Killarney National Park 1443845 224717469 2008-07-10T02:46:14Z Mr Wednesday 2230016 /* Lakes of Killarney */ Fix depth of Muckross lake in feet, 73.5 m is MUCH more than 11.5 ft {{Infobox_protected_area | name = Killarney National Park | iucn_category = II | image = | caption = | locator_x = | locator_y = | location = [[Killarney]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] | nearest_city = [[Cork (city)|Cork]] | lat_degrees = 52 | lat_minutes = 02 | lat_seconds = | lat_direction = N | long_degrees = 9 | long_minutes = 36 | long_seconds = | long_direction = W | area = 102.89 km² (25,425 acres) | established = 1932 | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | governing_body = [[Dúchas|Dúchas, The Heritage Service]] }} [[Image:Young buck Killarney National Park.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A male red deer in oak woodland.]] [[Image:Torc muckross killarney.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Muckross House]] as seen from the top of Torc Mountain]] '''Killarney National Park''' ({{lang-ga|Páirc Náisiúnta Chill Airne}}) is located beside the town of [[Killarney]], [[County Kerry]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. It was the first [[national park]] established in Ireland, created when [[Muckross House|Muckross Estate]] was donated to the Irish state in 1932.<ref name=KNPAbout>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = About Killarney National Park | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.tinet.ie/~knp/intro/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> The park has since been substantially expanded and encompasses over 102.89 [[Square kilometre|km<sup>2</sup>]] (25,425 [[acre]]s) of diverse [[ecology]], including the [[Lakes of Killarney]], [[Oak]] and [[Taxus baccata|Yew]] woodlands of international importance,<ref name=Perrin>{{cite journal | last = Perrin | first = Philip M. | authorlink = | coauthors = Daniel L. Kelly and Fraser J.G. Mitchell | title = Long-term deer exclusion in yew-wood and oakwood habitats in southwest Ireland: Natural regeneration and stand dynamics | journal = Forest Ecology and Management | volume = 236 | issue = 2-3 | pages = 356–367 | publisher = | date = [[1 December]], [[2006]] | url = | doi = 10.1016/j.foreco.2006.09.025 | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> and mountain peaks.<ref name=Media4452>{{cite web | last = National Parks and Wildlife Service | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Killarney National Park Site Synopsis | work = | publisher = | date = 2005-04-01 | url = http://www.npws.ie/media/Media,4452,en.pdf | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> It has Ireland’s only native herd of [[Red Deer]]<ref name=NPWS>{{cite web | last = National Parks and Wildlife Service | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Killarney National Park | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.npws.ie/NationalParks/KillarneyNationalPark/ | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> and the most extensive covering of [[Old growth forest|native forest]] remaining in Ireland.<ref name=Kelly1981>{{cite journal | last = Kelly | first = Daniel L. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = The Native Forest Vegetation of Killarney, South-West Ireland: An Ecological Account | journal = The Journal of Ecology | volume = 69 | issue = 2 | pages = 437–472 | publisher = | date = July 1981 | url = | doi = 10.2307/2259678 | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> The park is of high ecological value because of the quality, diversity, and extensiveness of many of its habitats and the wide variety of [[species]] that they accommodate, some of which are [[rare species|rare]]. The park was designated an [[Biosphere reserve|UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve]] in 1981.<ref name=Media3866>{{cite web | last = National Parks and Wildlife Service | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Site Synopsis | work = | publisher = | date = 2005-12-05 | url = http://www.npws.ie/media/Media,3866,en.pdf | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> The park is also known for its beautiful scenery.<ref name=Cross>{{cite journal | last = Cross | first = J. R. