Parking
Roadside parking is available on Port Road just outside the Deenagh Lodge entrance. The local route guide says spaces can be busy in summer and during services at St Mary’s Cathedral; no dedicated trail car park or capacity was verified.

Killarney National Park, KY
A riverside loop with meadow, lake and mountain views.
Overview
Map & elevation
Plan your hike

The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Killarney Tour Guide
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Killarney National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
Recorded for this trailhead
Knockreer and Deenagh Lodge“You're nearing the Port Road entrance to Knockreer, opposite St Mary's Cathedral.”
Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Killarney Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
Trail guide
Knockreer–Castlerosse is a 3.16-mile (5.1 km) loop from Deenagh Lodge, following the Deenagh River and Knockreer parkland to the edge of Castlerosse, then returning by Victoria Lodge and Cotter’s Field. Allow about 1½–2 hours. Most of the route is paved or gravel and nearly level, with a short rougher stretch and one small rise. This Deenagh route is different from the separate Knockreer Circular Walk that starts at Killarney House.
From Deenagh Lodge, head down toward the river, past the playground and Knockreer playing fields. The path winds through riverside woods and opens beside a meadow. A horse track crosses at the far end and offers a shorter way back toward the Circular Walk; for the full loop, continue straight toward Castlerosse. A seasonal café at the thatched lodge and toilets at the playground are beside the starting area.
The path meets the hotel driveway, so watch for vehicles. The described route skirts the grounds by the playground and tennis courts, then follows a rough track beside the golf course. A small rise opens a view over Lough Leane toward Mangerton and Torc. Public access along the hotel and golf-course edge has not been independently confirmed; check signs and turn back if any section is marked private.
Re-enter the park at the gate near Victoria Lodge, take the right-hand path at the junction and cross a small cattle grid. The return crosses Cotter’s Field, where the meadow opens toward the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Dogs are allowed on a lead along the described route; follow any posted rules on the resort edge. Give red deer plenty of room, especially stags during the autumn rut.
Wildlife
104 sightingsRed DeerMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
207 sightingsSika DeerMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
12 sightingsFeral GoatMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
49 sightingsSwanMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
48 sightingsHeronMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
15 sightingsCormorantMost seen around 8 AMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Killarney. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
Keep exploring
EasyThe Fossa Way4.5 km · 1.3 hr · At the trailheadA gentle paved walk from town through Knockreer to Fossa.
EasyRiver Walk and Ross Castle Loop8 km · 2.5 hr · At the trailheadParkland, riverside paths and Ross Castle on a gentle 8 km loop.
EasyKnockreer Circular Walk5 km · 2 hr · 0.8 km awayAn easy 5 km loop through Knockreer’s riverside parkland.
EasyKerry Way: Killarney to Torc Waterfall7.5 km · 2 hr · 0.9 km awayA lakeside Kerry Way stage ending at Torc Waterfall.
ModerateKerry Way: Killarney to Black Valley Stage22 km · 7.5 hr · 1.5 km awayA long through-hike past Torc Waterfall to Black Valley.
EasyLibrary Point Trail4.8 km · 1.8 hr · 1.9 km awayA wooded Ross Island walk to a book-like limestone shoreline.
EasyRoss Island Loop5.8 km · 1.8 hr · 2.1 km awayWoodland tracks, old copper workings, and lake views make an easy circuit.
EasyRoss Island Mining Trail3 km · 1 hr · 2.1 km awayA gentle woodland loop to Ross Island’s prehistoric copper workings.
Food · At the trailheadDeenagh LodgeA thatched 1834 gate lodge makes tea part of the park walk.
Sight · 0.2 km awayKnockreer PlaygroundA colorful inclusive play stop just inside the Port Road gate.
Sight · 0.3 km awayKnockreer House and GardensHilltop estate paths, lake views and the story of a lost house.
Sight · 0.8 km awayKillarney House and GardensA free park exhibition and formal gardens at Killarney's town edge.
Sight · 2.1 km awayRoss CastleA lakeside castle with a siege story that came by boat.
Sight · 2.4 km awayLibrary PointA book-like rock formation at the end of a lakeshore walk.
Sight · 2.7 km awayInnisfallen Island and AbbeyA quiet island of medieval ruins, reached across Lough Leane.
Sight · 2.9 km awayGovernor’s RockLough Leane views and the Copper Mines on an easy island walk.Parkwolf’s Killarney ranking