Killarney, Ireland: A Nature Trip

Unlike other popular Irish cities, Killarney offers very little for the ancient architecture enthusiasts. The place is quite commercialized yet, what is great about Killarney is its alluring landscape. So if you're one to go after nature treks, sightseeing, or activities set in natural panoramic views, then you would certainly find it worthwhile to include this place in your tour of Ireland.

Killarney boasts of three marvelous lakes that are famous for their scenic attraction. These three lakes together with their surrounding mountains are located within the Killarney National Park. These picturesque lakes are famous for trout fishing as well.

Lough Leane (otherwise known as the Lower Lake) is the one nearest to the town, and the largest among the three lakes. There are a number of islands, one of which is the renowned Innisfallen Island, dotting this lake whose name means the Lake of Learning. On its eastern shore lie the Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. On the Lower Lake's eastern side lies the Ross Island where the considered earliest copper mines in the British Isles are located. This site was heavily mined during the nineteenth century too by the Herbert family of Muckross House.

The wooded peninsula of Muckross separates the Lower Lake from the Middle Lake (also called the Muckross Lake). You can find in this peninsula the Muckross House and further along its lies the peculiar Brickeen Bridge. Then you can find the Dinis Island ahead with its lush sub-tropical vegetation. A narrow strait known as the Long Range, leads to the Upper Lake which is bordered by wildly beautiful and verdant vegetation.

Beyond the lakes tower the MacGillycuddy Reeks, a mountain range whose heights do not even reach 3500 ft. Yet, the highest peak, the Carrauntoohil standing at around 3406 ft., is still Ireland's highest mountain.

You can view the scenic lakes from the Ladies View, a stopping and viewing point which is quite panoramic in itself. It lies on the N71 Road from Killarney to Kenmare and offers a great view of the three lakes and valleys.

There are several outdoor activities that you can indulge in while in Killarney. If you're a golf enthusiast, the place has great golf courses too such as:

* Ross Golf Club. This nine-hole golf course has scenic views of the Flesk River, the Ross Castle, lakes and mountains. It is also very accessible even by foot from the centre of Killarney.

* Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. This club offers three 18-hole golf courses which are believed by most professionals to be among the world's best golf courses. The three courses are the Mahony's Point, a parkland course, Kileen, an inland course, and Lackabane also a parkland course. All courses have a par of 72.

* Castlerosse Golf Course. This recently opened nine-hole course provides a fantastic view of the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Lough Leane. .

Another famous Killarney attraction is the Killarney Summer Festival. This event has been a source of entertainment to both local and international tourists since 2002. To witness the various cultural performances, and take part in various fun-filled activities and children's workshops, bring along the entire family to Killarney in July. The Teddy Bear Picnic is just one among numerous fascinating activities to participate in during this exciting event.