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = The Establishment of Rhododendron Ponticum in the Killarney Oakwoods, S. W. Ireland | journal = The Journal of Ecology | volume = 69 | issue = 3 | pages = 807–824 | publisher = | date = November 1981 | url = | doi = 10.2307/2259638 | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> Dúchas, The Heritage Service is responsible for the management and administration of the park.<ref name=KNPHistory/> [[Conservation ethic|Nature conservation]] is main objective of the park, and [[ecosystem]]s in their natural state are highly valued.<ref name=Craig/> Recreation and tourism amenities are also provided for.<ref name=Media4452/> ==Climate and geography== Killarney National Park is located in southwest Ireland, close to the Ireland's most westerly point.<ref name=KNPAbout/> The Lakes of Killarney and the [[Mangerton Mountain|Mangerton]], [[Torc Mountain|Torc]], [[Shehy Mountains|Shehy]] and [[Purple Mountains]] are located in the park.<ref name=NPWS/> Altitudes in the park range from 22 metres (72 ft) to 842 metres (2,762 ft).<ref name=WCPA>{{cite web | last = UNEP | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Killarney National Park | work = World Database on Protected Areas | publisher = | date = [[2004-06-03]] | url = http://www.unep-wcmc.org/wdpa/sitedetails.cfm?siteid=5084&level=int | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> A major geological boundary between [[Devonian]] [[Old Red Sandstone]] and [[Carboniferous limestone]] is located in the park. The underlying geology of the majority of the park is [[sandstone]], with the [[limestone pavement]]s occurring on the low eastern shore of Lough Leane.<ref name=Media4452/> The park has an [[oceanic climate]], heavily influenced by the [[Gulf Stream]]. It experiences mild winters (6 [[Celsius|°C]] (42.8 [[Fahrenheit|°F]]) February average) and cool summers (15 °C (59 °F) July average).<ref name=Visiting>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Visiting the Park | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/visiting/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> [[Average|Mean]] daily temperatures range from a low of 5.88 °C (42.6 °F) in January to a high of 15.28 °C (59.5 °F) in July. The park experiences high rainfall and changeable [[Weather fronts|fronts]],<ref name=Power>{{cite book | last = Power | first = M. | authorlink = | coauthors = F. Igoe and S. Neylon | title = Dietary Analysis Of Sympatric Arctic Char And Brown Trout In Lough Muckross, South-Western Ireland | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = | url = http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/journaldb/index.asp?select=fulltext&id=100646 | doi = | id = }}</ref> with light showery rainfall being frequent throughout the year.<ref name=Visiting/> The mean rainfall is 1,263 mm (50 [[inch|in]]) per year,<ref name=Perrin/> 223 days per annum typically having more than 1 mm (0.04 in) precipitation.<ref name=Power/> The mean number of frost days is 40.<ref name=Perrin/> The geological boundary, the park’s wide range of altitudes, and the climatic influence of the [[Gulf Stream]] combine to give the park a varied ecology.<ref name=KNPAbout/> These ecosystems include [[bog]]s, lakes, [[moorland]], mountains, waterways, woodland, parks and gardens.<ref name=Kelly1981/> [[Outcrop|Outcropping rock]], cliffs and crags are features of the park.<ref name=Media4452/> Above 200 m (656 ft), the mountainous sandstone areas support large areas of [[blanket bog]] and [[Heath (habitat)|heath]].<ref name=Power/> ==History== ===Early history=== [[Image:MuckrossAbbeyCourtyard.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Cloistered courtyard in Muckross Abbey.]] Killarney National Park is one of the very few places in Ireland that has been continuously covered by woodland since the end of the most recent [[Ice age|glacial period]],<ref name=Sullivan>{{cite book | last = O’Sullivan | first = Aileen | authorlink = | coauthors = Daniel L. Kelly | title = A Recent History Of Sessile Oak (Quercus Petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.)-Dominated Woodland In Killarney, S.W. Ireland, Based On Tree-Ring Analysis | publisher = | date = | location = | pages = | url = http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/journaldb/index.asp?select=fulltext&id=100635 | doi = | id = }}</ref> approximately 10,000 years ago. Humans have lived in the area since at least the [[Bronze Age]], approximately 4,000 years ago. [[Archaeology|Archaeologists]] have found evidence that [[Copper extraction|copper mining]] took place in the Ross Island area during this period, which suggests that the area was of considerable importance to Bronze Age people. The park has many archaeological features, including a well preserved [[stone circle]] at Lissivigeen.