The Lakes of Killarney, three lakes, one river and thirty-two islands make up this unique part of Kerry.
Last week we took a kayak trip down through the Lakes. We began on a sunny spring morning on the Upper Lake. A gentle paddle took us to The Long Range. This is the section of river which joins the Upper Lake and Muckross Lake.
As we paddled down the river we rounded a corner to see two small stags swimming across the river. With barely a splash, only their heads and antlers visible, they glided through the water and disappeared into the thick rhododendrons.
Further down the river the roaring of rapids reached our ears. This was the Meeting of the Waters, where all the water is funnelled under an old stone bridge and turns into an exciting white water rapid. We bounced over the waves, down the rapid, and emerged into the sunlight of Muckross Lake. Overlooked by Muckross House, we kayaked through limestone islands, carved with fantastic caves and tunnels.
We passed under Bricin Bridge into Lough Leane, the largest of the lakes. Here thick oak and yew woods grow to the water’s edge. Among the trees are dotted ancient copper mines, dating back to the Bronze Age.
Rounding Governor’s Rock and Mouse Island we passed the ruins of 6th Century Innisfallen Abbey, nestled on the largest of the islands, and landed our kayaks on the stony shore at Ross Castle.
This fantastic trip took us about five hours, including time exploring the islands and inlets and a relaxing picnic lunch on the shores of Muckross Lake.
It is also possible to make this into a two-day camping trip, by continuing across Lough Leane and kayaking down the River Laune, to Killorglin, on the second day.
Last week we took a kayak trip down through the Lakes. We began on a sunny spring morning on the Upper Lake. A gentle paddle took us to The Long Range. This is the section of river which joins the Upper Lake and Muckross Lake.
As we paddled down the river we rounded a corner to see two small stags swimming across the river. With barely a splash, only their heads and antlers visible, they glided through the water and disappeared into the thick rhododendrons.
Further down the river the roaring of rapids reached our ears. This was the Meeting of the Waters, where all the water is funnelled under an old stone bridge and turns into an exciting white water rapid. We bounced over the waves, down the rapid, and emerged into the sunlight of Muckross Lake. Overlooked by Muckross House, we kayaked through limestone islands, carved with fantastic caves and tunnels.
We passed under Bricin Bridge into Lough Leane, the largest of the lakes. Here thick oak and yew woods grow to the water’s edge. Among the trees are dotted ancient copper mines, dating back to the Bronze Age.
Rounding Governor’s Rock and Mouse Island we passed the ruins of 6th Century Innisfallen Abbey, nestled on the largest of the islands, and landed our kayaks on the stony shore at Ross Castle.
This fantastic trip took us about five hours, including time exploring the islands and inlets and a relaxing picnic lunch on the shores of Muckross Lake.
It is also possible to make this into a two-day camping trip, by continuing across Lough Leane and kayaking down the River Laune, to Killorglin, on the second day.
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