Over the past 30 years, my dad has been going to Ireland for fly fishing a couple of times a year. Thus, I decided to ride around the country on my bicycle in 2021. As it was late summer, I was really challenged by the weather, but I also had some really nice days. There are a lot of outdoor activities available in the country, which really surprised me.
I flew to Dublin, brought my bike in a carton box, and began cycling to the northern part of Ireland. It was an incredible experience to hike some incredible mountains, go fly fishing with my dad, and meet so many nice people along the way. This travel guide contains all the information you need about the six national parks in Ireland that I discovered during my trip.
national parks in ireland map
To give you an indication where to find the National Parks in Ireland you will find a map below. By clicking on the icon in the left corner you will get a menu with more information about the National Parks.
Video: Ireland National Parks
Best time to visit National Parks in Ireland?
Travel to Ireland between May and September is the best time to visit. Although Ireland may be best when it rains, late spring and early autumn provide the best chances for consistently dry, clear, and sunny weather. However, you can never be sure.
Even if it rains every day, it usually falls in the morning and you can enjoy the sun in the afternoon. Despite the cold weather, it is very rainy in the winters. You should reserve overnight accommodation in advance if you’re going in winter. The majority of hotels are closed then. Below is a weather chart that will give you a better idea.
Weather Chart Dublin
Month | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Days of Rain |
January | 2.0 | 8.0 | 13.0 |
February | 2.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 |
March | 3.0 | 10.0 | 11.0 |
April | 4.0 | 12.0 | 11.0 |
May | 6.0 | 15.0 | 11.0 |
June | 9.0 | 18.0 | 10.0 |
July | 11.0 | 19.0 | 11.0 |
August | 11.0 | 19.0 | 12.0 |
September | 9.0 | 17.0 | 10.0 |
October | 7.0 | 14.0 | 12.0 |
November | 4.0 | 10.0 | 12.0 |
December | 3.0 | 9.0 | 13.0 |
1. Wicklow Mountains
Wicklow Mountains National Park is located just 40 kilometers from the capital city Dublin and was established in 1991 it’s the biggest National Park of Ireland. So if you want to escape from the city life during your city trip, a day in Wicklow Mountains will literally surprise you. If you are really looking to see the local way of living you will find this way more in this area, than in the city.
The most famous landmark of the Wicklows is the old monastery ruin Glendalough. It attracts many visitors every year, not only because of its excellently preserved ruins, but also because of the natural beauty in the area. Glendalough means ‘valley of the two lakes’ and indeed, these lakes are beautiful!
How to get there
From Dublin airport you can be in the center of the National Park in just 30 minutes. If you want to travel by public transport there is a bus which will take you 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can stop at the Glendalough Visitor center. Keep your eyes open while driving around in this area as there is a lot of wildlife you can spot.
Things to do
If you prefer going with a tour guide to learn more about the landscapes and the history of the National Park one of the below tours would be a great idea for you. Most of the tours have a pickup from Dublin and there is a wide variety of tours so if you are looking for a full day or half a day you will find it at GetYourGuide. You don’t have to do your own research as the guide will explain you everything about the area.
Where to stay
I would suggest spending 2 days in the Wicklow Mountains National Park so you don’t have to rush and sleep a night in hostel Glendalough International Youth Hostel or a special night at the Glendalough Glamping.
2. Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is the oldest National Park established in 1932 and personally I would recommend spending at least 3 days. The location of the park is perfect to combine with the Ring of Kerry or a visit to the Wild Atlantic Way.
There are beautiful walking and cycling paths, there is a special variety of lakes, castles (Ross Castle is a must!), waterfalls, mountains, forests, valleys, rivers …. in short, something for everyone! You will also find a lot of hiking and biking tracks in this National Parks and that was one of the main reasons I spent a lot of time in Killarney.
How to get there
Cork – Killarney
The easiest way to access Killarney National Park would be to catch a flight to Cork and from there you can rent a car or use public transport to set directions to the National Park. By car it will take you just 1.5 hours to get in the centre of Killarney National Park.
If you want to travel by bus, catch bus number 40 which will take you in 1 hour and 44 minutes from Cork to Killarney Station for an average price between €10 – 15. Is a train more your way of travelling no problem the train connections in Ireland are all well arranged. From Cork you can jump on the train for a price between € 26 – € 35 and in 1 hour and 30 minutes you will arrive in Killarney.