<ref name=Heritage>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Cultural Heritage | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/%7Eknp/sites/index.htm#abb | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> The woods in the park have been disturbed and cleared at different periods since the [[Iron Age]]. This has caused a gradual decline in the [[Species richness|diversity]] of tree species in the park.<ref name=Sullivan/> Some of the most impressive archaeological remains in the park are from the [[History of Ireland|early Christian]] period. The most important of these features is [[Innisfallen Island|Inisfallen Abbey]], the ruins of a [[monastic settlement]] on Inisfallen Island in Lough Leane. It was founded in the seventh century [[Common Era|CE]] by [[St. Finian the Leper]] and was occupied until the fourteenth century.<ref name=Heritage/> The ''[[Annals of Inisfallen]]'', a record of the early history of Ireland as it was known by the monks, was written in the monastery from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries.<ref name=NPWS/> It is thought that the monastery gave rise to the name Lough Leane, which means "Lake of Learning."<ref name=Heritage/> [[Muckross Abbey]] was founded in 1448 by [[Franciscan|Observantine Franciscans]] and is also still standing, despite having being damaged and reconstructed several times when its inhabitants were raided. "Friars Glen" on Mangerton Mountain is customarily said to have been one of the places the monks would flee to when the monastery was attacked. The central feature of Muckross Abbey is a central courtyard that contains a huge Yew tree surrounded by a vaulted [[cloister]].<ref name=Heritage/> It is traditionally said that this tree is as old as Muckross Abbey itself.<ref name=KNPAbout/> The abbey was the burial place of local [[Tribal chief|chieftans]]. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the [[Kerry poets]] [[Seafraidh O'Donoghue]], [[Aogán Ó Rathaille]], and [[Eoghan Rua O'Sullivan]] were buried there.<ref name=NPWS/> [[Image:Ross Castle.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ross Castle.]] After the [[Norman invasion of Ireland]], the land around the lakes was owned by the [[McCarthy (surname)|McCarthys]] and [[O'Donoghue]]s.<ref name=NPWS/> [[Ross Castle]] is a fifteenth century [[tower house]] on the shore of Lough Leane. It was once the residence of the chieftain O'Donoghue Mór. The castle was extended in the seventeenth century. It has been restored and is open to the public.<ref name=Heritage/> A 1580s [[Elizabethan era|Elizabethan]] military record describes the Killarney area as a meagrely inhabited wilderness of forest and mountains.<ref name=Sullivan/> From the 1700s the land in today's park were divided between two great estates, the Herberts of Muckross and the Brownes ([[Earl of Kenmare|Earls of Kenmare]]). During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the woods were extensively utilised for local industries including [[charcoal]] production, [[Cooper (profession)|cooperage]] and [[tanning]]. Pressure on the woods intensified in the later part of the eighteenth century.<ref name=Sullivan/> The biggest cause of oakwood destruction in Killarney in the eighteenth century was the production of charcoal to fire [[Smelting|smelters]] used in the local iron industry. Approximately 25 [[ton]]s of Oak was needed to produced one ton of [[cast iron]].<ref name=Oakwoods>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Killarney Oakwoods | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/%7Eknp/oak/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> In 1780 [[Young]] famously described Derrycunihy wood as “a great sweep of mountain, covered partly in wood, hanging in a very noble manner, but part cut down, much of it mangled, and the rest inhabited by coopers, boat-builders, carpenters and turners...”<ref name=Sullivan/> Woodland exploitation again increased during the [[Napoleonic era]] in the early nineteenth century, probably because of the high prices that Oak was commanding at this time. Replanting and management of the Oak forests was promoted at this time. There was a large-scale felling of Oak trees at Ross Island in 1803, Glena in around 1804 and Tomies in 1805. Tomies was then replanted with three-year-old Oak and Glena was [[Coppicing|coppiced]]. These activities have increased the relative abundance of oak in the park in the past 200 years.