Complete Guide to Ireland’s National Parks
Ireland has six national parks covering about 70,000 acres of land and sea. Between 2023-2024, over 5 million people visited Ireland’s national parks and nature reserves. Each park was chosen to protect distinct ecosystems, geological features, and historical landmarks that make Ireland’s landscape unique and attract millions of visitors each year. We’ve gathered information about each of the six parks and what makes them unique.
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1. Killarney National Park, County Kerry
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2. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal
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3. Connemara National Park, County Galway
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4. The Burren National Park, County Clare
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5. Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow
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6. Wild Nephin National Park, County Mayo

In 1932, Killarney National Park (Páirc Náisiúnta Cill Airne) was Ireland's first national park. Home to the highest mountain range in Ireland and the world-famous lakes of Killarney, this park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to its work in conservation and research. Thanks to its proximity to Killarney town, this national park has many heritage sites, including Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney House and Gardens, Copper Mines, and Muckross Abbey. Favorite activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the lake. Wildlife within the park includes the red deer- Ireland’s last surviving Indigenous deer, and the Irish cuckoo.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to see the park, and there are several different trails. Less experienced hikers can take the Muckross Lake Loop, a fairly level path with lakeside views, which takes you past Muckross House and the Brickeen Bridge. For more of a challenge, experienced hikers can take the Old Kenmare Road path, which takes you through ancient woodland, remote valleys, and historic sites. Part of the path also takes you through an old famine relief route.
Killarney rail station is about seven miles from the national park and is about a ten-minute walk from the bus station. There are multiple parking lots throughout the park, including two pay-to-park ones, one at Muckross House and the other at Ross Castle. Free lots include Torc Waterfall (which fills up fast, so get there early), and Knockreer. A summer shuttle stops at various spots throughout the park for a small fee. To get a sense what it was like to travel around the area back in the day, jaunting cars (horse and buggies) operate from Killarney town center, Muckross House, and Ross Castle. There are also boat tours from Ross Castle.
Where to Stay: Dromhall Hotel

The second largest national park, Glenveagh, centers around Glenveagh Castle and Gardens, and expands over nearly 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and woodland. Visitors can explore the castle on a fully guided tour, taking in the original period furnishings and artwork, or, if you prefer the outdoors, wander the castle gardens. The gardens expand over about 20 acres of cultivated gardens and include a walled kitchen garden, the Belgian Walk with rhododendrons, and a gothic orangery.
Outside of the castle grounds, visitors can take in the Derryveagh Mountains, Lough Veagh, naive oak woodlands, and more. The trails of the park offer something for everyone- the Derrylahan Nature Trail is a loop gravel trail that starts at the visitor’s center and gives you a quick, broad view of many of the park's highlights. The Glen Walk is more strenuous, yet still flat, and offers stunning views of Lough Veagh. Look for red deer, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.
There is a tea room on site and a gift shop. The visitor’s center has free parking. The park is more remote than Killarney, and the nearest bus stop is over two miles away. Letterkenny is the closest town, about fifteen miles away.
Where to Stay: Mount Errigal Hotel

