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Travel + Leisure
07-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Is Ireland's Oldest National Park—and It Has Rare Wildlife, Mysterious Medieval Ruins, and Stunning Lake Views
Go boating on the three lakes of Killarney: Lough Leane, Muckross, and Upper Lake. Explore medieval monastic ruins on Innisfallen Island, and immerse yourself in ancient silence. Walk through moss-covered old-growth woodlands to Torc Waterfall. Visit Muckross House for park history, formal gardens, and Victorian antiques. See Ireland's last surviving herd of wild red deer. In the heart of County Kerry lies a land of contrasts, where rare ferns and moss blanket lush valleys of ancient forests, which meet freshwater lakes backed by sandstone peaks. Mysterious medieval ruins fleck otherwise untouched vistas that are often shrouded in mist, and through them, rare animals roam the lowlands, and towering waterfalls meander from above. If you follow the Wild Atlantic Way (a 1,550-mile-long driving route that passes through nine Irish counties), you'll eventually find your way here, to the foot of Ireland's highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and Killarney National Park. Killarney is Ireland's oldest national park. It's also an Irish Special Area of Conservation (meaning it's a wildlife conservation area) and part of the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is home to rare, native Irish plants, animals, and birds—many of which can't be found anywhere else on earth. For example, Ireland's last surviving herd of wild red deer roam here, and visitors can wander through the Reenadinna Yew Woodland, western Europe's largest forest of yews—some trees are more than 200 years old. In addition to unique wildlife, the park has some of the country's most impressive historic sites, too. There's a medieval castle and monasteries, plus Victorian mansions and gardens. 'As Ireland's oldest national park, it has infrastructure for hiking and exploring that you won't find anywhere else,' says Patricia Doe, managing director of Wilderness Ireland, which specializes in a range of small-group and private travel experiences in the park. 'It doesn't really matter where you go, you'll have incredible views. What you can't particularly get from looking at photos or from reading a description is the light and the atmosphere here. There's something very special about the way those two things combine, regardless of the weather, in this part of Ireland. It's truly unique to Kerry and Killarney.' Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Killarney National Park. Most travelers fly into Dublin Airport (DUB), Cork Airport (ORK), or Kerry Airport (KIR). Kerry Airport is about 15 miles (about a 20-minute drive) from the park, while Cork Airport is a little over 55 miles away, and Dublin Airport is 200 miles away and about a three-and-a-half-hour drive. For convenience, your best bet is to rent a car to get to the park's main road, the N71. Parking is free, but heritage sites and gardens aren't accessible by car, so be prepared to walk a bit. Alternatively, bus and train services are available from Dublin or Cork, Ireland, to the town of Killarney. Between March and November, a hop-on, hop-off bus service is available from the town to some of the park's main sites through the tour operator Killarney Tours. Free to enter, Killarney National Park is open to pedestrians 24 hours per day, year-round. The historic homes and museums, Muckross House and Killarney House, are open every day, year-round. You'll find a park visitor center in Killarney House, as well as many other facilities spread across the park's 25,000 acres, including free parking, first aid centers, bathrooms, gift shops, cafes, and more. Since Killarney National Park is part of a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, anything that impacts wildlife habitats or plants, or creates pollution—noise, or otherwise—is strictly prohibited. So, leave no trace, taking nothing from the park that doesn't belong to you, and know that drones, camping, and campfires aren't permitted. Check the Killarney National Park's website for detailed maps, opening hours at various sites, and any news or updates that may impact your trip. Ross Castle located in Killarney National Park. Famous for its moody weather, Ireland has mild temperatures any time you visit. Summer in Killarney, however, is most popular for its warm temperatures (it's about 70 degrees Fahrenheit on average) and long, sun-filled days. You can plan for up to 18 hours of daylight, but if you do visit during the summer, you'll need to be prepared for big crowds, too. Winter's frosty, mist-draped landscapes have their own kind of magic, with far fewer travelers. However, shorter days of sullen, blustery weather—and nearly nonstop rain at times—can put a damper on outdoor exploration. Early spring and autumn are particularly good times to visit Killarney National Park. 