<ref name=Sullivan/> As most of the oak trees in the woods today are around 200 years old, it is likely that the majority of them were planted, and the oakwoods that have never been disturbed by humans are restricted to a few isolated pockets in remote areas such as mountain valleys.<ref name=Oakwoods/> The Herbert family owned the land on the Muckross Peninsula from 1770 onwards. They became very wealthy from copper mines on this land. [[Henry Arthur Herbert (1815-1866)|Henry Arthur Herbert]] and his wife—the [[Watercolor painting|water colourist]] [[Mary Balfour Herbert]]—finished building [[Muckross House]] in 1843. The Herbert’s financial situation became precarious in the late nineteenth century,<ref name=Former>{{cite web | last = Muckross Research Library | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Former Muckross Owners | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.muckross-house.ie/library_files/former_owners.htm | format = | doi = | accessdaymonth = 1 July | accessyear=2007}}</ref> and the Muckross estate was purchased by [[Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun|Lord Ardilaun]] of the [[Guinness]] brewing family in 1899. ===Creation of the park=== In 1910, the American William Bowers Bourn bought Muckross Estate as a wedding present for his daughter Maud on her marriage to [[Arthur Vincent]].<ref name=Muckross>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/%7Eknp/muckross/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> They spent [[Pound sterling|£]]110,000 improving the estate between 1911 and 1932, building the Sunken Garden, the Stream Garden, and a [[rock garden]] on an [[outcrop]] of limestone.<ref name=Former/> Maud Vincent died from [[pneumonia]] in 1929.<ref name=Former/> In 1932 Arthur Vincent and his parents-in-law donated Muckross Estate to the Irish state in her memory. The 43.3 km² (10,700 acres) estate was renamed as the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park. The Irish government created the national park by passing the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Act in 1932.<ref name=KNPHistory>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = History of the Park | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/history/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> The Act required the Commissioners of Public Works to "maintain and manage the Park as a National Park for the purpose of the recreation and enjoyment of the public."<ref name=Former/> The memorial park is the core of today’s enlarged national park.<ref name=KNPHistory/> Initially the [[Irish Government|Irish government]] was unable to provide much financial support to the park, so it operated primarily as a working farm that was open to the public.<ref name=KNPHistory/> Muckross House was closed to the public until 1964.<ref name=Thomas>{{cite book | last = Thomas | first = Rhodri | authorlink = | coauthors = Marcjanna Augustyn | title = Tourism in the New Europe: perspectives on SME policies and practices | publisher = Elsevier | date = 2006 | location = | pages = 262 | url = | doi = | id = ISBN 0080447066 }}</ref> Around 1970 there was public disquiet about threats to the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park. The Irish authorities looked at international practises in classifying and managing of national parks. It was decided to expand and re-designate the park as a national park that corresponded broadly to [[World Conservation Union|ICUN Category II]]. A decision was also made to establish other national parks in Ireland.<ref name=Craig>{{cite book | last = Craig | first = A. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = The Role Of The State In Protecting Natural Areas In Ireland: 30 Years Of Progress | publisher = [[Royal Irish Academy]] | date = 2001 | location = | pages = | url = http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/procbi/2001/PB101I1-2/PDF/101B1211.pdf | doi = | id = }}</ref> Almost 60 km² (14,826 acres) has been added to the original park, including the three lakes, Knockreer Estate, Ross Island, Innisfallen, and the [[townland]]s of Glena, Ullauns, and Poulagower.