Most people come to see Killarney’s lakes and the national park, and the whole area is one of outstanding natural beauty. The Muckross House and Gardens are the entrance to Killarney National Park and are one of the main highlights, with their folk museum and extensive gardens, while the Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral are other Killarney highlights.

Gap of Dunloe 
The Gap is essentially a gorge which was carved from the glacial melt water aeons ago. The Gap is not far from town and is seven kilometres long, with McGillycuddy Reeks to the right and Purple Mountains and Tomies to the left. The walking and cycling here is great while many people enjoy a “Thro' the Gap” pony trek, returning to Killarney by boat on the lakes. Phone: +353 64 30200; www.gapofdunloetours.com.

Killarney National Park 
Rugged Killarney National Park lies south of town and is famed for its scenery, walking and cycling. It is one of lakes, woods, waterfalls and mountains, of which McGillycuddy’s Reeks are the highest in Ireland at over1,000 metres. The lakes of Killarney lie at the foot of McGillycuddy’s Reeks, while the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens are the main entryway and focus of the park. Phone: +353 1 888 2000; www.killarneynationalpark.ie.

Muckross House and Gardens 
A major attraction of Killarney and Killarney National Park, the sprawling 19th century Muckross House and Gardens is today a folk museum which harks back to the days of the gentry. Period furniture and artwork feature heavily in the museum while the gardens are perfect for strolling. The onsite restaurant and workshops are also worth checking out. Phone: +353 61 31440; www.muckross-house.ie.  

Ross Castle 
The 15th-century Ross Castle, an O’Donoghue chieftain stronghold, lies on the edge of Lough Leane, and although conquered by Cromwell’s army in the 17th-century, it lived up to its reputation of being unvanquished via land – Cromwell’s forces came in by way of the lake. You can tour the castle today and check out its many interesting historical attributes, including the restored tower.

St Mary's Cathedral 
Although most of Killarney’s main attractions lie outside the town, the English Gothic style St Mary's Cathedral is a must-see. It was designed by Augustus W Pugin and finished in 1855, while the 1970s restorations faithfully stuck to Pugin’s original design for the exterior. The interior, however, was slightly modernised, replacing the wooden altars and pews with concrete ones. Phone: +353 64 31014.

Torc Waterfall 
Torc Waterfall is an exceptionally beautiful waterfall not far from the town centre, and can be accessed by a wide footpath which leads up a steep hill. The falls have a drop of about 60 feet and cascade beautifully over multi-tiered sections. In addition, from the top of the waterfall you have fantastic views over Killarney and the lakes.