'From late March into April, when things are just starting to come green, you really have the trails to yourself," says Doe. "If I were going to choose, though, I'd say to visit in autumn. There's something really special about the energy in the air then. The hikes tend not to be busy, and it feels a little bit more off-season, a bit more relaxed, there's less traffic.' The colors of the old-growth woodlands—bright amber, crimson, and citrine—lend an otherworldly aura to the park, too. Horses grazing in Killarney National Park. Lough Leane, Muckross, and Upper Lake make up the three lakes of Killarney. Renowned for their stunning panoramas and fascinating historic sites, no visit to this national park would be complete without exploring them—one of the best ways to do that is by joining a boating tour. From 15th-century Ross Castle on Lough Leane, you can head to Innisfallen Island, where you'll find some of Ireland's most impressive archaeological ruins: a 12th-century monastery and church, where monks lived from at least the 7th century. Here, they wrote the Annals of Innisfallen, an ancient text which chronicles medieval Irish history in more than 2,500 entries, now kept in the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford. Boat trips are also available from the Old Boat House on Muckross Lake to Dinis Peninsula, where the 18th-century tearoom Dinis Cottage is still serving snacks and drinks, near Old Weir Bridge, which crosses a spot where all three Lakes of Killarney converge: the Meeting of the Waters. You can also visit other spots along the water, like Lord Brandon's Cottage. Kayaking and canoeing are options, too, but you'll have to obtain a permit and power wash your vessel first. An arboretum of towering Scots pines, oaks, and silver fir surrounds this Victorian mansion, hemmed by formal gardens of flowers and shrubs. Inside, period artifacts like antique furniture, tapestries, and John Singer Sargent paintings give a sense of high-end 19th-century décor. The estate served as a family home for centuries and was donated to the people of Ireland in 1932, becoming the country's first national park. The house and gardens, however, are still one of the most popular places to visit. The well-preserved ruins of the 15th-century friary, Muckross Abbey, are an incredible place to explore ancient Irish heritage as you bask in solitude and contemplate the ages. Its cloistered courtyard is centered around a massive, ancient yew tree, estimated to be as old as the abbey itself. Next door, a cemetery still in use, is the final resting place of local chieftains and several notable poets from County Kerry. Many of Killarney's wild landscapes have sat undisturbed for centuries, creating pristine habitats for a range of wildlife, like Ireland's last surviving herd of wild red deer. A rare breed of black cows known as Kerry cattle, estimated to be one of Europe's oldest, can often be seen in fields along with the Irish hare, which can only be found in Ireland and has lived here for roughly 12,000 years. You can see Japanese Sika deer here too, along with rare species of butterflies, dragonflies, fish, and amphibians. Find a quiet spot and keep watch for some of the 140 species of birds that call the park home, like the Irish cuckoo, white-tailed sea eagle, rare red grouse, ring ouzel, and more. Rent a bike in town and hit the paved tracks around Muckross, Ross Castle and Island, or Knockreer. You can expect stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains and lakes with plenty of places to stop and explore. When they visited Killarney in 1861, Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting were so impressed by this mountainous panorama of the Upper Lake winding into the Long Range River that it was named after them. It's one of Ireland's most photographed spots, and an epic place to watch the light change at dusk, when red deer can often be spotted ambling through the field below. A backpacker hiking through Killarney. TheWith so much stunning scenery, one of the best ways to discover Killarney National Park is to take a walk. Some of Ireland's most spectacular, accessible, and historic hikes can be found here, and though the landscapes can change drastically, all the trails are very walkable. A great walk for all skill levels, this three-mile paved loop is also suitable for biking. It has minimal elevation gain but still has great views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Lough Leane, and open expanses of meadow. Wildlife sightings are common here, too. 