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5 Great 5k Runs in Killarney

Find some of the best 5k running routes in Killarney National Park Table of Contents

1. 5 of the best - an overview

2. Knockreer & Castlerosse

3. Killarney House & Knockreer

4. Ross Castle & Library Point

5. Muckross House & Abbey

6. Muckross Gardens

7. Bonus: The Copper Mines

8. More hidden gems! 5 of the best - an overview

Killarney National Park encompasses over 25,000 acres of lakes, mountains and woodlands. With so much to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go for your next run. Within this guide, find 5 of the best 5km running routes within Killarney National Park.

Killarney Guide - killarneyguide.ie Killarney National Park is a runner's paradise and has numerous paths, tracks and trails to suit all levels of fitness. These vary from flat paved routes to undulating woodland trails and upland mountain tracks. In this guide, we will show you 5 of the best 5k runs in Killarney National Park.These running routes are all relatively flat with some minor inclines/declines in some to get the blood pumping and the feet thumping. All 5 of the runs have car parks adjacent to the Start/Finish points.

Killarney Best 5k Runs

1. Knockreer Castlerosse

3. Ross Castle Library...

3. Ross Castle Library... 4. Muckross House & Ab...

4. Muckross House & Ab...

5. Muckross Gardens

Map data ©2016 Our choice for the best 5k runs in Killarney are summarised below. They offered varied landscapes on routes that are close to the town and skirt two of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Whether you are in Killarney for the weekend or you are living locally, there should be something here for you to entice you to lace up and get out there.

# Run Route Ground Conditions Terrain Start / Finish

1 Knockreer Paved paths, gravel path, Parkland, riverbank Deenagh Lodge Castlerosse woodland trails

2 Killarney House & Paved Paths throughout Parkland, riverbank, lake Killarney House Knockreer views

3 Ross Castle Library Paved paths, woodland Lakeshore, Castle, Ross Castle Point trails woodlands

4 Muckross House & Paved Paths throughout Abbey ruins, lakeshore, Muckross Abbey Abbey woodlands Entrance

5 Muckross Gardens Paved paths, woodland Period house & gardens, Muckross House trails lakeshore, woodlands

Knockreer & Castlerosse

Knockreer Castl…

The looped circuit of Knockreer to Castlerosse through Killarney National Park is a wonderful 5km run that passes through open parkland, golf courses and along shaded riverbank paths. Two 19th century gate lodge cottages en route are joined by more modern additions of a children's playground and an open air fitness park. The Knockreer area of Killarney is popular with locals and visitors alike and this 5km route is a great way to experience some of the magic of Killarney National Park quite close to the Killarney town. The start/finish point is at Deenagh Lodge, at the entrance to Killarney National Park on Port Road, directly adjacent to St. Mary's Cathedral.

Read the full post HERE Killarney House & Knockreer

Killarney House…

Killarney House is situated in the centre of Killarney. It is the place where Killarney town meets Killarney National Park. The entrance to the Park at Killarney House is a great starting point for this 5km run. Killarney house is located at the junction of Countess Road and Muckross Road, just a stone's throw from the town centre. The route begins at Killarney House and follows the path towards the Deenagh Lodge at Knockreer. From here, follow the signs and pathways for the Circular Walk in Knockreer. The path rises up towards Knockreer House to where you will be greeted with superb mountain and lake views. As you descend to the parklands below, the path winds around towards the Deenagh River. Make sure to follow the riverbank path to find your way back to your starting point at Killarney House.

Read the full post HERE Ross Castle & Library Point

Library Point 5k

The beautiful trail that leads out to Library Point on Ross Island is an idyllic journey through woodland tracks and lakeshore paths. This 5km run follows some undulating paved paths before heading out along a trail through a wooded peninsula. A looped trail at the head of the peninsula skirts the cliff edges before returning through the heart of Ross Island to our starting point. Located Step out of the shadows of Ross Castle and discover a secluded and peaceful peninsula trail. The run starts and finishes at Ross Castle, just over 2km from Killarney town centre.

Read the full post HERE Muckross House & Abbey

Muckross House…

Muckross House is one of the top visitor attractions in the Killarney area. The nearby Muckross Abbey is situated on the shores of Lough Leane. This great 5k run takes you to both of these iconic locations and along magnificent lakeshore trails of Killarney National Park. The route is on paved paths throughout - although you do have the option of following a parallel woodland trail for some of the route if you wish. The starting point is at the entrance to Muckross Abbey on the N71 road approximately 3km south of Killarney town. From here you enter the National Park and begin your run through some of the most famous parts of Killarney National Park.

Read the full post HERE Muckross Gardens

Muckross Garde…

This 5km run through the paths and trails of Muckross Gardens takes you past carefully manicured lawns, lakeshore paths and through deserted woodland tracks. From the bustling environs of Muckross House to the base of Torc Mountain, this run packs a lot into its 5km distance. You will run along the shores of two of the Lakes of Killarney and see the peaks of the McGillycuddy Reeks rising above them. This 5k run starts and finishes in the main car park of Muckross House and Traditional Farm approximately 4km from Killarney.

Read the full post HERE Bonus: The Copper Mines

Copper Mines a…

This 5k run starts and finishes at Ross Castle, just over 2km from Killarney town centre. The route is a figure 8 type loop of Ross Island, Ross Road and the Reen area of Knockreer. Head along the main Ross Road from the Castle and enter the National Park to your left after approximately 1km. Follow the path and take the first left again to bring you back towards Ross Castle. When you reach the castle again, continue straight ahead towards Ross Island. Following signs for the Copper Mines, the trail loops around to bring you back towards Ross Castle once more. A nice 5k run that has a good mix of parkland, lakeshore, woodland landscape and even roadside running mixed in!

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