This article was written by freelance writer Aimee Claire.
Ireland is steeped in myths and legends having a magical landscape. Hikers adore its many miles of rugged, challenging walking trails. Photographers enjoy Ireland’s uncanny ability to change colour by the hour, depending on the weather and the light.
The fact that most visitors come to Ireland for its scenery is not really much of a surprise: dramatic, rocky coastlines, green hills and mountains and castles ranging from ancient strongholds to stately palaces. Ireland is situated on the very edge of Europe and has a character all its own.
To the south of County Clare lies County Kerry where the Killarney National Park is located. This is known for its lakes, the largest of which is Lough Leane and its mountains, including the highest in Ireland, Corran Tuathail in the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, which is 3,406 ft at its highest point.
Killarney boasts 26,000 acres which make the region a walker’s paradise. There are many excellent options for dining and accommodation as well as plenty of sandy, blue flag beaches along the coast and visitors are sure of a hospitable Irish welcome all across the region.
Other attractions in Killarney include Ross Castle on the edge of Lough Leane, built in the late 15th century and the ancestral home of the O’Donoghues. It was among the last Irish strongholds to surrender to Cromwell’s troops in the 1600s. From the castle, it is possible to make out Innisfallen Island, in the middle of the Lough, known for its monastic ruins from the 6th century. Nearby are the ancient copper mines at Ross Island, the earliest known copper mines in Britain and Ireland.
No booking is required for the two-hour guided walk in Killarney National Park offered by Killarney Guided Walks; all you need to do is just turn up at 11am to find yourself walking in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, President de Gaulle, and the Hollywood star Robert Mitchum, who filmed Ryan’s Daughter in the area, as well as the chance to spot two types of deer and a great number of bird species. The walks are offered all year round allowing both experienced hikers and those new to walking to spend a couple of hours or the entire day out in the hills.. Note that booking is necessary from November to April.
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