Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park (Irish: Páirc Náisiúnta Chill Airne), near the town of Killarney, County Kerry, was the first national park in Ireland, created when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. The park has since been substantially expanded and encompasses over 102.89 km2 (25,425 acres) of diverse ecology, including the Lakes of Killarney, oak and yew woodlands of international importance, and mountain peaks. It has the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland. The park is of high ecological value because of the quality, diversity, and extensiveness of many of its habitats and the wide variety of species that they accommodate, some of which are rare. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. The park forms part of a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for the management and administration of the park. Nature conservation is the main objective of the park, and ecosystems in their natural state are highly valued. The park is known for its scenery,
and recreation and tourism amenities are provided for.
- 1 Climate and geography
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2
History
- 2.1 Early history
- 2.2 Creation of the park
- 3 Lakes of Killarney
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4
Woodlands
- 4.1 Oak woodlands
- 4.2 Yew woodlands
- 4.3 Wet woodlands
- 5 Bogland
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6
Flora
- 6.1 Bryophytes
- 6.2 Other plant species
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7
Fauna
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7.1
Mammals
- 7.1.1 Deer
- 7.2 Bird species
- 7.3 Fish species
- 7.4 Invertebrates
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7.1
Mammals
- 8 Conservation threats
- 9 Tourism
- 10 See also
- 11 References
- 12 External links
Links
Images Gallery
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Cloistered courtyard in Muckross Abbey.
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Ross Castle.
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Muckross House as seen from the top of Torc Mountain
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The Lakes of Killarney as viewed from Ladies View. Ladies' View provides a good view of the Lakes including the Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley and Ross Castle.
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Killarney Lake - Ireland
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The Purple Mountains, viewed from the Upper Lake.
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Reenadinna yew wood
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Male and female red deer
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Wild rhododendrons growing beside Owengarriff river.
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O'Sullivan's Cascade
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Old Weir Bridge – One of many sights in the park.
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Jaunting cars bring tourists around the park.
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Comments
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This one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. I have only been able to see it briefly but it has imprinted in my head forever. If you are at the west of Ireland this is a must see place!
2 weeks ago -
Into the lights and shades, walking through the forest and searching for a lost soul, Here I come take me deep to the wonderland. Lovely ride inside the park.
a month ago -
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It is a beautiful park. Very vast. It has hiking and cycling tracks. It has two beautiful lakes and many small waterfalls. We even saw a deer there. Can be explored very well by cycling
2 months ago -
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Nowhere can compare Killarney National Park. The beauty of the nature, the woodlands, the waterfall and the mountains. If you like walking, there are different levels of walk you can do. So next time if you do Ring of Kerry, don't forget to spend sometime to browse around here.
2 months ago -
The best part of Killarney is it's National Park! Free to roam the grounds as much as you want although I highly recommend cycling it and locking your bike up for areas that a bike can't be brought
a month ago -