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Visit Innisfallen Island, County Kerry Travel Guide

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Discover Innisfallen Island: Explore ancient monastic ruins, roam with Sika deer, and uncover centuries of Irish history in Killarney National Park.

Explore the historic Innisfallen Island, nestled in Lough Leane, Killarney National Park. Discover the ruins of a 7th-century monastery and a 12th-century Augustinian priory, offering a glimpse into Ireland's rich monastic past and serene natural beauty.

A brief summary to Visit Innisfallen Island

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Visit Innisfallen Island.

  • Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season, as access to the island is limited.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island's uneven terrain and exploring the abbey ruins.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Lough Leane, the surrounding mountains, and the Sika deer.
  • Check the weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly, as the boat ride is open to the elements.
  • Consider a longer tour that combines Innisfallen Island with other attractions in Killarney National Park, such as the Gap of Dunloe.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Killarney town center, walk approximately 2km along Ross Road or through Killarney National Park to reach Ross Castle. The route through the National Park is for non-motorized vehicles only. From Ross Castle, it's a short walk to Reen Pier, where boat tours to Innisfallen Island depart. Allow about 30-40 minutes for the walk from Killarney town to Reen Pier.

  • Public Transport

    During summer months, shuttle bus services operate from Killarney town center to Ross Castle. From Ross Castle, it's a short walk to Reen Pier, where boat tours to Innisfallen Island depart. Check local schedules for bus frequency and costs. A taxi from Killarney town to Ross Castle is also an option, costing approximately €8-€12.

  • Boat

    The final approach to Innisfallen Island is exclusively by boat. Several boat tour operators run services from Reen Pier near Ross Castle to Innisfallen Island. A typical return boat trip to Innisfallen Island costs approximately €15 for adults and €10 for children. The boat journey takes about 10-15 minutes. These boat tours usually allow for about one hour on the island.

Discover more about Visit Innisfallen Island

Innisfallen Island, a serene island in Lough Leane, within Killarney National Park, holds a captivating history dating back to the 7th century. St. Finian the Leper founded a monastery here around 640 AD, transforming the island into a hub of learning and solitude for monks. The island is best known as the place where the Annals of Innisfallen were written, chronicling early Irish history from 433 to 1450 AD. These annals, penned by 39 monks, are now housed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. The island's monastic site also faced Viking raids and attacks from Irish clans, yet it remained a center of education.Visitors can explore the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Priory and a Romanesque church, remnants of the island's rich religious and architectural heritage. The island is also home to a unique herd of Sika deer, adding to its natural charm. Boat tours to Innisfallen Island typically depart from Reen Pier, near Ross Castle, offering a scenic journey across the lake. These tours provide an opportunity to wander through the abbey ruins and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
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