Just a five-minute drive or ten-minute walk from the centre of Killarney, the Knockreer Circular Walk is a great way to explore Killarney National Park. Circling around some of the most accessible parts of the park, the 5km trail follows a smooth paved path suitable for walking and cycling. There are a few reasonably challenging inclines, but the climbs are worth it for the incredible views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. 

Keep an eye out for red deer while hiking in Killarney on your two-hour tour and stop at Deenagh Lodge for some well-earned refreshments afterwards. Set in a quaint thatched cottage, the café sits at the entrance to the park and is the natural start and finishing point for this walk.

Just 6km from Killarney town centre, Muckross House's Lake Loop offers a challenging but family-friendly walk. Follow the Old Boathouse Trail past heady views of mountains and meadows and along the scenic limestone cliffs of Dundag Point for panoramas of the Middle Lake, one of the three main Lakes of Killarney.

After a steady climb through the trees, a series of stone steps leads you back down through the woods to the best viewing point of the powerful 18m-high Torc Waterfall. Continuing downwards, you'll rejoin the Lake Loop and return to the car park at Muckross House. 

Sitting on the eastern shores of Lough Leane, the 15th century fortress of Ross Castle provides incredible views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Park at the castle and pick up your map of the 17-stop Ross Island Mining Trail which leads you around Ireland’s earliest known metal mines – the oldest in western Europe. 

History buffs love this loop, which takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete. Historical mine ruins and encampments, as well as several specimens of rare trees and plants, are marked all along the 2km trail.

Seasoned walkers enjoy the Torc to Incheens two-hour route, easily one of the best Killarney walks, which forms part of the much longer Kerry Way and meanders through the uplands of Killarney National Park. Starting out at the Upper Torc car park, you’ll follow the Old Kenmare Road across the wooden bridge over the Owengarrif River, before turning left down the leafy wooded trail.

The route navigates along a rustic boardwalk, river stepping stones and the occasional rocky patch, so make sure you bring your hiking boots. After a sharp descent, you’ll meet the public road where you turn right to return to Derrycunnihy Church. The church car park is the perfect place to leave a second car if your walk ends here. If you’re up for an extended trek, you could carry on from here to The Mass Path. 

Off to a dramatic start, this 1.5-hour hike begins at the car park at Derrycunnihy Church and descends down old wooden steps into lush forest. Meander beneath ancient oak trees, cross streams and wander by abandoned ruins. Quality walking gear is recommended for this terrain, which is rough underfoot and prone to flooding in winter months.

Follow the path along the shores of the Upper Lake, past mountain views to Lord Brandon’s Cottage and keep any eye out for glimpses of the elusive white-tailed sea eagle as you go. If you're visiting in the summer, you can soak up the views with a welcome coffee at the scenic lakeside café at Lord Brandon’s. For the ultimate end to your day, head back to Killarney by boat, across the lakes to Ross Castle.  

Where to eat and stay in Killarney

No matter which route you decide to take on, a hearty meal and a cosy bed never goes amiss post-hike.

Head back into bustling Killarney town and grab a table at family-run Quinlan's Seafood Bar in the centre of the action. Serving up fresh fish and shellfish caught daily on their own fishing boats, their daily specials change depending on what they caught that day, but you can still enjoy fresh hake, cod, haddock, whiting and plaice any day of the week. Plus, if you fancy a healthier option, just ask for the pan-fried fish in olive oil – it's less naughty but just as delicious.

Once you're well fed, rest up in one of luxurious rooms at the Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre. After a day spent walking, feel free to loosen out your legs in their swimming pool before exploring Killarney's sights the following day. For those looking to stay in touch with nature, Nádúr Pods just outside of the town is a great shout. Each glamping pod is eco-friendly and comes with its own kitchenette, private bathroom and shower, and a patio with a fire pit and gas BBQ so that you enjoy a cosy evening looking up at the stars. 

Photo credit: @nadurpods