Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

Given the scenery and natural beauty that is etched in to every corner of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, Horse Riding in Co. Kerry is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. With its natural blend of riding routes through popular tourist attractions, Co. Kerry and Killarney in particular is ideal for horse riding at all levels. There are stunning routes along the Ring of Kerry including the Kerry Way. At over 200km, the Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s longest signposted walking trails and it’s also one of the most popular. The trail begins and ends in Killarney, looping around the Iveragh Peninsula, the Kerry Way goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside scenery in the country. Experience horse riding through the Killarney National Park. There are stables based in The Killarney National Park or just outside that provide horseback tours suitable for all abilities. Be one with nature and enjoy the scenery, and fresh air. Explore the wild terrain with ease on a horse.

One of Ireland’s most spectacular locations, Killarney National Park prides itself on its 25,000 acres of pure unimpaired and natural lakes, mountains and forests. The Park was created in 1932 when the Vincent Family donated their estate to the people of Ireland.

The Skellig Islands of Skellig Michael and Small Skellig stand alone in the Atlantic Ocean some 12km southwest of Valentia Island, Kerry. From any angle or from any vantage point on the Ring of Kerry, they are a spectacular vision – pinnacles on the edge of the world that have magnetised views throughout history and beyond. The earliest reference in history to the Skellig Islands dates back to 600AD. During the time of The Penal Laws, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig became a haven for many Catholics whose beliefs were being suppressed. The largest of the Skelligs is Skellig Michael (Skeilg Mhichil) and was home to one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland. They lived simple lives in stone beehive shaped huts. Every morning they would descend the 670 steps and fish for the days breakfast, followed by a day of praying the church, studying and tending to their gardens. The monks left Skellig Michael in the 13th Century and the island became a place of pilgrimage. Today, Skellig Michael is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the second largest colony of puffin birds in the world. Most recently, the island became the spiritual home of the force due to its starring role as Luke Skywalker’s island sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force awakens and Star Wards Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. The decision to film the biggest grossing missing in US Box Office history was made by Force Awakens Director JJ Abrams and his Production Designer Rick Carter. To get to the Skellig Michael Islands from Muckross Hotel & Spa is a scenic hour-and-a-half drive to the Skellig Michael Landing Tour departing from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry. After a 12km boat ride out in the Atlantic Ocean, you can get off the boat and explore the island. Landing on Skellig Michael is not permitted from mid-May to the end of September. Departure times are 8 am and 12:30 pm.

INEC Events centre is 1 mile from the hotel and close to Killarney Town.

tretching for 179 kilometres around the South-West coast of Kerry, The Ring of Kerry starts clockwise from Killarney. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa is situated right at the edge of the Ring of Kerry. It takes a circle from Killarney, following the N71 to Kenmare, the N70 around the Iveragh Peninsula to Killorglin, from there the ring passes through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh before it circles back to Killarney via the N71. There are many sights to behold on the Ring of Kerry, the most popular of which include Muckross House, Derrynane House and Derrynane Beach – home to the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. It is one of only three Gold Tier Reserves on the planet and the only Gold Tier International Dark-Sky Reserve. On a clear night, the sky in the South West of Ireland is simply stunning, with many amazing astronomical sights can be seen in the Grand Canyon or the Desert Plains of Africa. The Beautiful band of the milky way, the Andromeda Galaxy, Star Clusters and Nebula’s are just some of the naked eye wonders to be seen without the aid of astronomical equipment or filters. But the Ring of Kerry isn’t just about the beautiful skies, take a trip through Killarney National Park and encounter the natural great wonders of the Gap of Dunloe, Molls Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ladies View. Take in some Irish Historical Sites and Monuments including Ross Castle, Dunloe Ogham Stones, The Skellig Experience, Kerry Woollen Mills, Ross Castle, Franciscan Friary, Skellig Michael and so much more.

Famous all over the world, The Lakes of Killarney are a delight to the senses. Consisting of three main lakes – Muckross Lake, Upper Lake and Lough Leane – they’re surrounded by Ireland’s largest mountain range, The MacGillycuddy Reeks. The ideal way to experience this natural wonder is by availing of the many lake tours available with companies including the Lily of Killarney Lake Tour with Tangney Tours or Killarney Lake tours. Alternatively, take a traditional jaunting car around the lakes. This is an extremely entertaining activity that lasts around 1 hour and is particularly enjoyable activity for the kids.