Walking Trails
Take a stroll through the Kingdom
Set in the heart of Killarney, Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa places you moments from the beauty of Killarney National Park. Step outside and you’re perfectly positioned to explore woodland paths, lakeside trails and mountain landscapes, all within easy reach.
From leisurely walks through the park to longer adventures across the surrounding countryside, Killarney offers endless ways to explore at your own pace, before returning to the comfort of the Plaza.
Walking & Hiking in Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is made for walking, with well-kept paths that lead you through historic grounds and some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. From easy strolls just minutes from the hotel to longer routes that bring you deeper into woodland, lakes and mountains, there’s a pace to suit every kind of day.
Here are a few of our favourite walks to start with:
Just across from the hotel, Killarney House Gardens offer an easy, peaceful place to wander, right at the edge of the National Park. These beautifully kept gardens stretch across five acres, with tree-lined paths and open green spaces that invite you to slow the pace.
From here, you can continue on foot through Knockreer Gardens and out towards Ross Island, all without ever leaving the park. It’s an effortless way to step into nature, just moments from the front door.
The Arthur Young Nature Trail is a scenic circular walk of approximately 7.5 kilometres, taking around two and a half hours to complete. A shorter option of approximately 4.5 kilometres is also available and takes about one and a half hours.
The trail begins and ends near Muckross House and winds through one of the most extensive natural yew woodlands in Europe. Walkers will encounter mosses, ferns, lichens, oak and arbutus trees, along with wildlife such as sika deer.
The route follows the Muckross Peninsula between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and mountains throughout the walk.
The entrance to Knockreer Gardens sits just opposite St Mary’s Cathedral, reached by an easy five-minute walk with a gentle incline. Come mid-spring, the gardens come into their own, with camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and cherry trees bringing colour to every turn.
As you wander further, the views begin to open out across the lakes and mountains beyond. From here, a network of paths invites you to keep going towards Ross Castle, Killarney Golf Course, Teahouse Point and Reen Point, or simply take the scenic route back towards town at your own pace.
For those looking to push a little further, Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, offers a climb that is as rewarding as it is demanding.
The most popular route takes you through Hag’s Glen and up the Devil’s Ladder, a steep and rocky ascent that calls for care and experience. The full hike typically takes around six hours, leading you from Christ’s Saddle to the summit, marked by a cross standing 1,039 metres above sea level.
Conditions on the mountain can change quickly, and navigation can become challenging, particularly in poor visibility. This is a route best suited to confident, well-prepared walkers who are ready to take it on properly.
The Perfect Base for Walking and Hiking
With Killarney National Park just moments from the door and some of the county’s most beautiful walking routes all around you, Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa is the perfect base for days spent exploring. From peaceful lakeside strolls to woodland paths and mountain trails, there’s a route to suit every pace.
And when the day winds down, return to the comfort of the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, where a relaxing space, something delicious to eat and a little time to unwind are waiting.
