Killarney National Park

The moist climate of a moderate rain forest favours the distribution of mosses around the tree trunk and the growth of numerous epiphytes: mosses, lichens, ferns and liverworts.

At the banks of Muckross Lake a wood of yew trees grows on bare limestone rock. The roots of the trees creep along the surface till they disappear in a crack where they find water and mineral nutrients.

Gorse and Blackthorn are the early harbingers of Spring.

The mountain ranges of the Iveragh Peninsula (the "Ring of Kerry") are made up of Old Red Sandstone (often covered with glacial deposits). Limestone Rock Islands in Muckross Lake and limestone rock outcrops along the banks of the Killarney lakes (pictures above: yew trees / gorse) are evidence that the whole landscape was once covered with this rock type. On the high ground the limestone has almost completely disappeared through weathering.

Steps along the nature trail make a walk along this path less strenuous (Muckross Park).

The Owengarriff River (here seen just below Torc Waterfall) carries little water during dry spells, but is beautiful and calming at all times. Torc Waterfall after a day's rain.

Among the fascinating habitats in the National Park one must count the fen woods around Lough Leane. A mixed blessing for the area is rhododendron.

Click here to see the Kerry Cows, an indigenous breed of dairy cows bred on Muckross estate. They are often seen grazing in or near Muckross Park.

Powerscourt Gardens

Muckross House

County Kerry