'If you're going to go on just one small hike in the park,' Doe says, 'I highly recommend this one.' Starting and ending at the 19th-century Muckross House, this roughly 10-mile circuit around the coves and beaches of Muckross Lake passes by the house's formal gardens, traditional working farm, and 200-year-old Dinis Cottage. Watch for red deer and red squirrels in moss-covered, fern-swathed Reenadinna Wood, Western Europe's largest expanse of ancient yew forest, a Special Area of Conservation where many trees are said to be more than two centuries old. This route follows the start of the previous loop from Muckross House, along the Old Boathouse Trail towards the mountains, Dundag Point's limestone cliffs, and Muckross Lake, climbing steadily through sylvan landscapes of ancient trees. Stone steps descend to the best views of Torc Waterfall, most impressive after a heavy rain. From here, you'll rejoin the Muckross Lake Loop to where you started. Alternately, for an out-and-back hike from Torc Waterfall, you can follow a section of the waymarked, long-distance hiking trail, Kerry Way, to the summit of Torc Mountain. It's an 8.5-mile trek to get there. 'Torc Mountain is not a particularly high hill in terms of elevation relative to other mountains in the region, but what you get up there is just spectacular views back across Killarney and the Lakes, and across towards Carrauntoohil, [Ireland's highest mountain], and some of the bigger mountains," Doe says. If you're up for a challenge, the historic road from Killarney to vibrant Kenmare, Ireland, is part of the Kerry Way, Ireland's longest signposted walking trail. You can hike a stretch of it within the park, from Torc Waterfall through uplands and ancient woodlands, passing popular sites like Lord Brandon's Cottage, Ross Castle, and picturesque scenes of the Owengarriff River. Or, you could go the distance to Kenmare, about 10 miles away. 'It's very well waymarked,' says Doe. 'The challenge is that you would need to coordinate your start and finish since it's a linear route.' Bird's eye view of outdoor dining at Cafe du Parc. With few options for substantial meals in the park, Doe recommends stopping at one of the many cafés in town for a takeaway picnic. Manna Café and Bistro serves great options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with vegan and vegetarian choices too, many of which can be easily transported. This lakeside café near Muckross House has been in business for over 200 years, with a history that goes back even farther. Here, you can find light fare like sandwiches with a variety of desserts, some plant-based, gluten-free, and sugar-free options, plus tea and coffee. There are four dining options at the park's only five-star hotel, Muckross Park, but the multi-award-winning Yew Tree Restaurant might be the most unique. Serving seasonal ingredients in the hotel's original Victorian lounge, it's garnered accolades and praise for innovative Irish dishes made with ingredients from local farms. A guest suite in The Killarney Park Hotel. Barry Murphy/The Leading Hotels of The World Five minutes' walk from Killarney Train Station and six minutes' drive from the National Park, this five-star, award-winning, family-owned hotel is surrounded by private gardens and decked in a modern take on old-world Irish décor. With a spa and multiple options for local and seasonal food onsite, The Killarney Park Hotel is a sustainable property that gives a true experience of Irish hospitality. Camping is strictly prohibited in the park, but several sites are available outside its perimeter, including this couple's only spot with views of the Kerry Mountains. Just over a mile from town and a six-minute drive to the park, you can choose from heated suites, luxury lodges, or a cabin with private showers and bathrooms at Killarney Glamping at the Grove. The only five-star hotel located inside Killarney National Park, this award-winning, 70-room property was Killarney's first hotel,and has been in business since 1795. Surrounded by stunning views and walking trails, it's just minutes from Lough Leane and Ross Castle. A Gothic-inspired spa and an award-winning restaurant in the original Victorian lounge offer a bit of history with higher-end amenities. For a family-friendly option, try this award-winning property with epic mountain views from the shores of Lough Leane. Owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years, you can expect traditional Irish hospitality. A pool and a Fairy Trail are good for kids.