<ref name=NPWS/> The park is now more than double the size it was in 1932.<ref name=Murphy>{{cite news |first=Mary |last=Murphy |title=Park bosses outline aims for the future |url=http://archives.tcm.ie/thekingdom/2004/09/30/story14849.asp |work=The Kingdom |publisher= |date=2004-09-30 |accessdate=2008-02-11 }}</ref> As the Irish economy became wealthier and the perception of the role of national parks changed, much more money was made available to the park.<ref name=KNPHistory/> ==Lakes of Killarney== [[Image:Lakes of Killarney.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The Lakes of Killarney as viewed from [[Ladies View (Ireland)|Ladies View]]. Ladies' View provides a good view of the Lakes including the Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley and [[Ross Castle]].]] [[Image:Purple Mountain View, Killarney.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Purple mountains, viewed from the Upper Lake.]] :''Main article: [[Lakes of Killarney]].'' The Lakes of Killarney are Lough Leane (the lower lake), Muckross Lake (the middle lake), and the Upper Lake. These lakes are interlinked and together make up almost a quarter of the park’s area. Despite being interlinked, each lake has a unique ecosystem. The lakes join at the Meeting of the Waters, a popular tourist area.<ref name=Lakes>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = The Lakes | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/%7Eknp/lakes/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> [[angling|Sport angling]] on the lakes has been a popular pastime for generations, utilising the lakes' large populations of [[Brown trout|Brown Trout]] and [[Salmon]]. Lough Leane is approximately 19 km² (4,695 acres) in size and is by far the largest of the three lakes.<ref name=Lakes/> It is also the largest body of fresh water in the region.<ref name=Living>{{cite web | last = The Department of the Environment and Local Government | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Living with Nature: The Designation of Nature Conservation Sites in Ireland | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.botanicgardens.ie/gspc/ireland/living.pdf | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> It is also the lake richest in [[nutrient]]s. It has become [[Eutrophic lake|eutrophic]] as a result of [[phosphate]]s from agricultural and domestic [[Water pollution|pollution]] entering Lough Leane Reedbed, an important habitat on the edge of Lough Leane. This nutrient enrichment has caused several [[algal bloom]]s in recent years. The blooms have not yet had a severe effect on the lake's ecosystem. To prevent further pollution causing a permanent change in the lake's ecosystem, a review of land use in the [[catchment]] area is being carried out.<ref name=Lakes/> [[Water quality]] in the lake appears to have improved since phosphates were removed from sewage in 1985.<ref name=Media3866/> As of August 2007, several large hotels and businesses have stated their intention to stop using phosphate detergents, in an effort to preserve the quality of the lake water. Muckross Lake is the deepest of the three lakes.<ref name=Lakes/> It has a maximum depth of 73.5 metres (241.1 ft),<ref name=Power/> close to where the steeply sloping side of Torc Mountain enters the lake.<ref name=Lakes/> The lake lies on the geological boundary between the sandstone mountains to the south and west and the limestone to the north.<ref name=Power/> Lough Leane and Muckross Lake lie across the geological boundary. The presence of limestone causes both of the lakes to be slightly richer in nutrients than the Upper Lake. There are many caves in the limestone at lake level, created by [[wave action]] combined with the [[Solvation|dissolution]] effect of the lakes' [[acid]]ic water on the exposed rock. These caves are largest on the northern shore of Muckross Lake.<ref name=Lakes/> From the Meeting of the Waters a narrow channel called the Long Range leads to the Upper Lake, the smallest of the three lakes. This lake is located in rugged mountain scenery in the upper Killarney/Black Valley area. The fast [[Surface runoff|run-off]] in its catchment area can cause the level of the lake to rise by up to a meter in a few hours during heavy rain.<ref name=Lakes/> Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake are high quality [[oligotrophic]] systems, with water that is slightly acidic and low in nutrients. This is caused by run-off from the upland sandstones and blanket bogs in their catchment areas.