Killarney National Park is the very first National Park in Ireland and probably one of the most beautiful places in the country. Those who are lucky to have been there know its extremely diverse and interesting landscape. Three lakes: Leane, Muckross and Upper, ravine Gap of Dunloe and mountains; the highest peak Carrauntoohil (1041m) create an unforgettable view. What’s more, there is something that makes this park different from others, namely woods. Ireland is a country where deep forests are a very seldom thing to be seen. In Killarney, thanks to frequent rains and humid climate, lower parts of hills are covered with trees, bushes and flowers.
 
Lough Leane is the biggest and the most popular of the three lakes in Killarney National Park. Its beauty has been attracting thousands of tourists for hundreds of years. Not without  reason. There are many hills around Lough Leane, with the highest one called Carrauntoohil, and interesting historical places: Castle Ross and Muckross Friary not far from the shore. Those who feel that looking at the lake from the ground is not enough, can try something more adventurous. It is possible to hire a boat and explore islands on the lake (there are about thirty of them). It is particularly worth getting to the biggest one – Inisfallen. There are ruins of a priory in the middle of the island. It was built in the VII century and it is said that Brian Boru (he was the king of Ireland) was taught there. The island is almost completely overgrown with trees and wild plants. It is very surprising how clean the air is there. On all branches of trees hanging down there can be seen plants looking like bushes. These are called lichens. Their size always depends on how clean the air is. As big as these can be seen only where the environment is very clean. There are plenty of them growing on trees in the whole park.
 
Beautiful, wild plants grow not only on Inisfallen. Not far from Lough Leane there is The Muckross Estate. A path that starts there leads to the Meeting of Waters (waters of three lakes: Leane, Muckross and Upper Lake. This place can be honestly called the most mysterious and beautiful nook in Killarney. There are plenty of subtropical plants grown: bamboo, magnolia, eucalyptus, palms, hundreds of colourful flowers and many others. Another path starts in the garden and leads straight to the Torc Waterfall that is 18 m high. It is really worth climbing one of the nearby hills to admire the landscape. When the weather is fine, Slieve Mish mountains on the other side of the Dingle bay can be seen.
 
Many people going to Killarney don’t do it only because of nice hotels there and wonderful views. Some travellers want to explore deep woods and  feel the wind on the highest hills. Those people will surely choose the Kerry Way that starts in Killarney, goes through Muckross Estate, Torc Waterfall, along the shore of The Upper Lake, Ieragh Peninsula passing towns Glenbeih, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Kenmare. It is 213 km long. It takes about 10 days to go all the way. The Kerry Way is mainly composed of field paths. Many of them are old “butter ways” (butter used to be delivered using those paths). More experienced hikers can try to reach the peak of Carauntoohil. There are two ways leading there: Coomlougha Horseshoe (seven hours walk) and MacGillicudy Reeks (nine hours walk). The first way starts at the bridge in Breanlee, by the road Killorglin-Glencar. When taking this way wanderers can also reach two other hills: Beenkeragh (1000 m) and Caher (990 m). The second way, the more exhausting one, has almost 2 km of hills. It starts at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, goes through six hills over 900 m in height and finishes at Breanlee bridge.
 
Killarney is a wonderful holiday destination for everybody, regardless of age and liking. Everybody can find something for themselves: easy paths, high mountains, rare plants, cosy B&Bs and hotels. Killarney National Park has only one disadvantage – too many tourists, especially during long Bank Holiday weekends. However, there is a solution for those who appreciate not being disturbed. They can go to Killarney in the middle of the week and try to avoid horse carriages and buses. A much nicer and healthier way is to hire a bicycle (there are many bike rentals in Killarney, price: 10-12 Euro per day) or explore the National Park on foot and get a good map at the Tourist Information Office. Independent travellers go only where and when they, not the crowds, want to go.