The Castlerosse Park Resort offers the perfect getaway this Winter with a range of accommodation options available for couples and families alike and with prices starting from €235.00 for a 2-night weekend break or from €275.00 for a 3-night weekend stay, you are also guaranteed a fantastic deal. Choose from one of our cosy Woodland Cottages or one of our spacious Golf Lodges overlooking the National Park for a weekend retreat amongst nature.
Furthermore, if you are a keen walking enthusiast, then the Castlerosse Park Resort is the ideal location in which to discover many of Killarney’s best loved scenic attractions.
We have compiled an action packaged weekend itinerary full of hidden forest trails and open park rambles to give you a flavour of what onfoot adventures await you....
Day 1 – Friday
We recommend arriving early on Friday to take full advantage of the Resort’s facilities and of course the glorious surrounds of the Killarney National Park. Check in starts from 4.00pm so you have a little bit of time to make yourself comfortable in your new weekend home before getting ready to explore its wonderful surrounds. If you would like to arrive earlier, we will of course hold your luggage until your accommodation is ready.
On this particular afternoon, we advise exploring the immediate grounds of the National Park with the Knockreer Circular Walk as well as combining nearby Ross Castle and Ross Island, all within walking distance of your new humble abode.
Leave from the Resort along the paved woodland way towards Killarney Town passing the iconic St. Mary’s Cathedral as you go. Reach the charming Deenagh Lodge, one of last remaining thatched cottages in Ireland and enjoy magnificent views of the MacGillicuddy Reeks as you detour slightly from the Circular Trail and on to the famed 15th Century Stronghold of Ross Castle.
On the way, enjoy the quiet and peaceful meadowlands of the Park as well as its diverse wildlife including its native Red Deer as haunting views of the Castle and Lough Leane come into view.
On arrival at the Castle, explore the ancient grounds and stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney, before venturing on to discover the labyrinth of paths and trails around Ross Island which include the Copper Mines with its famous blue pool, Grosvenor Rock and Library Point, both of which offer panoramic vistas across the Lakes of Killarney.
Follow the path back to the National Park and re- join the Circular Walk which will lead you right back to the Castlerosse Park Resort.
To give you that real Friday feeling, we suggest casual dining at the nearby Killarney Brewery on the outskirts of the town where you can enjoy a delicious woodfired pizza and ice-cold Killarney craft beer. What a way to end your first day!
Day 2- Saturday
With a breathtaking panorama of the MacGillicuddy Reeks and Lough Leane, you are guaranteed breakfast with a view at the Castlerosse Park Resort. We advise cooking up a storm in your Lodge or Cottage Kitchen and layering up to enjoy a brekkie alfresco amongst nature for the perfect opportunity to observe the diversity of the native wildlife uninterrupted before getting on the road for another active day.
First up on the agenda for the morning, we recommend a cycle or drive to Muckross, another area of the Killarney National Park with its own diverse array of scenic walks and discoveries. Rent bikes directly from the Resort Reception and cycle the short 2km distance to Killarney Town through the Park. Once in Town, grab a quick coffee at one of the charming cafes before you set off again for Muckross, another 4km away.
Arrive at the entrance of Muckross Abbey and enjoy the welcome of one of the most spectacular views Killarney has to offer across its glistening lakeland. Walk on to explore the grounds of the mystical Muckross Abbey before rambling on to the historic Muckross Mansion House, where you can spend hours exploring its variety of oasis delights including its rock and steam gardens.
We suggest stopping for lunch at the Muckross Cafe which overlooks the Park’s Greenhouse and beautifully manicured lawns, which are famous the world over.
For the afternoon, the nearby Mountain of Torc is beckoning with much more majestic beauty to uncover. Situated just a short distance from Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and Mountain can be accessed by walking through the park. Follow the path towards the lake shore which before long will open up to expose the shores of Muckross Lake and lead you to the N71 where will you cross the road to the base of Torc Mountain.
The Mountain, which offers a challenging climb, is supported by boardwalks making it an achievable experience for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The 2.5 hour return journey forms part of the Kerry Way Walk and offers spectacular views of the Killarney Lakes, the MacGillicuddy Reeks and the Killarney Valley at its summit.
That evening, relax and unwind back at the Castlerosse Park Resort Leisure Club before dinner. Rest your weary muscles in our sauna and steam room or lap it up in our 20m swimming pool with views across the Park.
If you are dining out, there are a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from in cosmopolitan Killarney, from pub grub in the Laurels Singing Pub, traditional Irish cuisine in Lord of Kenmare’s or a seafood favourite, Kitty O’Shea’s, amongst many others. And if you have enough energy after all that, then why not dance the night away at the Killarney Grand with live music until late.
Day 3 – Sunday
At the Castlerosse Park Resort, the phrase easy like Sunday morning certainly rings through as enjoying a read of the Sunday papers in the quiet surrounds of the parkland is the perfect way to start the day.
For your last day with us, we recommend a visit to the Gap of Dunloe to discover the wonders of its glacial valleys and spectacular scenic views. Leave your bags with us at Reception for safe keeping and drive the short distance to the famous Kate Kearney’s Cottage where you can grab a quick coffee before setting off on your hike.
Set between Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks and the Purple and Tomies Mountains, the iconic Gap of Dunloe really needs to be seen to be believed. The 11km walk includes some awe-inspiring views and the passing of 5 lakes Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough. (Ponies are also available to rent at the start of the Gap, as are bikes, if a break from walking is needed.)
Traverse along the Gap’s windy roads and pass the popular Wishing Bridge as you begin to reach new heights. Take in the otherworldly scenery of the glacial rock formations as you begin to descend towards the Black Valley with its even more rugged and desolate landscape.
On foot it will take 2.5 hours to reach Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can finally stop for a well-deserved break. Pony and Trap is the best method of getting back from the Gap and you will find many parked at the Cottage, ready to hire or indeed a boat back to Killarney to experience the beauty of Eagle’s Nest as well as the Lakes of Killarney, can be arranged.
If you choose a return journey back to the beginning of the Gap, we suggest a hearty Sunday roast with all the trimmings at Kate Kearney’s’ Cottage to celebrate a wonderful weekend spent walking in Killarney.
So pack your bags and walk away those Winter blues at the Castlerosse Park Resort!