A Trail of Two Lakes : Lakeshore at Muckross, Killarney National Park

March 10, 2015July 2, 2015Leave a comment

On this route we explore a circular 6km trail through one of the best known areas of Killarney National Park. Suitable for runners, walkers, hikers, strollers and dogs alike, this trail will take us through some of the most-visited areas of Muckross in Killarney National Park. With just a few detours off the well-beaten track, you can very easily travel along by the lake shore of two of Killarney’s famed three lakes. Read on to sample some of the magic of Muckross and maybe follow the route yourself the next time you’re in the neighbourhood.

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Dip into the Blue Pool – A Trail Less Traveled near Killarney National Park

February 26, 2015July 2, 2015Leave a comment

If the great outdoors is your thing, there are plenty of options for you around Killarney National Park. Just a stone’s throw from one of the busiest tourist routes in the Killarney area is a lovely trail that is perfect for a lively walk or an interesting trail run. The presence of some tyre tracks in the winter mud suggests a few mountain bikes have braved the ups and downs of the trails as well. Let’s take a dip in to the Blue Pool.

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If You Go Down To The Woods – Pike Wood, Killarney

February 13, 2015July 2, 2015Leave a comment

A change is as good as a rest or so they say. We are spoiled for choice in terms of where to go for a walk, run or cycle in Killarney. Every now and again, it’s good to go a bit off the beaten track. The forest trail of the Pike Wood is a fine example of a route less traveled and less known but still worthy of a visit. Continue reading →

Building A Home : How Your Site Will Influence Your House Design

February 6, 2015July 2, 2015Leave a comment

The Plot Thickens

I’m about to become an expert in my field. The little piece of the field that we’re hoping to turn into a home. The site, or plot, has been bought and now it’s time to start the process of converting it into a house. So what is it that we should be doing? What are the kind of things you need to keep in mind when you’re at this very early stage of your house build? How will your site influence the design of your home? Here are some of the things that may help you think about your house design from the ground up.

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Tower Wood Waterfall – A Hidden Gem of Killarney National Park

January 30, 2015July 2, 20154 Comments

What Lies Beneath

You learn something new every day. And so it was the day I saw a stunning photograph of a waterfall in Killarney National Park featured in the Journal.ie. The photo captivated me not just because of its beauty but because I had no idea where the photo had been taken. Having grown up in Killarney and spent plenty of time wandering around the Park, my interest was piqued. The shot was from a photographic book by Norman McCloskey called “Parklight” which documented years of traversing the Park in all sorts of conditions. Having shared the photo on Facebook, I thought no more of the Tower Wood and filed it away in my mind under “Must Find Later”. Continue reading →

Take Me To The Island – An Easy Stroll Around Ross Island, Killarney

January 26, 2015July 2, 2015Leave a comment

Ross Castle in one of the most popular attractions within Killarney National Park. Its proximity to the town centre in a tranquil setting means that it is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The trails around Ross Island are a little less visited and are one of my favourite spots to walk, run or stroll around with the family. On a recent sunny winter’s day, it provided the perfect backdrop for a brisk lunchtime stroll.

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Building a House: The Best Bits You Need To Know

January 23, 2015April 1, 20151 Comment

Photo Credit : Dakota Roos

As we embark on our little journey towards building a house, this blog will follow the progress throughout the process. Nothing new there, I hear you say. So let’s think about what are the best bits we should cover as we endeavour to turn a field into a home. Continue reading →

Cardiac Steps, Torc Mountain, Killarney

January 18, 2015August 20, 20152 Comments

Today was my first trip of the year up the Cardiac Steps of Killarney. For those not familiar with this trail, it is a not-so-gentle ascent up the slopes of Torc Mountain, just a few kilometres outside of Killarney town. The steep rise up through hundreds of steps brings great rewards to the walker or trail runner with panoramic vistas throughout the trail. If you need a break en route, you can take your pick of the great views of the Lakes of Killarney, McGillycuddy Reeks and the rest of Killarney National Park.

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All aboard – Carrying kids on the bike

January 13, 2015May 18, 2015Leave a comment

All aboard

Are you trying to figure out the best way to bring your kids with you on the bike? What about going for a ride with more than one kid on your bike? What are the best child seats out there before your kids get going on two wheels themselves? Read on to find out how we went from pushing buggies to 3 on a bike (oh and a dog too..!) Continue reading →

Some great spots to view red deer in Killarney

January 11, 2015July 2, 20154 Comments

Many people assume that viewing the magnificent red deer of Killarney National Park means a trek into the wilds armed with high tech cameras and a survival kit. Heading off the beaten track is often the best way to observe the deer in their natural habitat. Here we will identify where there are also some great spots to view the deer just 10-15 minutes walk from the town. There are even some areas where you can view the deer without leaving your car. Continue reading →