Killarney Overview
By Rachel Newcombe
A trip to Killarney in County Kerry isn’t complete without seeing ancient stone circles, places of spiritual interest and of soaking in the wonderful countryside.
Said to be one of the best features of the town, the Killarney Lanes offer insight into what the streets were like for previous generations. Many of the lanes are cobbled and others have been repaved in recent years, giving them an extra lease of life. St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney is a lovely example of Gothic architecture. It was first began in 1842, but was interrupted by famine and the building was delayed for five years. It was consecrated in 1855, but only finished in 1912.
Ireland is littered with fine examples of ancient relics and the small stone circle in Lissivigeen, near Killarney, is no exception. Dating from the Bronze Age, the circle consists of seven standing stones known locally as the seven sisters. There are two further stones known as the pipers or musicians that are slightly further away. The circle is believed to originally been used for rituals or ceremonies. There’s also a holy well located about 1.2km from the town centre, which is believed to have healing waters.
The countryside in and around the town is spectacular. Killarney House and Gardens, open during the summer and winter, offers five acres of peace and quiet, with a huge selection of trees and splendid flower borders. But the best has to be Killarney National Park – the first National Park in Ireland – situated at the foot of the McGillycuddy Reeks, or the highest mountain range in Ireland. Covering 10,000 hectares, there are three lakes, endless woodland and it’s the home of a vast array of wildlife. Go!
