Ireland is easily recalled as a green wonderland. The Republic enjoys the privilege of six national parks, dedicated to preserving the unique lands that make up Ireland's gorgeous scenery. Come wander with us through the six majestic parks of the Emerald Isle.
The Burren is a gorgeous rocky landscape in County Clare and features the smallest, but no less glorious, of Ireland's national parks. This limestone-rich landscape uniquely supports Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flora and fauna, with much of the parkland designated as a Special Area of Conservation. You can visit the legendary Cliffs of Moher or Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland's more famous portal tombs.
Located near Dublin, this gorgeous park, replete with stunning mountains, is an extremely popular tourist destination. Points of interest include Glendalough Valley featuring remnants of a Medieval monastery, the Lugnaquilla Mountain and the Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest in Ireland at 397 feet (121 meters).
Situated in County Galway, Connemara's park is an exquisite landscape. Much of the land was once the estate of the nearby Kylmore Abbey. The park boasts the Twelve Bens mountain range and is the origin of the athletic pony breed, the Connemara pony. Venture out to Ballynahinch Castle, situated 8 miles (13 km) from the park, a picturesque hotel with a magnificent spot for fly fishing.
An impressive park in County Kerry, established decades before any of the other national parks, Killarney National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, abundant with woodlands, lakes, and mountains. Walk the trail of the Black Valley, considered one of the remotest areas of Ireland, and see the oft-photographed Drumluska Cottage. Be enchanted by the Ancient Emerald Forest Trail, or the Ross Castle, resting on the shores of the park's lower lakes.
Ireland's second largest national park, Glenveagh, is situated in lush County Donegal. You can fish on Lake Lough Veagh, walk the many hilltop trails, or appreciate the lovely Glenveagh Castle. The park is home to Ireland's largest herd of red deer, and enjoys a population of formerly extinct golden eagle, which was reintroduced into the park in 2000.
Situated in County Mayo, is the newest addition to Ireland's six national parks. Close to the western seaboard, lies Ballycroy National Park, a largely uninhabited land and a wilderness unspoiled by industrialization. Home to the Nephin Beg mountain range and the Owenduff river, which encounters an impressive range of migratory birds. On a good day birdwatchers can spot rare species such the peregrine falcon, corncrake or whooper swan.
