Killarney: Guided Walk, Red Deer Spotting & Knockreer House

Summary

Walk from St. Mary’s to Knockreer with local tales and deer

You’ll start outside St. Mary’s Cathedral with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story around Killarney. Walk past Deenagh Lodge and up to Knockreer House while hearing about presidents and film scenes—and maybe spotting red deer grazing quietly in the fields. Expect real Irish weather, honest conversation, and moments you’ll want to remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to step right out of town and into a place where the grass smells damp and sweet, and you can still hear the church bells behind you? That’s how our Killarney walk started—just across from St. Mary’s Cathedral (which honestly looks even older than 1842). Our guide, Tomás, waved us over by O’Shea’s Funeral Home—bit of an odd meeting spot but somehow it fit the mood. He grew up nearby, so every story he told felt like something he’d heard at his own kitchen table.

The path took us past Deenagh Lodge—a thatched cottage that looks straight out of a postcard. I could smell scones baking inside (the tea room was open), but we kept moving uphill toward Knockreer House. Tomás pointed out where President Charles De Gaulle holed up for two weeks in ’69. I didn’t expect to care about French presidents on an Irish walk, but there was something funny about imagining secret service guys lurking behind rhododendrons. The air got cooler as we climbed; my boots squelched in the grass—should’ve worn thicker socks.

Then suddenly the trees opened up and there it was: lake, mountains, sky all layered in this soft morning light. We stopped talking for a second because a herd of red deer wandered out—just grazing like they owned the place (which maybe they do). Tomás whispered that they almost disappeared once, but now they’re back for good. I still think about that silence—the kind you only get when everyone’s trying not to scare off something wild.

I guess I thought this would be just another park walk, but it felt more like borrowing someone else’s childhood memories for a couple hours. And yeah, if you say “slán go fóill” at the end (I tried), locals will actually smile back at you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided walk in Killarney National Park

• Meet guide at 11am outside O'Sheas Funeral Home
• Cross road into National Park by thatched cottage
• Walk up hill to Knockreer House and Dairy Cottage
• View lake and mountains with native red deer
• Walk with local guide off beaten paths

Top questions

Where does the Killarney guided walk start?

The tour meets outside O'Sheas Funeral Home opposite St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney.

How long is the guided walking tour?

The standard guided walk lasts about two hours but can be extended if desired.

Is special footwear required for this Killarney walk?

No special footwear is required, though walking boots are recommended if you have them.

Will we see wildlife like red deer on this tour?

You’re likely to see native red deer grazing in the fields during the walk.

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll pass Deenagh Lodge, Knockreer House, Dairy Cottage (where Charles De Gaulle stayed), and enjoy views of lakes and mountains.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Killarney town.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for this walking tour.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local guide right outside St. Mary’s Cathedral before setting off on foot through Killarney’s green paths; no special footwear needed but boots help if it’s wet; with stories shared along the way; flexible timing means you can extend your walk if you’re feeling energetic; public transport is close by too.