TOP 10 RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO ON THE DOORSTEP OF KILLARNEY’S CASTLEROSSE PARK RESORT
(Covid-19 restrictions apply)
- A SELF-DRIVE ALONG THE RING OF KERRY
Take a self- drive along the Ring of Kerry and enjoy the breath-taking beauty it has to offer. The first pitstop and maybe one of Castlerosse Park Resort’s favourites is the sheep dog trials in Kells. The sheep dog demonstration at Caitins is one of the most exciting and fun experiences you will have along the way. Next up is O Neill’s in Renard, overlooking the spectacular Valentia harbour, for a quick bite to eat. O’Neill’s The Point is a unique seafood bar serving super fresh, locally sourced seafood in a relaxed and friendly environment. With a full belly, take the ferry across to Valentia Island for a visit to the Lighthouse at Cromwell point, one of the Great lighthouses of Ireland. Back on land to family run Skellig Chocolate located in Ballinskelligs overlooking Skellig Rock because, who doesn’t love chocolate?! Here you can see the chocolates being made, ask questions and of course taste the freshly made treats before heading to Derrynane where it is recommended to visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman, and one of the great figures in Irish history. Next stop is the picturesque town of Kenmare for a stroll around this quaint little town. Pop in and out of all the quirky little shops and most definitely stop off for a bite in one of the town’s well renowned restaurants or cafes. As you leave Kenmare, you are now on route back to Killarney via the N71 Molls Gap Road, this ever-winding road has beauty on every turn. Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, is one of the most famous scenic viewpoints in the kingdom of Kerry and was once voted by the Irish Times as being the most photographed place in the whole of Ireland.
2. WALK AWAY THE COVID-19 COBWEBS AT CASTLEROSSE PARK RESORT
Castlerosse Park Resort is ideally located amongst the magic of the national park, with hidden forest trails and historic walks. Kickstart byexploring the immediate grounds of the National Park with the Knockreer Circular Walk as well as combining nearby Ross Castle and Ross Island, all within walking distance of the resort. Leave from the resort along the paved woodland way towards Killarney Town passing the iconic St. Mary’s Cathedral as you go. Reach the charming Deenagh Lodge, one of last remaining thatched cottages in Ireland and enjoy magnificent views of the MacGillicuddy Reeks as you detour slightly from the Circular Trail and on to the famed 15th Century Stronghold of Ross Castle. On the way, enjoy the quiet and peaceful meadowlands of the park as well as its diverse wildlife including its native Red Deer as haunting views of the Castle and Lough Leane come into view. On arrival at the Castle, explore the ancient grounds and stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney, before venturing on to discover the labyrinth of paths and trails around Ross Island which include the Copper Mines, Grosvenor Rock and Library Point, both of which offer panoramic vistas across the Lakes of Killarney. Follow the path back to the National Park and re- join the Circular Walk which will lead you right back to Castlerosse Park Resort.
3.TAKE PART IN AN OLD IRISH TRADITION WITH A FAMILY JAUNTING CAR TOUR
A traditional Jaunting Car Tour through the Killarney National Park offers a fantastic family adventure and fun day out for all. Start your journey in the town centre before entering the tree-lined avenue of the Killarney Park. Learn more about the wildlife of the area including the flora and fauna of the 26,000-acre parkland and even get up close and personal with its famous wildlife inhabitants including the Irish Red Deer. Journey to Ross Castle, a 15th century stronghold and enjoy a short stopover exploring its grounds before a lively jaunt back to town for the evening.
4.ROSS CASTLE & BOAT TRIP ON KILLARNEY LAKES
No trip to Killarney would be complete without a trip on Killarney Lakes, and Ross Castle is the best place to do this. There are many options to choose from, a relaxing cruise on an enclosed waterbus is ideal if the weather is cool, but in the Summer, it’s best you take a small boat or even try kayaking. Ask your captain to stop off at Innisfallen Island and see the ruins of the old Monastery and maybe some resident deer. Ross Castle is opened from April to October with a 45-minute guided tour, however if you are short on time, just opt for a stroll around the grounds instead.
