Innisfallen Island - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.