There are a huge number of opportunities for family activities
in and around the Killarney area.
Killarney National Park -
The National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of
beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The Park is famous for its'
native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew
woods and red deer. The National Park Visitor Centre (located at
Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide
information on all aspects of the park.The Education Centre, located
at Knockreer House, provides a range of courses related to nature
conservation and the ecology of The National Park for school children,
students and other groups.
> visit
the Killarney National Park website
Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms -
Muckross is one of Ireland’s premier attractions and incorporates
Muckross Traditional Farms, Craft Workshops, Nature Trails, Free
Audio Visual, Restaurant and Craft Shop. Situated in Killarney National
Park, Muckross House is a focal point within the Park and is the
ideal base from which to explore its terrain whether by foot, jarvey’s
or bike. Muckross Traditional Farms are working farms recreating
the traditional farming methods of the 1930’s. Visitors to
the farms can enjoy a free trip around the site on the superb Muckross
Vintage coach and use the newly opened children’s woodland
playground. The Walled Garden Centre incorporates the Garden Restaurant,
Mucros Craft Shop and the three Mucros Craft Workshops.
> visit
the Muckross House website
Ross Castle - Built in the 15th Century by the
O’Donoghue Chieftains.
It overlooks the lower lake in Killarney and looks out on a 7th
Century monastery and 12th Century Oratory on Innisfallen Island.
Legend
has it that Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, was educated here
by the monks in the 9th Century.
> visit
the Ross Castle website
Muckross Abbey - Founded by the Franciscans in
the 15th century, this unique Abbey was plundered by Cromwellian
forces
in 1652. Although a “ruin”, the building is in a remarkable
state of preservation with the walls of the Cloister and its associated
buildings in their original complete state. Access is all year
round and admission is free.
Meeting of the Waters and Dinis Cottage
- Old Weir
Bridge and Dinis Cottage 9km from Killarney on the Killarney to
Kenmare Road – this is the point where the waters of the
Upper Lake reach the other two Lakes of Killarney, the Middle or
Muckross Lake
and Lough Leane. Here can be seen a wealth of luxuriant plants
and shrubs. It is at the Old Weir Bridge that the boats shoot the
rapids,
on the wonderful Gap of Dunloe tour.
Ladies View - 19km on the Killarney to Kenmare
Road, this popular view may have derived its name because of the
delight
expressed by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting on their
visit to the spot over 150 years ago. From here you can get one
of the
best views of Killarney Valley.
Torc Waterfall - One of Ireland’s finest
waterfalls situated in the shadows of lovely Torc Mountain.
Killarney Jarvey’s & Jaunting Cars -
Enjoy the traditional way to visit the delights of Killarney with
the famous
jarvey’s and jaunting cars. Lots of story telling,
history and Craic!
> visit
the Killarney Jaunting Cars website
A Cruise in the Park, Killarney - Take a relaxing
and enjoyable cruise through the Killarney National Park in the
comfort and safety of
a covered, heated and modern vessel,
the MV Lily of Killarney. Fully glazed to allow you enjoy the magnificent
views that make this cruise unique, including the historic Ross
Castle. Live commentary will entertain and inform you on the history
and
folklore of the area. This all weather water coach cruise is the
ideal way to view Killarney National Park.
Buddies Indoor Soft Play & Party Centre -
Come to Buddies and relax in our Café, while your children
explore our exciting play centre. Our centre is suitable for children
up to the age of 12 years. Our facilities include an Astra Slide,
Ball Cannon, Sports Area, Interactive Lights, Toddler Track and
so much more. Open 7 days.
> visit the
Buddies website
Horse Riding & Pony Trekking - Killarney offers
a wide choice of Equestrian options, from organised riding and
treks to the less formal mountain rides through the magnificent
Gap of Dunloe.
> visit
the Killarney
Riding Stables website
> visit
the Muckross
Riding Stables website
Coolwood Park, Wildlife Park & Sanctuary, Killarney -
A fifty-acre complex, 10 acres of which is a wildlife park and
40 acres
of wildlife sanctuary. Heavily wooded it is the stronghold
of the red squirrel, sparrow hawks, dippers and more common species.
It is an ideal place to take the family for a visit. The wildlife
park includes monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, racoons, prairie dogs,
agouties, arctic foxes, maras, llamas, alpacas, mountjac deer,
pygmy goats,
large birds of prey collection, pets corner, reptiles, fancy fowl,
rabbittery and large waterfowl collection. Coffee shop and picnic
area available on site.
> visit
the Coolwood Park website
Kennedy’s Pet Farm, Killarney - Irelands
Premier Family Pet Farm with all weather facilities for an exciting
day out. New arrivals
on the farm are a regular occurrence
and there’s always a happy mother waiting to show off her new
babies! So if you fancy cuddling, feeding or just admiring the large
varieties of animals – puppies, kittens, deer, pigs, piglets,
horses, calves, sheep and lambs, goats and kids, donkeys, pot bellied
pigs, rabbits, ducks and ducklings, geese and goslings and “Prince” the
peacock – then Kennedy’s Pet Farm is a must. Its unique
indoor and outdoor playgrounds are every child’s dream experience.
Small coffee and tuck shop available. Feel free to bring your own
picnic.
> visit
the Kennedy's Pet Farm website
Cappanalea Outdoor Educational Centre, Killorglin -
A great Outdoor Educational Centre that includes activities such
as canoeing, rock
climbing, bouldering, orienteering, hill walking,
windsurfing, abseiling and dinghy sailing. Great for older children.
> visit
the Cappanalea website
Aqua Dome, Tralee - The Aqua Dome has something
for everybody. The young and young at heart, those seeking thrills,
and the visitor
who just
wishes to
unwind… all have much to look forward to. “Fly down” the
90-metre flume, “splash out” in the waves, ride the “raging
rapids” or relax in the “lazy river”. Small children
have their own area; with bubble slide fountain and mushroom spray.
Adults can experience the luxury of the Sauna Dome, which features
two large saunas, steam room, cool pool, sun shower and relaxation
area.
> visit
the Aqua Dome website
Aqua Golf, Tralee - Aqua Golf is an 18-hole miniature
golf course featuring bunkers, water hazards and holes of varying
difficulty.
Between the
two lie
remote control boats and trucks, which are great fun for all the
family.
> visit
the Aqua Golf website
Crag Cave, Castleisland - Crag Cave is a natural,
all-weather visitor attraction located at the gateway to Kerry.
Formed of limestone,
it is a colourful wonderland
of stalagmites and stalactites, thought to be over one million
years old, with dramatic sound and lighting effects. Friendly guides
are
pleased to outline the caves origins and its many beautiful formations,
and introduce visitors to a world older than mankind. The Cave
Centre has a coffee shop, extensive gift shop and “Crazy Cave”,
an indoor children’s soft play adventure centre with junior,
toddler, baby and sports areas.
> visit the
Crag Cave website
For more activity ideas, see our Things To Do page
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