5.FAMILY CYCLING FUN
Killarney is a great place for a family cycle as there are excellent cycling tracks, particularly in the National Park. You can hire bikes from Castlerosse Park Resort and cycle directly to the National Park without having to cycle on the main road. The resort has child seats, tag along’s and 2-seater buggies and all bikes are supplied with a helmet and lock. For families with older children, you can choose to cycle the Gap of Dunloe, one of Killarney’s top attractions, it is very hilly, so you might want to be collected by boat for the return journey. There are lots more things to do with kids in Killarney, from fishing to horse riding, as well as some popular play centres. Kennedy’s Pet Farm has a great variety of birds and animals as well as a playground while Kingdom Falconry can offer you the chance to get up close with many birds of prey.
6. THE MAGICAL CASCADES OF TORC WATERFALL
Take a visit to witness the magical cascading waters of Torc Waterfall, nestled deep in the hidden forests of Killarney National Park. The Waterfall, which lies at the base of Torc Mountain, stands 20 metres high and 110 metres long and provides a stepping-stone walkway offering a variety of viewing points to add to the overall experience. Make sure to plan your trip after heavy rainfall for the most dramatic waterfall display. This little gem promises a well worthwhile romantic stroll.
7. BLUE FLAG FUN AT INCH BEACH
A long sandy shoreline and north to north westerly winds make Inch Beach one of the best beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to partake in a whole range of water sports and activities including kite surfing, wind surfing and just good old-fashioned surfing.
The Blue Flag Beach with panoramic views spans 5km and is situated on the Dingle Peninsula and a 40 minutes’ drive from Castlerosse Park Resort. The beach’s gentle gradient makes it easy to master the majority of water sports in shallow waters too, making it ideal for beginners as well as more advanced surfers.
8.REACH DIZZYING HEIGHTS AT CARRAUNTOOHIL MOUNTAIN
The famous Carrauntoohil Mountain standing at 1,038km is Ireland’s tallest peak and offers a challenging but rewarding ascent for mountain climbing and hiking enthusiasts. Offering spectacular views of the Iveragh and Kerry Peninsula, the valleys of Killarney and even the Galtee Mountains at the top, it is well worth the effort you put in at the bottom. Taking selfies with the larger-than-life iconic steel cross, erected on the mountain since 1976, as well as taking a dip in Ireland’s highest lake on the way up, are just some of the novelties that the journey offers to its brave expeditioners. Choose from 3 different routes – the Caher Route, Br. O’Shea’s Gully Route and the more popular tourist route of the Devil’s Ladder. No special equipment is required to climb the mountain, but caution is advised due to the possibility of loose stones on some routes. Dizzying heights and new horizons await…!
9.TEE OFF AT THE WORLD-FAMOUS KILLARNEY GOLF & FISHING CLUB
If you fancy yourself as the next Tiger Woods around the fairways, then Killarney is the spot for you. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club located just a stone’s throw from Castlerosse Park Resort boasts not one, but two championship Golf Courses including Killeen Course, which was the four times European Tour Irish Open Venue as well as the celebrated, Mahony’s Point.
Set upon the lakeshores of Killarney, the course provides a unique opportunity to see some spectacular scenery whilst enjoying one of the best courses in the country. Similarly, Castlerosse Golf Club offers a picturesque and scenic experience with a 9-Hole Parkland Golf Course right in the centre of the Killarney National Park and offering views of Killarney’s Lower Lake and the majestic McGuillicuddy Reeks.
10.GIDDY UP AT KILLARNEY RIDING STABLES
Castlerosse Park Resort’s location withing the centre of Killarney National Park offers the perfect pony trekking route through some of Killarney’s most picturesque scenery.Killarney Riding Stables is situated just a short stroll from theresort and includes safe access right across from the stables through to the park.Operating daily trekking and trails of up to one, two or three hours long, the trail focuses on experiencing stunning views of the Knockreer Estate including the mountains, lakes, flora and fauna. All levels of experience are catered for.
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