The Independent
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
U2 guitarist explains why it took him 60 years to become an Irish citizen
U2 guitarist The Edge, real name David Howell Evans, has secured Irish citizenship after living in Ireland for over 60 years. Born in England to Welsh parents, Evans moved to Ireland at one year old and co-founded the Dublin -born band U2 in 1976. He described the citizenship as "long overdue" and expressed deep pride in Ireland, stating he always felt Irish. The conferring ceremony took place in Killarney, County Kerry, as part of an event where more than 7,500 people were expected to become Irish citizens. Evans highlighted the significance of the timing, feeling an even deeper connection with his homeland. U2 guitarist The Edge becomes Irish citizen in 'long-overdue move'
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
U2 guitarist The Edge becomes Irish citizen – after 62 years in the country
After decades of finely balanced procrastination, the U2 guitarist The Edge has officially become Irish. The 63-year-old British subject was conferred with Irish citizenship on Monday, 62 years after moving to Ireland in a step he said was 'long overdue'. U2 may be a symbol of Ireland, and The Edge's woolly caps may verge on national treasure status, but David Howell Evans had not been a citizen until now. 'I'm a little tardy with the paperwork,' he told reporters after a conferring ceremony in Killarney, County Kerry. 'I've been living in Ireland now since I was one year old. But the time is right. And I couldn't be more proud of my country for all that it represents and all that it is doing.' Evans was born in England to Welsh parents but has considered himself Irish – and Ireland his home – since he was a toddler. He formed U2 in 1976 with three Dublin classmates – Paul Hewson, better known as Bono, Larry Mullen Jr and Adam Clayton – and went on to record Sunday Bloody Sunday and other songs that became Irish anthems. Evans, however, never got around to applying for citizenship. 'Honestly, there were many moments in the past when I could have done it with just the form to be filled out but I'm happy it's now, it feels more significant,' he said. Wearing an Irish tricolour clip, Evans swore an oath of loyalty and fidelity to the Irish state with hundreds of other newly created citizens in the Gleneagle arena – one of several back-to-back ceremonies that will confer citizenship on 7,500 people on Monday and Tuesday. He said the ceremony had been very moving and especially significant for him because of Ireland's support for multilateral organisations, such as the international criminal court and the UN, and for 'speaking truth to power'. 'I have always felt Irish, Ireland will always be home to me and I'm so grateful for that,' he said. Ireland was showing real leadership in the world, he said. 'It couldn't come at a better moment for me so I am just so happy to be at this point, to be in even deeper connection with my homeland.' Critics of U2 say the band's tax arrangements, which route some income not generated in Ireland overseas, undermine its commitment to the country. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion The 7,500 applicants at the Kerry ceremonies come from more than 143 countries, with the biggest number from Indiawith 1,888, followed by Brazil with 817, the UK 516, the Philippines 480, Romania 470, and Poland 396. They include shop assistants, meat plant workers and financiers. The minister for justice, home affairs and migration, Jim O'Callaghan, said the ceremonies were milestones that would connect the new citizens to their adopted homeland. He said: 'It is a great privilege to become a citizen of this country and obviously with it comes responsibilities and duties, and I think everyone who is taking on citizenship will be aware of that.' His comments came amid a growing backlash against immigration in the US and Europe, including Ireland and Northern Ireland. Thousands of protesters attended a rally in central Dublin on Sunday, some holding banners saying 'Ireland is full', others with caps saying 'Make Ireland Great Again'.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
U2's The Edge becomes Irish citizen after more than 60 years
U2 guitarist David Howell Evans, known as The Edge, has become an Irish citizen at a ceremony in County 63-year-old was born in Essex in England, and is the child of Welsh parents, but has lived in Ireland since he was a tricolour clip on his lapel, the musician had Irish citizenship conferred on him in Killarney and said it was a "a monumental day" for all is among about 7,500 people who are making a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the Irish state and becoming Irish citizens on Monday and Tuesday. 'The time is right' "I'm a little tardy with the paper work," he told Irish broadcaster RTÉ."I've been living in Ireland now since I was one, but the time is right."And I couldn't be more proud of my country for all that it represents and all that it is doing."It couldn't come at a better moment for me, so I am just so happy to be at this point to be in even deeper connection with my homeland."Last month, it was revealed that U2 are back in the studio making new music, after a gap of eight four-piece had been on an extended break, as drummer Larry Mullen Jr recovered from neck was a founding member of the group, which was formed in Dublin in the 1970s.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Our rental car burst into FLAMES while we were sat in traffic – we escaped by the skin of our teeth
