GUIDE TO KILLARNEY - including Muckross & Gap of Dunloe GENERAL ORIENTATION Killarney is located in the heart of Ireland’s southwest tourist region, 60 miles west of Cork City and 2 hours from Shannon Airport. Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Macgillicuddy Reeks and beside the three lovely Lakes of Killarney it is an ideal golfing base for the famous southwestern links. Killarney – the Church of the Sloes – is a The three lakes and the mountains that vibrant tourist town catering for almost 1 surround them are all contained within million visitors per year. The local population Killarney National Park. On the eastern of 9,000 are famous for their hospitality – shores of Lough Leane is Muckross with its tourism has been the primary economic base House, Abbey and Gardens. Entering the since 1750 when Lord Kenmare developed park there are many walking trails, the most the town so that people could enjoy its natural popular being the short walk to Torc Waterfall. beauty and splendid scenery. The road to Kenmare ascends through the Park passing Ladies View, a stunning vista of the three lakes below. On the opposite side - reached from the Killorglin Road - is the Gap of Dunloe, a Torc Waterfall spectacular narrow mountain pass that winds its way between Purple Mountain and the main peaks of the Reeks. The Lakes of Killarney and the Macgillicuddy Reeks are the principal natural formations. The three main lakes occupy a broad valley between the mountains. Nearest the town is Lough Leane, on the northern shore of which Killarney Golf & Fishing Club provides two splendidly scenic courses. A wooded peninsula at Muckross separates Lough Leane from the Middle or Muckross Many historical sites of interest also surround Ross Castle Lake before a long narrow straight called the Killarney, including Ross Castle, Muckross Long Range Leads to the most isolated and Abbey and Lissivigeen Stone Circle. unspoilt Upper Lake. The bustling and compact tow centre provides To the west are the peaks of the ample facilities for shopping, eating & Macgillicuddy Reeks, including Carrauntuohill drinking. – Ireland’s highest mountain at 3,414 feet. GUIDE TO KILLARNEY - including Muckross & Gap of Dunloe KILLARNEY X MUCKROSS X ROSS CASTLE HIGHLIGHTS Muckross House is a 19th century manor that The seat of the O’Donoghue Mórs, rulers of is now a museum to Kerry folk life and has an the Killarney area and descendants of the Muckross excellent craft centre. ancient Kings of Munster, Ross Castle was Gap of Dunloe built in the late fifteenth century. Torc Waterfall Ross Castle Lisivigeen Stones Franciscan Friary Ogham Stones The house is surrounded by wonderful In an enchanting setting on the shores of the gardens where many tender and exotic trees lower lake, just one mile from Killarney town and shrubs flourish. There is a fine collection centre, Ross Castle is now a ruined tower of rhododendrons and azaleas, and an house. Access is available only by guided outstanding rock garden on a natural rocky tour. outcrop. Nearby is Muckross Abbey, founded in 1448 for the Observantine Franciscans. The Abbey X LISIVIGEEN STONE CIRCLE ruins has been renovated and is in excellent condition and open to visitors. Stone circles are ritual or ceremonial artefacts from the Bronze Age and the stones at Lisivigeen, near Killarney town are an X GAP OF DUNLOE excellent example. The inner stones are known locally as the Seven Sisters, while the 9 miles west of Killarney, off the Killorglin outer stones are known as The Musicians. Road is the Gap of Dunloe. This narrow Jaunting Car at the mountain pass winds its way up through the Gap of Dunloe mountains before descending into Black X FRANCISCAN FRIARY Valley. Built in 1860, the Franciscan Friary is located Traditional jaunting cars are available to at Fair Hill in Killarney. Of similar style to ascend to the gap or alternatively you can Muckross Abbey is features a unique piece of walk. Gap of Dunloe tours depart from stained glass at the entrance. Killarney and bring the visitor through the Gap, down to the shores of Lough Leane returning to Killarney (Ross Castle) via boat. X OGHAM STONES At the foot of the pass is Kate Kearney’s Ogham was the earliest system of writing in Cottage where parking is available. Ireland. The language used was early Gaelic but the characters were Roman. The letters are represented by sets of stroked cut across X TORC WATERFALL a vertical stem line. The Ogham Stones Brickeen Bridge between Beaufort and Dunloe are fine A 60-foot high waterfall surrounded by trees is examples of these stones. one of the most beautiful in Ireland. A path winds its way from the main road to the falls and affords magnificent views of the Killarney Lakes. .