The Lakes of Killarney: Things to do, Viewpoints + Map

Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake make up the Lakes of Killarney—a trio of glacier-carved waters nestled in a valley beneath the peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Lough Leane is the largest, home to Ross Castle and the monastic ruins of Innisfallen. Muckross Lake, also known as Middle Lake, is Ireland’s deepest, plunging to 75 metres. The Upper Lake, the smallest and most remote, lies at the end of a winding channel that cuts through wild woodland.

Together, these lakes are a centrepiece of Killarney National Park—and, according to legend, are home to a monster known as ‘the Muckie’ from Irish Folklore!

A map of the famous Lakes of Killarney

Although a visit to the Killarney Lakes is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The lakes sit within Killarney National Park, a 102.9km² expanse of forest, mountains, and water beside Killarney Town in County Kerry. They lie in a glacial valley ringed by the craggy sandstone and siltstone peaks of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, with Carrauntoohil, Purple Mountain, Mangerton, and Torc Mountain rising between 535 and 1,038 metres above the basin below.

2. There are three

There are three ‘main’ lakes here; Lough Leane (aka Lower Lake) is the closest to Killarney, Muckross Lake (aka Middle Lake), and the Upper Killarney Lake which is located to the south of the other two. Key vistas can be found at Ladies View, Glena Cottage, Dinis Cottage, Old Weir Bridge, Torc Waterfall, Owengarriff River, and O’Sullivan’s Cascade.

3. The Meeting of the Waters

‘The Meeting of the Waters’ is one of the most impressive places to visit in Killarney. It’s here that the three Killarney Lakes meet. The location itself is about 15-mins walk from Dinis Cottage, or you can access the same point via a 5km trail from Muckross House.

Things to do around the Killarney lakes

There’s heaps of things to do around the Killarney Lakes, from tours and walks to historical sites and more.

Below, you’ll find a mix of organised tours (affiliate links) and places to visit that offer stunning views of the lakes.

1. Step back in time at Muckross Abbey

If history is your thing, then you won’t want to miss out on Muckross Abbey! A major ecclesiastical site within Killarney National Park, this Franciscan friary was founded in 1448 and has had a somewhat torrid history ever since.

A site of much violence and restoration, having been reconstructed many times, the original friars were often subjected to raids and were later persecuted by Cromwellian forces.

Since then, the abbey has fallen into ruin; it is largely roofless, although relatively intact apart from that. If you do go, be sure to check out the vaulted cloister, central courtyard, and stunning Yew tree.

2. The Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour

Take the day and explore both the Gap of Dunloe and the Lakes of Killarney like never before; by both boat and horse and carriage!

This tour runs for around 5-hours and includes a scenic boat tour of the Lakes of Killarney, an optional ‘jaunting cart’ ride, and unbelievable scenery you’ll never forget.

The tour begins at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where you can choose between a 6-mile hike or a cart ride, before transferring onto a boat at Gearhameen River and your lake cruise through all three lakes back to Ross Castle where you’re free to explore or return to Killarney.

3. See the ancient Ross Castle

Ross Castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór, and dating back to the 15th-century, this Tower-House and Keep has a commanding presence over Lough Leane.

It’s been the ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan O’Donoghue. Throughout Irish history, it was one of the strongest and most defensible castles, holding out against all who would besiege it. 

That is until the Cromwellian onslaught, and an ancient prophecy; that is that the castle could only be taken from the water, so Cromwell’s forces launched a ship, and the defenders fearing the prophecy was coming true surrendered.

4. The Lakes of Killarney Scenic Coach Tour

If you’re limited on time, this tour is a convenient and affordable way to see the lakes and the Iveragh Peninsula.

‘Ring of Kerry: Lakes of Killarney Scenic Coach Tour’ isn’t entirely focused on the Lakes; you’ll also get to see thatched-roof cottages that were common in Kerry during the 1800s, the historic village of Glenbeigh, and beautiful Rossbeigh Beach.

Over the 6-hour tour, you’ll be chauffeured through the area and also explore sites like the Kerry Bog & Famine Village, spectacular scenery of the Atlantic Ocean, Dingle Bay, and of course the three Killarney Lakes.

5. Hear the water crash at Torc Waterfall

For those who love a good cascade, you’ll love the magnificent Torc Waterfall! Only 20-metres high, and at its best after a heavy downpour, this waterfall is scenic rather than overbearing.

Only a short walk up from the car park, you’ll see some gorgeous ancient forest as you trek your way up to the waterfall.

This woodland has been identified as being of international importance, as it contains an abundance of ancient yew and oak, as well as other native species.

6. Killarney Jaunting Car and Lakes of Killarney Cruise

Another tour option is the Killarney Jaunting Car and Lakes of Killarney Cruise (see it here); a short tour that takes less than two hours, you’ll get to experience this national park in ways not possible to those travelling by car.

First, you’ll sail across Lough Lein in a glass-covered boat, so you’ll be warm and dry even if the heavens open up, and once back onshore you’ll hop aboard an iconic Killarney Jaunting Car.

These cars can navigate tracks that are unsuited to cars and will offer you a unique vista of the park, as well as a glimpse into Irish history.

7. Take a tour of Muckross House and Gardens

A 19th-century mansion house, the stunningly beautiful Muckross House towers into view as you approach from the N71, or indeed from either Lough Leane or Muckross Lake.

Built for Henry Arthur Herbert, and was the fourth house that the following generations of the Herbert family inhabited, before ultimately being given to the Irish Free State (Republic of Ireland) in 1932. 

Nowadays it’s open to the general public to explore, and with extensive gardens, it’ll take all day to see it all. It’s best to book tickets in advance and arrive as early as possible as it is a popular day trip.

Things to see around the Lakes

You can see the Lakes from many different locations along the Ring of Kerry Drive, including Ladies View and Moll’s Gap.

You’re best off starting from Killarney Town and then following the route around the coast, through Kenmare and down along the Skellig Ring.