Muckross Lake Loop, Killarney National Park

Killarney in Ireland is a great location for doing a number of great walks in the Killarney National Park. One relatively easy but highly rewarding walk is around Muckross Lake. Starting from Muckross House at the edge of Killarney National Park just outside Killarney, this is a circular walk of around 12-13km around Muckross Lake.

IMG_1067

Muckross House is a magnificent 19th century Victorian mansion and one of Ireland s leading stately homes. Muckross House was built for the Herbert family of Muckross and completed in 1843.  It is situated close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake, taking full advantage of the magnificent views which can be enjoyed from this location.  Most of the house has been preserved as a late 19th century mansion, with furniture and artifacts from that period.

IMG_1068Muckross Lake Loop

The walk is on a good path and is well marked taking in some wonderful wooded areas with great views over Muckross Lake. It is relatively flat so is easily managed by all levels of walkers.

Muckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopIMG_1083Muckross Lake Loop

Muckross Lake Loop
Tea break with a wonderful view

Muckross Lake Loop

Once you reach the bottom end of Muckross Lake you cross a bridge giving you great views of the two lakes, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. Here you may see a few boat tours passing under the bridge to go between the two bodies of water.

Muckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake Loop

The Meeting of the Waters is where Killarney’s famous lakes converge. The Upper lake, Middle Lake (also known as Muckross Lake) and Lower Lake (Lough Leane) all come together at this beautiful spot. It is a little haven of tranquility and is a great spot to stop for a rest. At Dinis Cottage you can have some tea and refreshments. Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island in Killarney National Park looks out over the Middle Lake and was built by the Herberts who at one time owned the lands that are now part of Killarney National Park . The cottage has been described as a hunting lodge and a woodcutter’s hut and dates back to the 1700s. The Old Weir Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters are within walking distance of the cottage.

Muckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake Loop

The Old Wier Bridge is closeby to the Meeting of The Waters and Dinis Cottage and is worth a walk to.

Muckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake Loop

The walk back along the southern shore of Muckross Lake passes through areas with some wonderful Rhododendrons plants.

Muckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake Loop

Eventually you will reach the grounds of Muckross House from where you started out this walk. Here you will see the many jaunting cars taking tourists on a horse and carraige trip round the gardens of the house.

Muckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake LoopMuckross Lake Loop


Passionate Photographer …. Lost in Asia

Stuart Taylor of HighlanderImages Photography has been making images for over 30 years and can offer a diverse range of photo imaging services with a focus on Asia and a documentary/photojournalistic style. These services include planning and executing a photo shoot on location but importantly all the post-processing and image preparation needed for the specific finished media format required by the customer. Stuart’s experience and knowledge in all of these aspects makes HighlanderImages Photography a one-stop-shop for a comprehensive and professional image production service.

Stuart can be available for a variety individual assignments or projects and he specialises in areas such as photojournalism, commercial, architectural, real estate, industrial, interior design, corporate, urbex, adventure, wilderness and travel photography. 

Final image products can be delivered as high resolution images, prints, books, multimedia slideshows, videos and DVDs. Images from this website can be purchased as prints in a variety of sizes and media, as gift items or as digital downloads.

E-Mail : staylor@highlanderimages.com

Website : http://www.highlanderimages.com


Leave a Reply