Killarney get out · How to get out Killarney
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How to get out Killarney
How to get out Killarney
The Gap of Dunloe is about 6 miles west of Killarney, a wild gorge about 12.8 kilometres long with Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Tomies mountains on either side. The highest mountain is Carrantuohill, and at about three and a half thousand feet high is the highest mountain in Ireland. For the very fit a walk though the gap is the best option while for the less able a Jaunting Car ride would suit. There are also ponies for hire, the choice is yours. The scenery in the Gap is spectacular, with steep sides and deep glacial lakes. The road is not suitable for most vehicles, but 4WDs or other cars with a high clearance could get through.
The Ring of Kerry is a route which meanders around the Iveragh Peninsula, mostly skirting the coast. 176 kilometres in circumference. It takes about 4 hours to complete without stops, but it's best to make it a full day drive and enjoy the views and quaint towns on the way. Drive from Killarney towards Kenmare on the N70 and follow the signs. You will pass St Finan's Bay, Bolus Head and Doulus Head, with the ring ending at Killorglin. In places the views are sensational, especially at Caherdanial where you will find Ireland's only beach pub. At regular intervals you will come across restaurants, cafes and gift shops majoring in Irish crafts.
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland. Although it reaches just 1041 meters into the sky, it is a real mountain, and a very nice climb. The tree-line in the region is very low, there are barely trees at all, and from the very start of the climb, it gives a true feeling of mountaineering. The route starts from the west, where Carrauntoohil is in the bottom of a valley. Looking in the valley, to the right is the third highest summit, and to the left are many smaller summits, with the second highest as the crown. You may walk across them all.
It is possible to ascend the mountain from different angles. The standard route is up Devils Ladder, up the east face. Another option is to try and visit the whole range in one go, something which is possible to do in one very long day. Finally, it is possible with some good scrambling to approach from the west and visit the three highest peaks. If you are not a skilled navigator, the Devil's Ladder route may be preferable. As for steepness, there are ridges that are fairly narrow, but at most places, there are paths when this occurs. There is, however, a narrow passage about half-way between the highest point and the second highest point, which requires scrambling, and which is rather exposed. A fall could be fatal.
Make sure you are prepared for bad weather also when the weather is beautiful. The mountain is exposed to high winds and the weather in Ireland changes rapidly. A good pair of boots or walking shoes are mandatory, as well as warm clothing and raingear. It is also strongly recommended to buy a map and carry a compass, and know how to use it.
Aghadoe (pronounced AHA-DOE) is a decent but not overly strenuous cycle, approx 45mins from town will leave you gazing over some of the most spectacular views Killarney has to offer from the viewing point, located just beside the Aghadoe burial grounds. The view is the one that most commonly appears on Killarney postcards, and is world famous. Aghadoe is also a popular area for those interested in Ireland's early history, with an 13th century Norman ruin named Parkavonear Castle, and ancient Ogham stones in the church ruins. If you cycled up by heading north from Killarney, there are two nice alternate routes back to town - both downhill.
The shorter one is to go between the graveyard and Parkavonear Castle, and follow the road past the back of the golf course, then turn left when you meet the main road to town. Alternativly, head past the Aghadoe Heights Hotel car park, and follow the road. You'll pass an old church (closed now) on the left that makes a nice photo, and turn left at the T junction near the German Butcher Shop. The Killarney youth hostel is worth a quick look. It is a grand old house hidden in among the forests. Its entrance is at the junction, look for the gatehouse. Continue downhill and turn left on the main road to town. Careful, this is the main road from west Kerry, and can be busy.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Killarney
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Killarney - updated May 2024
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Killarney Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.