Taking up nearly 5,000 acres of mountains, bogs, and grassland, Connemara National Park not only provides a mesmerizing landscape, but perhaps the most enthralling aspect of the park is their star resident: the Connemara Ponies.
This native Irish pony bread dates back to the 12th century and is thought to descend from Scandinavian ponies brought by the Vikings. These ponies have strong ties to local farming and cultural traditions, are known for their gentle temperament and have an important role in the park's ecosystem. There is a free-roaming pack maintained within the park premises. In July and August, the park hosts pony information sessions where visitors can visit the stables and meet a pony close up. The best spots to glimpse the ponies include Diamond Hill's lower slopes, the Ellis Wood walking trail, the western bog trails, and around the historic farm buildings area.
There are walking trails at Connemara National Park, from the easier Lower Diamond Hill Trail, to the more challenging Upper Diamond Hill Trai,l which offers 360-degree panoramic views, as well as Kylemore Abbey vista points. Check out rare bog orchids, purple moor grass, and ancient woodland species. Beyond the ponies, you’ll find red deer, pine martens, Irish hares, and more.
The park also features an interactive visitor’s center with educational programs and classes.
Connemara National Park is about an hour and a half from Galway, and has free parking.
Where to Stay: Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Spread over nearly 4,000 acres, the Burren National Park was formed millions of years ago from ancient seabeds. The main attraction is the clint and gryke formations from the limestone, providing one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe.
The Burren’s walking trails range from easy to very difficult, with the Nature Trail the shortest and most accessible. The Mullaghmore Loop is more challenging provides panoramic views, and takes you through the ancient woodland and limestone formations.
While the rocky landscape may make you think there must be a lack of wildlife, you would be mistaken. Limestone, grassland, scrub, and woodland all intermingle with each other to create a complex ecosystem. 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchid species call the Burren home, as do 75% of the country's plant species. You’ll also find ninety-five different species of birds, as well as hares, foxes, feral goats, and pygmy shrews.
Other sites within the national park include Megalithic tombs, celtic crosses, Cistercian Abbey ruins, prehistoric settlements, and ancient roadways.
Burren National Park is about an hour by car from Galway, and is the best way to get there, as public transport to the Burren is limited.
Where to Stay: Old Ground Hotel

Wicklow Mountains National Park is a great choice for anyone planning on staying close to Dublin during their trip to Ireland, as it is less than an hour away from the capital. This national park combines nature and history to give you another unique experience.
Within the park are Glendalough’s Monastic Sites, where a monastery was built in the 7th century. Go back in time as you explore the ruins, from a cathedral, ancient cemetery, medieval churches, to the most prominent building, the ten-story high round tower. Mosey down Miners’ Road to check out the old Miner’s Village, or drive down the Great Military Road- constructed in the early 19th century.
If that’s too much history for you, fear not, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had at the park as well. Visitors can go rock climbing, swimming, hiking, and even hang gliding and paragliding (with permits). The park offers an outdoor oasis for everyone. There are picnic areas in the upper lake region of the park, where swimming is permitted. Hiking trails range from easy to challenging, and some, (like the Spinc and Glenealo Valley trail) have wooden boardwalk sections. Hikes allow for viewing of a variety of flora and fauna, including blanket bogs, ancient yew trees, sika deer, red grouse and pine martens.
While a car is suggested, there is a regular bus service from from Dublin on St. Kevin's Bus Service.
Where to Stay:Tinakilly Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Ireland’s newest national park, Wild Nephin was established in 1998, and is home to one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe. Spread across nearly 30,000 acres of bogs, mountains, rivers and lakes, the park is part of Mayo’s Dark Sky Park.
One of the darkest places in Europe, Wild Nephin National Park has Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Status. The park hosts regular astronomy events, has guided night sky tours, and photography workshops for capturing that stunning night sky that is so hard to capture with a lens (trust me, i’ve been to a dark sky location and getting it on camera is nothing like looking at it). The best time for dark sky viewing is in the winter when it is darker longer, and around new moons without the light of the moon adding any extra light.
Most of the trails at Wild Nephin are for more experienced hikers- as this park is extremely remote. However, there are easier hikes for people of all abilities. The 45 minute loop Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail is easy and gives visitors an opportunity to see the famous blanket bogs, as well as stunning coastal views.
Located about 2.5 hours from Galway, public transportation to Wild Nephin is limited, so your best bet is to go by car. There is free parking at the visitor centre in Ballycroy.
Are Ireland’s National Parks Free?
For the most part, the parks are free. Some parking requires a fee. Some tours, activities, and entrance to historic buildings will also have a charge.
Can You Camp at Ireland’s National Parks?
Some national parks do permit camping, but require pre-registration.
The following parks permit wild camping (backcountry camping in the U.S.):
Burren
Glenveagh
Wild Nephin (pre registration required)
Connemara