The world is home to countless incredible national parks, from the turquoise ice-water lakes of Banff National Park in Canada to the dusty hues of Uluru-Kata Tjuta in Australia. However, a national park within driving distance of the UK has been dubbed one of the “best” national parks in the world, rubbing shoulders with some of the planet’s most stunning natural surroundings.

Nestled in County Kerry, Ireland, not far from the town of Killarney, is Killarney National Park. For those from England wanting to visit the park, you can drive there (via a connecting ferry) or hop on a plane and reach Ireland in as little as one hour.

The park was the first official national park in Ireland and has substantially expanded over the years, now spanning more than 25,452 acres.

Throughout the park, there are plenty of incredible views to explore, including the Lakes of Killarney, soaring mountain peaks and woodlands of international importance made up of oak and yew trees.

In 1981, Killarney National Park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and it forms parks of a Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. Given its vast size, people spend, on average, more than three hours exploring the beautiful landscape.

Killarney National Park was named one of the best national parks in the world for 2024, according to Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, coming in third place.

Having visited the National Park just a few weeks ago, a tourist from the US left a Tripadvisor review, hailing the “beautiful vistas” on offer.

Another visitor from Leighton Buzzard added: “A spectacular unspoilt area. Hundreds of acres of forests overlooking the loughs. We saw Sika deer too. A must when visiting this part of Ireland.” [SIC]

Within the mountain peaks which call the park home are the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland.

Set just beneath them are the famous lakes of Killarney, which consist of three lakes: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake (also called Middle Lake) and Upper Lake.

Just a few minutes walk away from the car park is the famous Torc Waterfall, which lies at the base of Torc Mountain. Torc Waterfall is a 20-metre high, 110-metre long cascade waterfall and there are many local legends surrounding it.

The magical surroundings offer impressive views and the sound of the water plummeting down provides a magical backdrop for visitors.