Dublin – Killarney
By car it will take you 3.5 hours without stops, and my advice will be to plan enough time for stops to enjoy the sceneries. From Dublin you have plenty of choices how to get to the National Parks in Ireland. A trip by train will take you on average 4 hours and a ticket will be around € 35 – €50. Travelling by bus can take between 4.5 – 5.5 hours it really depends which route you will pick you can go via Limerick or via Cork, maybe nice to plan some stops in between.
Things to do
Like Wicklow Mountains is the location of Killarney National Park one of the reason why this park is one of the most popular National Parks. There is so much to do and if you have no idea what places are nice to visit, it will be a great idea to book a guided tour. During the tour you only have to absorb the information the guide is sharing and enjoy the sceneries.
No worries about where to park the car or being scared that you miss some interesting spots. For me the boat cruise is one of my favourites, because I travelled the Ring of Kerry by myself by bike. Take the time for this place as there are plenty of things to do and discover.
Where to stay
I would suggest you to spend some days in Killarney National Park and stay in the area to save time on traveling. The Neptune hostel is a great choice as it is located in the city centre of Killarney and the vibe in the hostel is really great you can book a double/triple room with private bathroom for a price between €50 – € 70.
If you want a more special experience but a little more outside of the Killarney and just 2 kilometers from the National Park you will find Killarney Glamping at the Grove, Suites and Lodges where you will have the best glamping experience. You can book a romantic Glamping place for a price between €100 – € 150, I know it’s more expensive but if you want to surprise your partner this would do the trick for sure.
3. Burren National Park
According to Cromwell’s men, The Burren was too dry to drown, without trees to hang men, and without ground to bury them.
In spite of that, there is a little bit of truth in it. Just south of Galway, there is an endless expanse of gray lime stone called the Burren, which is also known as the karst landscape. Among the Burren’s special attractions is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a very old dolmen. It was an important ritual site for about 20 to 25 people who are buried here. Today, it is a tourist attraction (although it is never too busy, unless another American bus lands!) and a popular photo spot!
It is fun to take part in free walks in the park during the summer months. There are many special plants and animals in The Burren, including alpine plants and rare animals.
It is also very beautiful to drive along the coast from Doolin to the coast. There is nothing better than biking or driving to this: the gray stones on your right, the blue sea on your left… it’s gorgeous! This National Park is the smallest National Park in Ireland.
How to get there
Galway- Burren
The easiest way to access Burren National Park would be to catch a flight to Galway and from there you can rent a car or use public transport to set directions to the National Park. By car it will take you just 44 minutes to get in the centre of Burren National Park. If you want to travel by bus, catch bus number 51 which will take you in 1 hour from Galway to Burren Station for an average price between €9 – 13.
Dublin – Burren
By car it will take you 2 hours and 45 minutes without stops, and my advice will be to plan enough time for stops to enjoy the sceneries. From Dublin you have plenty of choices how to get to the National Parks in Ireland. A trip by train will take you on average 3 hours and 40 minutes and a ticket will be around €45 – €60. Travelling by bus can take between 3.5 – 5.5 hours and the price for a ticket will be between €50 – €65, so the difference between a train ticket and bus ticket is not a deal breaker. It really depends which route you will pick you can go via Limerick or via Galway, maybe nice to plan some stops in between.
Things to do
Burren National Park is really populair to combine with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the main tourist attractions for Ireland. You can enjoy many trails and hikes in the Burren, which is a walker’s paradise. It is a great pleasure to visit the Aillwee Caves, which are a series of spectacular show caves.
Where to stay
I would recommend to take the time to discover this area. If you want a special place to sleep definitely check out Doolin Glamping here you can book a glamping tent or a yurt. Prices are between €100 – €150 per night.
Another great option would be Aille River Hostel Lodge Glamping Doolin where you can book a glamping tent experience for the price between €50 – €75 per night.
4. Connemara National Park
A visit to Connemara National Park is also a must! You can feel like you are at the end of the world here, surrounded by the Twelve Pins (twelve mountains in the middle of the area). There is no village in this deserted area until you suddenly reach Clifden!
There is a beautiful hike to Diamond Hill starting at the visitor center in Letterfrack. The view alone makes this a highly recommended place!
Renvyle is a beautiful deserted peninsula, with the nearby Sky Road being a little busier than Renvyle. Check out Kylemore Abbey, where you can find the beautiful building. It’s time to take a picture!
How to get there
Galway- Connemara
The easiest way to access Connemara National Park would be to catch a flight to Galway and from there you can rent a car or use public transport to set directions to the National Park. By car it will take you just 1 hour and 15 minutes to get in the centre of Connemara National Park. If you want to travel by bus, catch bus number 923 which will take you in 1 hour and 40 minutes from Galway to Connemara Station for an average price between €7 – €15 per person.
