Ireland National Parks

It is high time that you left the concrete jungle of the city and wandered over to the greenery that is available in Ireland. Find below a list of the national parks in Ireland with details about them.

Glenveagh National Park: Do not miss visiting the Glenveagh National Park that is located near the edge of the National Park and at the end of Lough Vagh. This park that is situated amidst a remote and rugged mountain valley was created by Henry Mc Ilhenny. This is arguably one of the most reputed of gardens in Ireland. Do not miss the Italian terrace that is adorned with antique sculpture along with terracotta pots. Then there are the pleasure grounds and the Woodland garden. Information about the different walking trails is available on site along with an audiovisual display too. This park features a car park and a restaurant.

Ballycroy National Park Visitors Centre: This park is generally closed during the winter season and remains open during other seasons. Admission to the same is free. Do not miss out the visitors’ centre where visitors can find an interpretative exhibition regarding the habitats, species, and the landscapes of the national park. They can also find information about the surrounding areas. Check out the short natural trail that offers visitors awesome scenic views of the Nephin Beg Mountain and the Achill Island. This park is located in the village of Ballycroy and there are no admission charges.

Renville Park: This park is situated on Galway Bay’s eastern end and provides some scintillating views of the surrounding areas as well as over the bay. This park also boasts of a number of walking paths along with an adventure playground. Do not miss out on the estate farmyard, medieval tower house, the gate lodge, and the castle. Tea rooms and restaurants are also available in the park.

Killarney National Park: Located in south west Ireland, this is also the first national park of Ireland. It was opened to the public in the year 1932. This park covers an area of 10,000 hectares of gardens, parks, waterways, woodland, moorland, and mountain. Do not miss out viewing the renowned Muckross House which is one of the largest stately homes of Ireland.

Wicklow Mountains National Park: This huge park, located in Glendalough, covers an area of 20,000 hectares, which is inclusive of the Liffey Head Bog. This park is famous with visitors for its wildlife and woodlands. Do not miss out on the monastic settlement that includes St. Kevin’s Church, a round tower, and a cathedral. You should also check out the prehistoric passage grave that lies on the summit of Seefin Mountain.

Burren National Park: This park is famous for its limestone plateau. Even though a number of plants manage to survive in this barren land, there is no doubting the fact that some of the rare alpine and Mediterranean plants grow in this park. The limestone pavements along with the deep crevices in this park have been formed due to erosion by rain, wind, and glaciations.