Ross Castle - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Innisfallen is the largest island on Lough Leane, which is the largest of the three Lakes of Killarney. An island of approx 21 acres it is the largest of the islands on the lake and can be accessed via motor boats which run from Ross castle during the summer months. Some of the most impressive archaeological remains from early Christian times to be found in the Killarney region are to be found in the ruined monastery on Innisfallen Island.

St Mary’s is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Kerry. The beautiful Gothic-style structure was designed by Augustus Pugin and dedicated to Mary in 1855. It was designed by the renowned English architect Augustus Welby Pugin, who is said to have gained inspiration from the ruins of Ardfert Cathedral "which is particularly evident in the slender triple lancets in the east and west walls.

Killarney House is an Irish country home in Killarney. The house and gardens offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the busy town. The restoration of the house and formal gardens has resurrected in part the style of 18th century French chateaux and a 20th century Edwardian property. The restoration work to the landscaped gardens continues.

Lough Leane is the largest of the three lakes of Killarney. The River Laune flows from the lake into the Dingle Bay to the northwest. It is approximately 19 square kilometres in size. It is also the largest body of fresh water in the region. It has become eutrophic as a result of phosphates from agricultural and domestic pollution entering Lough Leane Reedbed, an important habitat on the edge of Lough Leane.

Killarney National Park, was the first national park in Ireland, created when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932It contains many features of national and international importance such as the native oakwoods and yew woods together with an abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs and a profusion of bryophytes and lichens which thrive in the mild Killarney climate.

Muckross Abbey was founded for the Observatine Franciscans about 1448 by Daniel McCarthy Mor. The present well-preserved ruins include a church with a wide, square tower and fine windows, and a vaulted cloister with an arcade of arches around a square courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard grows an ancient yew tree, said traditionally to be as old as the Abbey. Today the abbey is largely roofless although, apart from this, is generally quite well preserved.