Things to do
“Any Kerryman will tell you that there are only two Kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Kerry – One is not of this world, and the other is out of this world.”
Kerry is home to some of the more traditional sites and experiences in Ireland, from the green hills and mountains to traditional pubs and céilís.
Killarney National Park
A visit to the National Park is a must when staying at Randles Hotel. Killarney is full of amazing views, walking trails, cycle paths and wildlife – most of these can be found in the National Park. Famous for its wildlife, don’t be surprised to see plenty of red deer as we enter the famous rutting season in Killarney. They are also amazing different species of birds in the park.
Within the park you will find must see attractions such as Killarney House and Gardens, Muckross House, and the Torc Waterfall.
Muckross House & Gardens
Located just 3.7km from the town centre within the National Park, Muckross House is a Tudor mansion open for visitors. Originally built in 1843, extensive improvements were made by the Herbert family in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in the 1850s for the visit of the Queen in 1861. During your visit you can see the Queen’s room with many of the original furnishings.
The significant cost of the house renovations put increased financial pressures on the Herbert’s and eventually lead to its sale. It was later bought by Arthur Guinness in 1899 who was keen to preserve its famous landscape.
Guinness never stayed in the property, however, and eventually sold it to Californian William Bowers Bourne, who gifted the estate to his daughter Maud as a wedding present. In 1929 sadly Maud died, and her husband and parents decided to present the Irish state with the 11,000-acre estate.
Torc Waterfall
Located also within the National Park is the stunning Torc waterfall. Worth a visit particularly after a heavy rainfall. Involving a small trek up a mountain be sure to bring your camera for this majestic sight. If walking isn’t your thing, parking is available at the entrance by the waterfall, you can even take a jaunting car through the park from Muckross House to the base of the waterfall, taking in the beautiful lakes on the way.
Ring of Kerry
Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the Ring of Kerry is renowned for its beauty. The area is extremely popular with those who love adventure and the outdoors be it fishing, golf, hillwalking, cycling or watersports the ring of Kerry has something for you. On the Ring of Kerry, you will find the stunning Gap of Dunloe, which separates the two mountain ranges of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain Ranges.