<ref name=Lakes/> They have diverse [[Aquatic plant|aquatic vegetation]], including [[Isoëtes|Quillwort]] (''Isoetes lacustris''), [[Shoreweed]] (''Littorella uniflora''), and [[Lobelia dortmanna|Water Lobelia]] (''Lobelia dortmanna'').<ref name=Media4452/> All three lakes are very acid sensitive and therefore vulnerable to [[afforestation]] within their catchment areas.<ref name=Media3866/> ==Woodlands== The Killarney vicnity possesses the most extensive area (approximately 120 km² (29,653 acres)) of semi-natural native woodland (woodland dominated by [[Indigenous (ecology)|indigenous species]]) remaining in Ireland. Most of this woodland is encompassed by the national park. There are three main types of woodland in the park: [[acidophilous]] Oak woodland (''Quercus petraea-Ilex aquifolium'') on Devonian sandstone; [[moss]]-rich Yew woodland (''Taxus baccata'') on Carboniferous limestone outcrops;<ref name=Kelly1981/> and wet woodland (also called carr) dominated by [[Alder]] on low-lying swampy limestone soils on the lake edges.<ref name=Oakwoods/> The woods in the park fall naturally into two sectors, along the geologic divide.<ref name=Kelly1981/> The Oak and Yew woodlands are of international importance.<ref name=Perrin/> [[Mixed woodland]] and [[conifer plantation]]s also occur in the park.<ref name=Media4452/> The mixed woodland on Ross Island has one of the richest [[herb layer]]s in the park’s woods.<ref name=Media3866/> Grazing and [[Rhododendron]] invasion threaten the park’s woodlands. Rhododendrons affect approximately two-thirds of the Oak woodlands. A Rhododendron removal programme is underway in the park. The Yew woodlands have been negatively affected by heavy grazing for many years.<ref name=Media3866/> ===Oak woodlands=== The park is perhaps most famous for its oak woodlands,<ref name=Media4452/> which are about 12.2 km² (3,015 acres) in size.<ref name=Sullivan/> They form the largest area of native woodland remaining in Ireland and are a remnant of the woodland that once covered much of Ireland. Derrycunihy Wood is perhaps the most natural [[Sessile Oak]] (''Quercus petraea'') wood in Ireland. Most of the oak woodlands are located on the lower slopes of the Shehy and Tomy mountains, adjacent to Lough Leane. They are typically dominated by Sessile Oak, which favours the acidic soils of the sandstone mountains.<ref name=Oakwoods/> The woods have Annex I status in the [[Habitats Directive|EU Habitats Directive]] because of their diverse and rich flora, most notably their [[bryophyte]]s ([[moss]]es and [[liverwort]]s).<ref name=Perrin/> The oak woodlands typically have an [[understory]] of [[Holly]] (''Ilex aquifolium''). [[Strawberry Tree]]s (''Arbutus unedo'') are a notable part of these woods. There are also scattered Yews.<ref name=Media4452/> The [[field layer]] includes [[Bilberry]] and [[Woodrush]].<ref name=Oakwoods/> The herb layer is not rich in species.<ref name=Media3866/> Bryophytes, [[lichen]]s and [[Hymenophyllaceae|filmy ferns]] (''Hymenophyllaceae''), thrive in the humid oceanic climate. Species with restricted Atlantic [[Species distribution|distributions]] grow in the woods.<ref name=Perrin/> The bryophytes in these woods are perhaps the best-developed Atlantic [[bryophyte]] community in Europe.<ref name=Media4452/> The remote Glaism na Marbh valley has a particularly rich flora of bryophytes, some of which are scarce or absent in other parts of the woods.<ref name=Sullivan/> Mosses, ferns and liverworts frequently occur as epiphytes, attached to the trunks and branches of oak trees.<ref name=Oakwoods/> Rare species growing in the woods include ''[[Cyclodictyon laetivirens]]'', ''[[Daltonia splachnoides]]'', ''[[Lejeunea flava]]'', ''[[Radula carringtonii]]'', and ''[[Sematophyllum demissum]]''.<ref name=Media3866/> Bird species that reside in the oak woods include [[Blue Tit]], [[Chaffinch]], [[Goldcrest]], [[European Robin]], and [[Wren]]. Mammals include [[Badger]], [[Fox]], [[Pine Marten]], [[Red Deer]], [[Sika Deer]], and [[Red Squirrel]]. Insects include many species of the parasitic [[Gall Wasp]] and the [[Purple Hairstreak]] butterfly, whose caterpillar is entirely dependent upon Oak trees.<ref name=Oakwoods/> The introduced common Rhododendron is a large threat to certain areas of the oak woods.<ref name=Oakwoods/> For example, it is widespread throughout Camillan Wood despite ongoing attempts to control it.