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Mini guide to Killarney
Located in the stunning country of Kerry, Killarney draws loads of tourists to the green (and often wet) southwest of Ireland. It boasts stunning scenery, a lively atmosphere, excellent traditional music and a welcoming tourist infrastructure. The little town can scarcely cope with the influx of tourists during the summer, but there are plenty of B&Bs;, and it all adds to the atmosphere. Wandering around by foot is the only practical method of exploring the delightful lanes, packed with Irish craft and souvenir shops. If you really wish to enjoy the spirit of this tourist town, hop in a horse drawn cart. The town sits beside the Lakes of Killarney - a series of impossibly contorted lakes, beautifully dotted with small islands. The most noteworthy is Innisfallen and visitors can row out to this island in a rented rowboat and visit the famous 7th century monastery. The Lakes are best seen from a boat trip departing half hourly from Kenmare castle, and this national monument strikes a haunting image among the mist often found shrouding the lake. Muckcross House, also within the National Park, has been called the ‘Jewel of Killarney’ and a visit to the grounds is a must. Hiring a car and driving up to the ‘ladies view’ gives the best views of the area, and several good waterfalls are encountered along the way. There are also good walking and cycling trails in the area. On a sunny day, the full-day cycle through the beautiful valley of the Gap of Dunloe, typified by massive glacial rocks, is rewarding, however the route is restricted to pedal power! Being Ireland, there are endless pubs, and on rainy days the locals love to sit around pints of Guinness and spin a few yarns. But it is the excellent ‘diddly eye’ music, found in several venues about town, that is enchanting. Fiddles, penny whistles, bodhrans and Uilleann pipes all combine to create a captivating Celtic sound, unique to Ireland. One of the main reason’s people come to Kerry is to drive the unforgettable ring of Kerry – a road which slowly winds its way around the Dingle Peninsula offering spectacular coastline and stunning mountain views.
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