Five Things You Didn’t Know About Killarney’s Lakes

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Killarney’s Lakes- Killarney Lake tours

Most visitors know the Lakes of Killarney because of their scenic beauty. However, many stories lie behind these stunning lakes. Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake hold secrets and tales that make them truly unique local gems. Let’s dive into five surprising facts you probably didn’t know about Killarney’s Lakes.

Killarney’s Lakes Are Glacial in Origin

The lakes you see today were carved out thousands of years ago by massive glaciers during the Ice Age. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind deep basins that filled with water, creating what we know today as Killarney’s lakes. This glacial history explains the lakes’ depth and clear waters framed by rugged mountains and green woodlands. The history exhibit at Killarney House vividly presents the story of the natural development of the local landscapes. So, if you’d like to discover how Killarney’s landscapes shaped over time, a visit to Killarney House is the perfect place to start.

Innisfallen Island Was a Monastic School

Floating in Lough Leane, Innisfallen Island isn’t just a pretty heart-shaped island. Once upon a time, it was home to a monastic community that dated back to 640 AD. The island was occupied for more than 900 years, as it was large enough to allow the monks to remain self-sufficient. Over 300 years, 39 Monks wrote what is now known as the “Annals of Innisfallen”. It is now recognised as an important chronicle of early Irish history written in Irish and Latin. Even today, a visit to the island reveals echoes of Ireland’s centuries-old religious and cultural heritage – making it a true bucket list experience.

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Killarney’s Lakes: Innisfallen Island and the lake of learining

Lough Leane Means ‘Lake of Learning’

The name Lough Leane translates from Irish as “Lake of Learning,” a hint to the Innisfallen island’s scholarly past. As we now know, this isn’t just a poetic title; it reflects the island’s role as a centre of education and knowledge in early Irish Christianity. The monks were great scholars, and even the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, reportedly studied with them on Inisfallen Island.

Ross Castle and Its Ghostly Legend

On the edge of Lough Leane stands Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower-house once home to the O’Donoghue clan. Beyond its medieval charm, the castle is wrapped in a ghostly legend. Locals tell tales that a ghost of O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. On the first morning of May every seven years, he rises from the lake on a white horse and circles the waters. According to the legend, anyone who sees him will enjoy good fortune for the rest of their lives. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, the castle’s eerie stories add a thrilling layer to your visit.

A Haven for Wildlife and Rare Species

The lakes and surrounding park aren’t just a feast for the eyes – they’re a home for wildlife. From red deer roaming freely to majestic birds like white-tailed eagles, Killarney National Park supports a rich tapestry of life. The glacial lakes themselves are home to a couple of species, including the Killarney shad and blunt-nosed Irish char.

Killarney’s lakes are not just scenic wonders; they’re living chapters of Ireland’s natural and cultural history. Next time you visit, remember these hidden gems and legends that make the lakes more than just a pretty view.

Ready to explore Killarney’s lakes yourself? Book your Killarney Lake Tours 

 

Sustainable Tourism in Killarney: How to Enjoy Nature Responsibly

Innisfallen or Inishfallen is an island in Lough Leane; one of the 3 Lakes of Killarney found in the Killarney National Park, and is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, one of the most impressive archaeological remains dating from the early Christian period.

In recent years, Killarney has become a unique travel destination that successfully balances implementing sustainable practices with continuous tourism development. By raising awareness and taking persistent small actions, Killarney is demonstrating that even minor changes in our everyday behaviour can have a big impact on preserving the town’s natural beauty. Keep reading to discover how you can take advantage of everything Killarney offers while contributing to sustainable development.

What is Sustainable Tourism and Why is it Important?

Sustainable tourism is a concept that fully covers the industry’s current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts. It is a holistic approach to developing practices that address the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities. This type of tourism practice focuses on increasing the benefits and reducing the negative impacts of the travel and hospitality industry. We believe that this is one of the most important causes worth focusing on.  Protecting and restoring the natural environment by creating travel opportunities with minimal negative impacts ensures that future generations will get a chance to enjoy the beauty of our planet as much as we do now.

