Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour: Explore Historic Sites and Native Wildlife

Join a 2-hour guided walking tour in Killarney National Park to explore historic sites, spot native wildlife, and enjoy stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Meet your guide at 11am outside O’Sheas Funeral Home opposite St. Marys Cathedral for a two hour walk of Killarney National Park. This can be extended to a longer walk if desired.

The cathedral was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin who came over to Killarney from London, and building commenced in 1842. During the great famine the unfinished building was used as a shelter for starving people who came in from the countryside. The lovely thatched cottage Deenagh Lodge which once served as a gate lodge is now a popular tea rooms during the summer months.

Queen Victoria was a visitor to this area back in 1861 arriving in Killarney by train, a new age travel as the railway first opened in Killarney in 1853. Sika deer were introduced to the area from Wicklow in 1865, and there is now a good number of them. The native red deer are a bigger attraction they came close to extinction but thankfully there now is a good size herd in the National Park.

The year 1969 was an exciting one as Charles De Gaulle spent nearly two weeks in a cottage nearby with a big security presence. The film Ryans Daughter was filmed in Dingle, but the love scene was done in the National Park. Not surprising as the scenery speaks for itself.

All the local guides have a great love of their home place, so you can be guaranteed an informative tour.

Points of Interest

  • Knockreer Estate

  • St. Mary’s Cathedral

  • Killarney National Park

  • Killarney Guided Walks

What's Included
  • Walking boots recommended, but not required.
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Debuting at 11am, join us for a 2-hour stroll through the magnificent Killarney National Park. Our meeting location is oSheas Funeral Home V93 KX 61, right across St. Marys Cathedral - a historical structure from the year 1842. Wander into the National Park from across the road, commencing by the picturesque thatched home, gradually ascending towards Knockreer House, and onwards to Dairy Cottage, the very place that France’s President Charles De Gaulle inhabited for a good part of June 1969. As you proceed, be ready to awe at an expansive lakes and mountains view, also likely encountering grazing native red deer. Our native guide, raised not too far from here, will familiarise you with the best secret spots. Until later (Slán go fóill).

Location
O'Sheas Funeral Home
Departure Point: 11am outside O'Sheas Funeral Home opposite Killarney Cathedral Address: Lower New Street, Killarney Directions: The tour starts outside O'Sheas Funeral Home opposite Killarney Cathedral Dates: Daily
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(339 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Ginnyee
Sep 11, 2024
Fantastic guided walk by Richard Clancy - We throughly enjoyed our guided walk through the Killarney National Park with Richard Clancy . He is so knowledgeable and personable , we didn’t want our walk to end. You will get to experience the splendor of Ireland off the beaten path. We even saw the rowing team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort56910377056
Sep 5, 2024
Wonderful experience! - My husband and I had a wonderful walk with Richard and would recommend it to all! He took us off the beaten track in the park and showed us beautiful views and scenery. He was very knowledgeable about the area, and gave us the space to ask questions. He also gave great recommendations on what to do with the remainder of our day and our time in Killarney.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ami
Aug 30, 2024
Beautiful walk in the park - I had a lovely time walking through the park learning bits about plants, animals, and the town. Guide was very friendly and seemed to know everyone we passed!
Review provided by Viator
Nolesan
Aug 21, 2024
Great park, great guide! - Relaxing and enjoyable guided walk in a beautiful park. James was fabulous! Lots of local knowledge and entertaining - enjoyed his Irish songs, too 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Demuynckkatrien
Aug 15, 2024
Beautiful experience! - Nice and pleasant start to explore Killarney National Park. Definitely recommended to see and experience the natural beauty! Friendly and informative Guide. Departure and arrival time were as planned.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guillianc2020
Aug 10, 2024
Great experience - Great experience. The Guide knew the small places not too busy in the park. I highly recommend taking this short walk then taking a walk in the cathedral (which is at the Check-out point of the tour) then going to Ross Castle and the various waterfalls afterwards. Superb experience and magnificent views!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markmi3527hk
Aug 9, 2024
Excellent Guided Walk in Killarney Park - Our guide was Richard Clancy. We enjoyed the guided walk in Killarney National Park today. Richard definitely took us down trails we would never have noticed. The scenery and plant life was wonderful. Although we started a little late due to waiting for a no-show, Richard more than made up for it by extending the walk. Thanks so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fletch1888
Jul 21, 2024
Love the tour - Fantastic walk and immersion into local culture. Mike did a great job! Bring your most comfortable walking shoes! It was roughly 7 miles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L7487qxkarlr
Jul 10, 2024
Really recommended - It was a super interesting tour. We have gained many impressions outside the tourist places. The tour guide was very friendly and could tell many interesting and funny aspects. It was a lot of fun. We recommend the tour in any case.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_c
Sep 23, 2024
1 hour waiting 1 hour of a nice tour. - The guide was excellent. Told great stories and played several traditional Irish instruments. The owner of the tour company, Richard, seems a bit disorganized and not great at communicating. It unfortunately caused us to get only a one hour tour, pretty much on a paved trail in Killarney National park. Which we could have done on our own. The park is beautiful and is a don't miss.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today