Arthur Young’s Walk

Arthur Young’s Walk is a 5.6 km (3.5 mi) out-and-back from Muckross House across Muckross Peninsula, between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake. Allow two to two and a half hours. It is moderate but mostly flat, with just 10 m of ascent, so the length is the main commitment. Go for a long, low-rise walk through woodland and lake scenery rather than a climb.

The path heads west across the peninsula. It meanders through oak woodland, opens into a meadow, then reaches Reenadinna’s yew wood before you retrace the same route to the House. The yew wood is the walk’s standout stretch; it is described as one of only three of its kind in Europe. The route shown here follows the mapped shore path through Reenadinna and back, rather than extending onto the separate Torc or Abbey walks.

The walk takes its name from travel writer Arthur Young, who visited Killarney in 1776 and returned to Muckross House along the shores of Muckross Lake. That old journey is the reason this woodland route has its name.

The separate Mossy Woods Walk is a 2 km return from Muckross House. It is shorter, but its footing can be rough and boggy; it is not the same route across the peninsula.

Begin at Muckross House’s front door, opposite the jaunting cars. Use one of the Muckross House and Gardens car parks. Public toilets are by the main car-park entrance road, and Muckross House Garden Restaurant is a separate stop beside the lots. Dogs are allowed on park trails when kept under control; ordinary walking does not require a permit.