Embracing Sustainable Tourism in Killarney

Adopting sustainable practices wherever we go is crucial for protecting the environment and building a healthier future. When visiting Killarney, you have a unique opportunity to emerge into the eco-friendly way of life locals have so carefully fostered.  Here are some straightforward ways to keep it green during your stay.

Cut down on waste production

Think of it like this: use, reuse, recycle. One very easy way to embrace sustainable tourism is by cutting down on your waste production. Little actions such as small steps such as using reusable water bottles, carrying your shopping bags, or picking products with minimal packaging can make a big difference in reducing the overall waste accumulation. And finally, when it does come to disposing of your waist make sure to keep in mind that brown bins are for organic waste, green bins are for recyclable waste and black bins are for general waste.
Notably, Killarney has recently made significant strides in adopting a number of eco-friendly practices. One that certainly stands out is the Killarney Coffee Cup Project which has made big steps towards completely eliminating single-use coffee cups. On top of that, the town has put a strong focus on a five-year plan aimed to extend the tourist season and develop Killarney as a sustainable tourism destination.

Enjoy the sights of Killarney National Park from the traditional Jaunting Car. Operating all year-round, the Killarney Jaunting car trip is a "must" for every one visiting Killarney.

Shop locally

Sustainability is not just about nature – it is all about the people and community as well.  Therefore, doing your best to support local businesses is another great way to help sustainable growth. Choosing to buy local products and services boosts the local economy, creates job opportunities, and supports the people who make Killarney such a lovely place to visit. On top of that, shopping locally reduces the environmental impact caused by long-distance shipping, making it a win-win for both the town and the planet.

So, while in the area, enjoy locally brewed beer at Killarney Brewing Company, savour delicious local dishes at Scotts Bar, and grab a skilfully crafted coffee in your very own 2GoCup. These small steps can have a considerable impact, helping keep the region lively and beautiful for future generations.

Try an eco-friendly tour

To experience Killarney’s beauty while minimizing environmental impact, consider taking part in an eco-friendly tour such as those provided by the Killarney Lake Tours. Our tours are designed to offer a unique perspective on Killarney’s lakes and National Park in an eco-friendly manner. Options include traditional Irish jaunting car tours, boat tours, or a combination of both for the ultimate experience.

Our eco-friendly boat has a special drive system that helps us prevent and minimize any dangerous or damaging substances such as oil or fuel entering the water. The boat also has low-wash characteristics which means that it does not create big waves behind it which can cause erosion and even frighten or injure wildlife. On the other hand, our horses receive excellent care with regular veterinary check-ups, and the jaunting carts rely solely on horsepower, ensuring they produce no harmful emissions.

Take care of the natural environment

Killarney National Park is part of the Kerry Biosphere Reserve, one of only two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves located in the Republic of Ireland. It is globally recognized for its environmental significance, delicate ecosystems, rare species, and unique habitats. Killarney National Park is a place full of beauty and wonders and as such should cherished and taken care of by everyone who visits it.
To protect these natural wonders, it’s crucial to be aware of your impact while exploring all of the attractions within the area. So, do your best to stick to the marked paths, take your litter with you if bins aren’t available, and always respect the wildlife by observing from a distance without feeding or disturbing them.

Plan Your Sustainable Getaway

Now that you know how to do it, it’s time to start planning your next sustainable getaway. Engaging in eco-friendly tourism is all about making daily choices that help you lower your environmental impact while at the same time supporting the local community. Recent developments in Killarney prove that even the simplest changes in our behaviours when adapted collectively, can take us a long way in our journey towards a greener future. Whether you’re shopping locally, joining an eco-friendly tour, or simply respecting the wonders around you, your choices can support a greener planet and ensure the area remains a beloved destination for years to come.