How to Visit Muckross Abbey
Read our travel guide on Muckross Abbey in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get there, or when to go.
One of the things to know about Ireland is that there are tons of ancient abbeys scattered around the country.
If you want to include at least a few of them on your Ireland road trip itinerary, Muckross Abbey should be on the list.
The abbey features picturesque remains of an old monastery, a stunning yew tree, and an impressive bell tower.
It's part of the Killarney National Park, which is also home to places such as Muckross House and Gardens, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall.
There are many reasons to visit Muckross Abbey.
It's easily accessible from Killarney, you can explore the grounds for free, and the ancient atmosphere bursts from every stone and wall.
And for those road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way, this is a perfect opportunity to explore the monastic history of Ireland even deeper.
So here is everything you should know about Muckross Abbey before you go.
Visiting Muckross Abbey
After a short drive from Killarney, we arrived at the empty parking area near the abbey early in the morning.
As soon as we stepped out, we were greeted by a local jarvey who gently pointed out that we parked on the spot for jaunting cars.
Only when we looked really hard, we noticed barely visible parking lines indicating where to park.
Our second parking maneuver was more successful, and we were ready to set off.
The walk from the parking lot to the abbey was short but pleasant, especially on a quiet morning.
A couple of jaunting cars passed by, but the park was still pretty much empty.
At some point along the way, we were able to spot the abbey with the dominant bell tower in the distance on our right-hand side.
Not far from here, we reached a crossroad, where we turned right and continued to the abbey.
History
Founded in 1448 by Donal MacCarthy as a Franciscan friary, Muckross Abbey was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
The Observantine Franciscans who lived there were known for strict and rigid observance of the order's rules.
The abbey shared a similar fate as other comparable sites in Ireland and was demolished, raided, and reconstructed many times over the course of its history.
It was eventually burned down and left abandoned. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the grounds became burial grounds for several prominent County Kerry poets.
If you're interested in the medieval history of Ireland, this is a great place to visit.
Muckross Abbey
One of the first things that immediately caught our attention was that Muckross Abbey is fairly well-preserved and has many different rooms to explore.
Sure, the abbey is roofless, but the site is still in relatively good condition.
The ground floor, which also features a nave, refectory, dormitory, or sacristy, is very compact and easy to navigate.
There is also an upstairs area, an impressive bell tower, and a cemetery with interesting gravestones.
The adjacent bell tower spans the full width of the church, which is not a common feature.
Unfortunately, the tower was closed, and we couldn't climb to the top, as it was possible, for instance, in St. Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny.
However, you can still climb to the upper floor of the abbey, so don't miss that opportunity, as you will be able to see the entire site from a different perspective.
However, what makes the visit to Muckross Abbey so magical is the ancient yew tree in the center.
This poisonous and evergreen tree of the Taxaceae family dominates a courtyard enclosed by cloister walkways.
The silence surrounding the walls and the tree with a massive trunk standing motionless in the center looked like it was straight out of a fantasy movie.
It simply looked unreal.
We also didn't forget to visit the adjacent cemetery full of history and ancient stone crosses.
If you're interested in the monastic history of Ireland, don't forget to visit also places such as Clonmacnoise or Glendalough.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How Much Time Do I Need
On average, you should allow yourself about 30 minutes for Muckross Abbey.
However, it's easy to stay here longer in case you are more interested in architecture or history.
Once you're done with the abbey, don't forget that you can continue exploring the nearby park's grounds.
Therefore, you will probably need several hours just for this area.
Opening Hours
There are no official opening or closing times at Muckross Abbey.
It's an old ruin that is accessible any time of the day. Obviously, it's recommended to visit the abbey during the daylight.
When to Go
You can visit Muckross Abbey all year round.
The abbey is nestled in Killarney National Park, which is especially beautiful in summer.
However, we believe it's better to visit this area in spring or autumn to escape the summer crowds that flock to the national park.
Winter brings short and cold days to this area, but the main advantage is the lack of crowds and cheaper accommodation during this period.
Before you go, try to figure out the best time to visit Ireland in order to have a better trip.
What to Pack
The weather in Killarney National Park is changeable, so make sure to come prepared.
We always have a rain jacket in our daypack, together with a water bottle and camera.
The trails near the Muckross Abbey are well-maintained, and regular walking shoes should be more than fine.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Muckross Abbey.
If you're traveling around Ireland on a budget, including places such as this abbey will help you keep your expenses low.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Muckross Abbey. If you're pressed for time, renting a car in Ireland allows you to visit multiple sites such as this one every day.
In case you're staying in Killarney for a day or two, walking or hiking to the abbey (and other sites) might be a better option.
Car
The easiest way to get to Muckross Abbey is by car, regardless of your starting point.
Killarney is only 4 kilometers from the parking area, so the trip between these two places takes only a few minutes.
Cork is 90 kilometers east of the abbey. The journey via N22 shouldn't take more than an hour and a half. Limerick is about 115 kilometers northeast of the abbey.
Galway is a three-hour drive from here. The journey from Dublin takes about four hours.
Here you will find more tips for driving in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Walk
If you want to visit also Muckross House and Gardens and Torc Waterfall, you should consider leaving your car at the House and visiting the waterfall and abbey on foot from there.
This is actually one of the best ways to explore this part of Killarney National Park.
In case you're considering walking from Killarney to Muckross Abbey, the most direct route is about 4.5 kilometers one way.
Bike
If you're staying in Killarney, renting a bike is easy.
This is a great option for active travelers who want to visit as many sites in Killarney National Park as possible. It's also great for those who want to explore the Gap of Dunloe by bike.
Here you can rent a bike in Killarney in advance.
Parking
There is a free parking lot on N71 about 500 meters from the abbey.
Alternatively, you can leave your car also at Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, or even Killarney.
Where to Stay
One of the main arguments for staying in Killarney before visiting Muckross Abbey is that the town is a main tourist hub in this area.
Furthermore, it's a perfect starting point for Killarney National Park and the entire Ring of Kerry. Lastly, there is accommodation for every budget.
Here we hand-selected some of the top hotels in Killarney.
Budget | Murphys of Killarney - With its superb central location and great hospitality, this hotel is always a safe option when in Killarney. Murphys is a traditional hotel with stylish rooms, an even more traditional Irish pub (with live music during the summer season), and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-range | The Lake Hotel - Sitting on the shores of the Loch Lein, the family-friendly Lake Hotel features en suite rooms with mountain views, free private parking, an on-site restaurant serving Irish cuisine, an outdoor hot tub, and free parking.
Luxury | Muckross Park Hotel and Spa - Situated in Killarney National Park, this luxurious 5-star hotel is a perfect place for travelers who want to relax and unwind. Muckross Park Hotel and Spa features individually designed and spacious rooms, a quiet location, free private parking, an on-site restaurant and bar, and an award-winning spa.
Is Muckross Abbey Worth Visiting?
Muckross Abbey is arguably one of the best abbeys you can visit while in Ireland.
It's packed with history and architecture, easily accessible from Killarney, and the site is free to explore.
The abbey is also one of the top attractions in Killarney National Park and a great addition to a trip to Ireland.
Therefore, we believe Muckross Abbey is worth seeing, as it offers a different experience compared to places such as Glendalough Monastic Site or Kylemore Abbey.
By the way, Killarney is not only a gateway to Killarney National Park but also the Ring of Kerry, one of the top attractions in Ireland.
And a perfect stop along the iconic Wild Atlantic Way that allows you to see the best of Ireland's west coast.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
