer and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland. – wikipedia

The park roads boasted some magnificent views. One specific spot is so grand that it was given a specific name: Ladies View. Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting visited this spot during the royal visit in 1861. There is a nice gift shop, cafe and bar for your convenience. Great coffee. This is where I found the best price on a wool zip up coat.

Ladies View

Just down the road a wee bit from Ladies View is a castle ruin and church.

As we drove through the park more, it became very clear that we could have spent another day in this area. The scenery was wonderful. Unfortunately, we had to move along and get closer to Dublin where we would fly back home in a few days.

More views of the park

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Terrain

The roads in this area are very narrow, hilly and full of curves. You are definitely off the beaten path here away from the coastal roads. The scenery is amazing.

We happened upon a fox that was up to no good; the farmer dispatched it and hung it on a fence. As we were traversing these roads we came upon a farmer working his dogs and baby sheep along the road from one pasture to another. This was a welcome travel interruption and fun to watch. There is so much to see; a wonderful surprise may just be down the road a wee bit further.