Lakes of Killarney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lakes of Killarney |
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The Lakes of Killarney from nearby Torc Mountain
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 Lakes of Killarney
Location in Ireland
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| Location | Killarney, County Kerry |
| Coordinates | 52°2′30″N 9°33′0″W / 52.04167°N 9.55000°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Average depth | 13.4 m (44 ft) |
| Max. depth | 75 m (246 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 20 m (66 ft) |
| Islands | Innisfallen Island, |
The Lakes of Killarney are a beautiful group of lakes in Killarney National Park. You can find them near the town of Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. There are three main lakes that make up this famous spot: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake (also called Middle Lake), and Upper Lake. They are a popular place for visitors to explore Ireland's amazing nature.
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Exploring the Area Around the Lakes
The Lakes of Killarney sit in a low valley, only about 20 m (66 ft) above the sea. Tall, rugged mountains surround them. These mountains are part of a range called MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Some of the most famous mountains nearby include:
- Carrauntoohil: This is Ireland's tallest mountain, reaching 1,038 metres (3,406 ft) high.
- Purple Mountain: It stands at 832 metres (2,730 ft).
- Mangerton Mountain: This mountain is 843 metres (2,766 ft) tall.
- Torc Mountain: It is 535 metres (1,755 ft) high.
Ladies View: A Special Lookout
There's a famous viewpoint called Ladies View on the N71 road. This road goes from Killarney to Kenmare. From here, you get an amazing view of the lakes and valleys below.
The name "Ladies View" comes from a visit by Queen Victoria in 1861. Her ladies-in-waiting (who helped the Queen) thought this spot had the best view in all of Ireland. So, it was named after them!
Lough Leane: The Biggest Lake
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Lough Leane is the largest of the three lakes. Its name means "lake of learning" in Irish. It covers about 19 square kilometres (4,700 acres) and is the biggest body of fresh water in this area. The River Laune flows out of Lough Leane towards Killorglin and then into Dingle Bay.
This lake has many small, tree-covered islands. One important island is Innisfallen Island. Here, you can find the remains of the old Innisfallen Abbey.
Ross Island and Ross Castle
On the eastern side of Lough Leane, there's a place called Ross Island. It's actually more like a peninsula (land almost surrounded by water). Long ago, during the Copper Age, people here were some of the first in prehistoric Ireland to work with metals.
Ross Castle, a strong stone tower built in the 1400s, stands on the eastern shore of the lake. It's just north of the Ross Island peninsula.
Muckross Lake: The Deepest Lake
Muckross Lake is also known as Middle Lake or Torc Lake. It is located just south of Lough Leane. A small piece of land separates the two lakes. They are connected by a stone bridge called Brickeen Bridge.
Muckross Lake is the deepest lake in Ireland. In some parts, it reaches a depth of 75 metres (246 ft)! You can enjoy a paved hiking trail that goes all the way around the lake. It's about 10 km (6.2 mi) long.
Upper Lake: The Smallest Lake
The Upper Lake is the smallest of the three lakes. It is also the most southern one. A winding channel, about 4 km (2.5 mi) long, connects it to the other two lakes.
Gallery
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Ross Castle visible across Lough Leane
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View near Ross Castle
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Brickeen Bridge, where Lough Leane and Muckross Lake meet
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The lakes as viewed from Ladies View
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Another view from the Ladies View point
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Hand-drawn map of the Lakes by French artist Alphonse Dousseau, between 1830-1869
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Photograph of Upper Lake by Fergus O’Connor circa 1920 with commotion in bottom right
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See also
In Spanish: Lagos de Killarney para niños
