Killarney · Things to do

10,000 hectares of lake, oak woodland and mountain, free and open to pedestrians around the clock with free parking at several points. Torc Waterfall is a five-minute walk from the N71 car park, and the steps above it join the Old Kenmare Road.

Victorian mansion inside the park with guided house tours, formal gardens, craft workshops and a separate 1920s working farm. About 6km from town — the lakeside path is a better approach on foot or by bike than the road.

Fifteenth-century tower house on Lough Leane, 2km from town off the N71 Kenmare road. Open 5 March–3 November, 9.30am–5pm, guided tours only on a first-come basis with a maximum of 15 people; €5 adult, €3 child or student. Boats to Innisfallen leave from the jetty beside it. Steep access.

A narrow glacial pass between the Purple Mountains and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, starting at Kate Kearney's Cottage about 11km west of town. Walk or cycle the road through; the traditional version carries on to Lord Brandon's Cottage and returns by open boat through the lakes.

The N71 south towards Kenmare climbs past Ladies View and Moll's Gap, with laybys looking back over the Upper Lake. Free, about 30 minutes' drive from town, and best done early — coach parties take the pull-ins from mid-morning.