Dublin – Connemara
By car it will take you 3 hours and 30 minutes without stops, and my advice will be to plan enough time for stops to enjoy the sceneries. From Dublin you have plenty of choices how to get to the National Parks in Ireland. A trip by train will take you on average 5 hours and 30 minutes and a ticket will be around €25 – €45. Travelling by bus can take you about 5 hours and 20 minutes the price for a ticket will be between €20 – €35, so the difference between a train ticket and bus ticket is not a deal breaker.
Things to do
What’s Connemara all about? This is that beautiful bump on the west coast of Ireland, north of Galway Bay and almost separated from the mainland by two rivers called Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. Especially if you enjoy the outdoors, great food, and beautiful scenery, Connemara is the perfect place to stay.
Where to stay
If you are looking for a unique accommodation you really need to check out Radharc na Réalta Glamping Inishturk here you can book a place to sleep for a price between €50 – €75.
My second night I slept at Earls View Maxi Pod the beach is 8 minutes away from this property. The Earls View Maxi Pod in Carna enjoys views of the 12 Pins mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. You can get your own cosy pod for a price between €60 – €85 per night.
5. Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park
This bogland is the longest in Europe in Ballycroy, Co. Mayo. This park is Ireland’s sixth ‘National Park’, with many species of plants and habitats unique to the region.
A stunning wilderness walk is available with family and friends in the park area, which protects wild geese, otters, and red grouse. This park is surrounded by a spectacular mountain range, the Nephin Beg range, and an iconic peat bog system, the Owenduff Bog, which is one of the few core peatlands remaining in Irish territory.
How to get there
Westport – Wild Nephin Ballycroy
The easiest way to access Nephin Ballycroy National Park would be to catch a flight to Knock and from there you can rent a car or use public transport to set directions to the National Park. By car it will take you just 1 hour and 20 minutes to get in the centre of Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. If you want to travel by bus, catch bus number 440, 442, and 978 which will take you in 3 hours and 30 minutes from Knock to Ballycroy Visitor Centre for an average price between €10 – €15 per person.
Dublin – Ballycroy
By car it will take you 3 hours and 40 minutes without stops, and my advice will be to plan enough time for stops to enjoy the sceneries. From Dublin you have plenty of choices how to get to the National Parks in Ireland. A trip by train will take you on average 3 hours to get to Hawthorn Village from there you will catch bus 978 and a ticket will cost around €35-€50.
Things to do
Where to stay
Get yourself a bit of comfort during your stay in Riverside House, it’s peacefully located along the river that runs through Newport, but it’s also easy to walk into the city from there. For a price between €100 – €120 you get a really nice wooden house in the forest and a nice breakfast is included.
6. Glenveagh National Park
As an Irish national park amidst the Derryveagh Mountains in Duregal, Glenveagh is a place of magical beauty. With lush green woodland, crystal clear lakes, and a 19th-century castle in the middle, the park is filled with history.
A range of wildlife and plants can be found in the park, which is a designated Special Protection Area for golden eagles. If you would like to visit the castle, you should book it in advance and bring cash on your visit as payment for your visit.
How to get there
Donegal – Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park can be easily accessed by catching a flight to Donegal and then renting a car or taking public transportation to the park. In just one hour and ten minutes, you can get to the center of Glenveagh National Park. From Donegal, take bus number 964, which takes you in 2 hours and 10 minutes to Paddy Og’s Pub, Crolly, and then take a taxi for 13 minutes to reach Glenveagh National Park. Overall, the bus and taxi will cost you approximately €50 – €60. It’s also possible to reach Letterkenny from Donegal by bus, but the taxi ride will cost twice as much.
Dublin – Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park can be reached in 3 hours and 15 minutes from Dublin. From Dublin, take bus 932 to Kilmacrennan, then take a taxi for 17 minutes to reach the National Park. The option of stopping at Letterkenny is also available, however, the taxi ride will be 40 minutes.
Things to do
Since this area of Ireland is less popular, there aren’t many tour options, but it’s great for outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and swimming in the lakes if you wish.
Where to stay
Visit Portsalon Luxury Camping for an unforgettable experience in a yurt. A luxury tent for 2 people with sea view costs between €80 and €100 per night.
Another great option I really enjoyed was Oakwell holiday village, which has a hot tub and sauna at the camping area. You can get a nice tent for around €120, or you can rent a room for around €160.