Include a visit to Muckross Abbey while hiking or cycling through Killarney National Park. Opt for a guided sightseeing or hop-on hop-off bus tour to ensure you see all the top park highlights. Visitors are free to wander the mysterious church, courtyard, and graveyard ruins of Muckross Abbey on their own or picnic among the trees. This is a great spot to rest between sightseeing jaunts into the park.
Muckross Abbey is found in Killarney National Park, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) south of the town of Killarney. The Abbey is easily reached via bike, car, or hop-on hop-off bus, or via the pedestrian path from the outskirts of Killarney. The ruins are just a 5-minute walk from the Muckross Abbey Car Park.
The ruins of Muckross Abbey can be visited year-round. The Abbey is a popular tourist destination so visit first thing in the morning or later in the evening for the best chance of having the ruins to yourself.
Designated Ireland’s first national park in 1932, Killarney National Park encompasses the Lakes of Killarney, high mountain peaks, yew woodlands, and several historic and archaeological sites. Highlights include a visit to Muckross House, a 19th century mansion now museum and gardens, a hike to the Torc Waterfall, a scenic drive along the Lakes of Killarney, and a boat ride to Innisfallen Island to see the ruins of the seventh century Innisfallen Abbey.
