Killarney National Park, National park and biosphere reserve in County Kerry, Ireland
Killarney National Park covers forested hills, open moorland and quiet waters in the southwest of Ireland. The landscape rises from gentle valleys to steep peaks that form the highest mountain range in the country, reaching beyond 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
The government designated the area as a protected zone in 1932 after receiving a donation of land, making it the first official reserve of its kind in Ireland. Further acquisitions over the decades expanded the protected zone to its current size.
The three main lakes form the heart of the valley and once served as transport routes for goods moving between villages. Stone walls and old pathways still mark the rhythm of farming and grazing patterns that have shaped the landscape for generations.
Several entrances lead to different areas of the reserve, with the main information point offering exhibits about local plants and wildlife. Walking routes range from short lakeside paths to longer trails climbing into the higher slopes.
A herd of red deer still roams the forests and higher ground, descended from animals that have lived here since prehistoric times. In autumn, you can hear the roar of rutting stags echoing through the valleys during early morning hours.
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