Muckross Lake – Fantastic views loop from Killarney

Bike touring routes & trails

Ireland

Munster

Kerry

Muckross Lake – Fantastic views loop from Killarney

Moderate

4.7

(140)

673

riders

Muckross Lake – Fantastic views loop from Killarney

01:46

28.8km

150m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 14.0 km for 54 m

After 15.8 km for 264 m

After 16.5 km for 83 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.77 km

Muckross Abbey and its Ancient Yew Tree

Highlight • Religious Site

The ruins of the Franciscan monastery Muckross Abbey (also Muckross Friary, Irish Mainistir Locha Léin) from the 15th century are in the middle of the Killarney National Park not far from Lough Leane and Muckross House. It can be reached within a few minutes from the car park and is freely accessible during the park's opening hours.

You can find more information at: killarneynationalpark.ie/visit/muckross-abbey.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.69 km

Muckross Lake

Highlight • Lake

Muckross Lake is one of those places that reveals new facets with every bend on the tour around Killarney. If you are on a bike, the route takes you through dense forests, over historic bridges and along the shores of this fascinating lake. Things get particularly exciting on the Muckross Peninsula, where the calm waters of Muckross Lake separate from the larger Lough Leane. On your way you pass the Brickeen Bridge, a narrow connection that takes you first to Brickeen Island and then on to Dinis Island - a nice place for a break in the café in the historic Dinis Cottage.

In addition to the quiet riverside paths and impressive views, there is also the wild element here: at the "Meeting of the Waters" the watercourses from the Upper Lake, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane meet and create a strong current - a real nature experience. It is said that the local clan leader O’Donoghue once challenged the devil at this lake, which led to the creation of Devil’s Island – a small island that is now populated by sea eagles rather than the devil. These majestic birds, introduced as part of a reintroduction project, circle above the lake, giving the landscape a wild, unspoilt feel.

For nature lovers, there is more to discover here: Muckross Lake is home to the rare Blunt-nosed Irish Charr, an endangered species of fish that is only found here and in neighbouring Lough Leane. Sika deer and the last population of Irish red deer also roam the forests along the shore – if you’re lucky, you might spot one of these animals.

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Tip by

9.62 km

View of Muckross Lake from the Brickeen Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

One of the old stone bridges often found in Ireland. From the water you have a particularly beautiful view of the building.

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Tip by

14.7 km

Muckross Lake

Highlight • Lake

Muckross Lake is also known as the Middle Lake (the other two being Lough Leane and Upper Lake), or the Torc, for its proximity to Torc Mountain. It is Ireland's deepest lake at 75 meters (246 ft) maximum depth. Legend has it that it is inhabited by a monstrous eel. As said eel has not been defeated by a saint as yet, it must be harmless. Trout and salmon fishing are legal in the lake.

Tip by

15.5 km

Fantastic views

Highlight • Viewpoint

15.9 km

Muckross House

Highlight • Historical Site

An impressive sight is the Muckross House with its garden, which is known far beyond the borders of Ireland. The impressive structure is part of Irish architectural history, but is also one of the most interesting sights in the country. The garden with its diverse plants is ideal for walks.

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Tip by

16.1 km

Muckross House and Gardens

Highlight • Historical Site

Impressive building, with large gardens all around. Very well-kept and colorful.

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Tip by

17.5 km

Muckross Abbey

Highlight • Religious Site

Muckross Abbey is a historic Franciscan friary founded in 1448. Its architecture is a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with well-preserved ruins and a central courtyard dominated by an ancient yew tree.

Set against the backdrop of Killarney National Park, the abbey stands as a testament to Ireland's rich religious and cultural heritage.

Tip by

28.8 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.7 km

6.82 km

4.15 km

3.05 km

1.99 km

1.11 km

Surfaces

27.2 km

1.51 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 8 October

15°C

10°C

45 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

September 15, 2025,🇮🇪 Wild Atlantic Way / EV1: Day 4. Killarney National Park

"You should buy a lottery ticket!" - said the bike mechanic from O'Sullivans Cycles in Killarney, holding a gear shifter bracket in his hands. "This is the last one we have left!", he added. Crazy luck that in a small town we managed to find a suitable replacement for a broken part.

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