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Muckross house and lakes of Killarney

Killarney is commonly described as "a tourist town" but this has not dented the town's open, cheerful atmosphere. The infectious Kerry humour is personified by the wise-cracking jarveys whose families have run jaunting cars (pony and trap rides) here for generations. The town does get crowded in summer but has much to offer, with shops open until 10 p.m. in summer, several excellent restaurants, and a sprinkling of prestigious hotels around the lake and the heights. From the town visitors can explore the sights around the Lakes of Killarney and the surrounding heather-covered hills.

Muckross House

Overlooking the lakes, this imposing Victorian mansion was built in 1843 in Elizabethan style. Inside, the elegant rooms are decorated with period furnishings. There is also a museum of Kerry Life, with displays on the history of southwest Ireland, and a craft centre and workshops. Nearby are three farms worked by traditional methods.

The landscaped gardens are full of exotic trees and shrubs; esepecially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom North of the house, in a beautiful position, stand the impressive ruins of Muckross Abbey, established in 1340 but mostly dating to the mid-15th century. Lakes of Killarney Renowned for its splendid scenery, the area is one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. The three lakes are contained within Killarney National Park. Although the landscape is dotted with ruined castles and abbeys, the lakes are the focus of attention: the moody watery scenery is subject to subtle shifts of light and colour. The area has entranced many artists and writers including Thackeray, who praised "a precipice covered with a thousand trees... and other mountains rising as far as we could see". In autumn, the bright red fruits of the strawberry tree colour the shores of the lakes.

Torc Waterfall

The Owengarriff River cascades through the wooded Friars' Glen into Muckross Lake. A pretty path winds up to the top of this 18-m high waterfall, revealing views of Torc Mountain.