Lough Leane - 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.

Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. The Castle came into the thands of the Brownes who became the Earls of Kenmare and owned an extensive portion of the lands that are now part of Killarney National Park. It is the ancestral home of the Chiefs of the Clan O'Donoghue, later associated with the Brownes of Killarney.The castle is operated by the Office of Public Works, and is open to the public seasonally with guided tours.

Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island in Killarney National Park looks out over the Middle Lake and was built by the Herberts who at one time owned the lands that are now part of Killarney National Park . The cottage has been described as a hunting lodge and a woodcutter’s hut and dates back to the 1700s. It provides a tempting stop-off for the many visitors, walking the popular Muckross and Dinis 10km circular trail through the National Park and taking in Torc Waterfall.

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.

Muckross Lake is one of the deepest lakes in Ireland and is home to many types of fish. It is one of the three famous Lakes of Killarney, along with Lough Leane and Upper Lake. It is also a habitat for the critically endangered blunt-snouted Irish char.