A COUPLE whose hire car unexpectedly caught fire within minutes while on holiday now want answers from the rental company - who they claim appeared "completely unbothered" by the frightening ordeal. Jenna Willcox, 41, and her partner, Matt Jackson, 39, were driving near Killorglin, a small town in County Kerry, Ireland, when their rented Peugeot 3008 began to emit white smoke and a terrible smell. 4 4 4 Sensing a major issue, they quickly got out of the car and pulled most of their belongings out with them, including their suitcases. Moments later, the car was completely engulfed in flames, leaving them stunned. 'It literally happened within minutes, we were sitting in traffic outside this little town and smoke started coming out of the bonnet,' said Jenna, speaking exclusively to Sun Motors. 'It was pouring out, it was the worst thing I've ever smelt. I don't know what was on fire, but it smelled like hell.' The couple ran up the road to a nearby petrol station, watching in shock as the car they'd been sitting in was reduced to a burnt-out husk. 'I keep thinking, if the lock hadn't worked or if we hadn't been able to get away in time. 'Luckily, people around us were able to drive away - but what if we'd been inside a tunnel or stuck in traffic?' After the ordeal, the couple managed to get a bus back to their accommodation, expecting Enterprise, the company they'd hired the car from, to provide assistance - perhaps with an offer of compensation or a replacement car. But Jenna says their response was slow and disorganised, with the company completely unprepared to manage the situation. She claims they were passed around and transferred to a vehicle recovery company, despite there being "nothing to recover." Cars & 30-tonne HGV collide in high-speed pile-up – but is all as it seems 'We literally spent the whole of the next day on the phone to Enterprise to get them to send us another vehicle - we thought the least they could do was send us another vehicle.' After speaking to Jenna, Sun Motors reached out to Enterprise. A spokesperson for the company said: 'At Enterprise we aim to always deliver high-quality customer service. 'If incidents occur, we maintain consistent communication with the customer during and post-incident to provide ongoing support and keep them informed of progress. 'We believe that our actions in this case followed all necessary steps to resolve the situation.' However, Jenna and Matt vehemently disagree with Enterprise's assessment. They claim that instead of offering immediate assistance, Enterprise told them they needed to return to the nearest outlet - some 100 miles away - despite the fact they no longer had a means of transport. How to deal with a vehicle fire If your car catches fire or emits smoke while driving, stop safely, evacuate all passengers and call emergency services. Leave the vehicle quickly, as electrical systems might fail. Use an extinguisher on small external fires only if safe, but don't put yourself at risk. Avoid opening the bonnet as it could worsen the fire, move away from traffic lanes, stand behind barriers if possible and keep a safe distance due to risks like toxic fumes, tyre explosions, or flying parts. Inform emergency services about the vehicle type and any flammable cargo, especially if it's an electric vehicle, as these require special handling. Most of all, prioritise your safety over saving the car. It was only after failing to find a taxi and making several further phone calls, they claim, that an employee eventually drove a replacement car to them. Enterprise disputes this claim, saying that it promptly offered transport to the customers. "It seemed like they had absolutely no contingency plan in place,' added Jenna. 'Even if the car had broken down, you would think they'd have some sort of plan to bring us one. 'The whole thing with Enterprise, the whole way through, they were really bad at communication. 'They didn't apologise or ask us how we were - they didn't seem to care about any of that.' Jenna and Matt continued to chase a response from Enterprise after the incident happened in September. 'Eventually, they got to the stage where they're like, 'Okay, we need to do an investigation into what happened.' 'But it was all from that perspective; what they were interested in was, was it our fault?' Jenna says they never explained or shared any details about the evidence they had - pointing out it was impossible to figure out what caused the fire since the car was completely destroyed. 'At this point, we were terrified, like, what if they think it's our fault? They could prosecute us or take us to court. There was no explanation or communication on what the consequences might be.' Eventually, Enterprise concluded their investigation, finding that Jenna and Matt were not at fault. However, much to the couple's frustration, that was the end of the matter. When they contacted the Ombudsman group European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS), they said they were told by Enterprise that there was a complex investigation ongoing involving many departments. When the couple asked Enterprise about this directly, they claimed the company did not respond - which meant ECRCS said they were unable to act. Eight months later, Zurich, Enterprise's insurance company, finally offered them £600 in compensation, later increasing it to £900. However, this failed to account for the ruined holiday, emotional distress and time spent resolving the issue. 'Sometimes when I drive home from work, it does go through my mind. 'You'll sometimes get a weird smell, and you don't know if it's your car or someone else's car, and it does go through my mind - what if it happens again? 'Before this fire, I would have just been like, 'Don't be ridiculous, a car can't just catch on fire.' But now I know that it does happen for no reason. That does go through my mind, which is pretty horrible.'