<ref name=Perrin/> ===Yew woodlands=== [[Image:Reenadinna Yew Wood1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Reenadinna Yew Wood.]] The yew woodland in the park is known as Reenadinna Wood. It is about 0.25 km² (62 acres) in size and is located on low-lying [[karst]] limestone pavement between Muckross Lake and Lough Leane on Muckross Peninsula.<ref name=Perrin/>Yew woodland is the rarest habitat type in the park.<ref name=Reenadinna>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Reenadinna | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/yew/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> Yew woodlands are one of the rarest types of woodland in Europe, mostly restricted to western Ireland and southern England. It has priority habitat status under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive.<ref name=Perrin/> Reenadinna Wood is also one of the largest woods that are dominated by common Yew (''Taxus baccata'' L.) in the UK and Ireland.<ref name= Mitchell>{{cite journal | last = Mitchell | first = F.J.G. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = The history and vegetation dynamics of a yew wood (“Taxus baccata” L.) in S.W. Ireland | journal = New Phytologist | volume = 115 | issue = | pages = 573–577 | publisher = | date = 1990 | url = http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-8137.1990.tb00486.x | doi = 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1990.tb00486.x | id = | accessdate = | format = abstract }}</ref> It is the only significant area of yew woodland in Ireland and is one of just three pure yew woodlands in Europe.<ref name=Reenadinna/> It is of considerable ecological and conservation interest, as yew is rarely a woodland dominant. The western limit of the wood lies along the geological boundary with Devonian Old Red Sandstone. The wood is bounded to the east by parkland where the limestone no longer outcrops. Muckross bog, a raised bog 0.02 km² (5 acres) in area, is in the southern part of the wood. There are hollows between the limestone outcrops. Deep [[rendzina]] soils have developed in some of the hollows. It is estimated that the wood developed 3,000-5,000 years ago.<ref name=Mitchell/> Yew is a native evergreen tree that grows best in the high humidity of mild oceanic climates, which makes Killarney a very suitable location.<ref name=PAThomas>{{cite journal | last = Thomas | first = P.A. | authorlink = | coauthors = A Polwart | title = “Taxus baccata” L | journal = Journal of Ecology | volume = 91 | issue = 3 | pages = 489–524 | publisher = | date = 2003 | url = | doi = 10.1046/j.1365-2745.2003.00783.x | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> The soil in the wood is mostly thin and in many places the trees are rooted to fissures in the bare limestone.<ref name=Reenadinna/> Yew has an extensive horizontal root system. In the Killarney woods, the roots spread out over the rock surface and penetrate deeply into fissures in the limestone.<ref name=PAThomas/> The wood has a low canopy of 6-14 m (20-46 ft).<ref name=Perrin/> Yew’s extreme tolerance of the dense shade its canopy creates has allowed it to out compete other species to create the pure Yew woodland present today.<ref name=PAThomas/> This dense shade prevents flowering plants from establishing themselves in these woods and prevents the herb layer from developing. Bryophytes are however abundant and thrive in the humid and cool conditions. In some parts of the wood there are continuous dense blankets of moss that can be up to 152 mm (6 in) deep.<ref name=Reenadinna/> The moss species present are primarily ''[[Thamnium alopecurum]]'' with ''[[Eurhynchium striatum]]'' and ''[[Thuidium tamariscinum]]''.<ref name=PAThomas/> Some of the trees in Reenadinna wood are two hundred years old.<ref name=Media4452/> There has been little regeneration of the Yew trees in the wood. Overgrazing of the woodland floor by Sika Deer may be part of the reason for this, but small areas of the wood that have been fenced off since 1969 have experienced very little Yew regeneration. The dense canopy created by the Yew trees that lets very little sunlight through to the woodland floor may also prevent the growth of Yew seedlings.<ref name=Reenadinna/> Despite its poisonous properties, Yew is very susceptible to browsing and bark stripping by deer, rabbits, hare, and domestic animals. It is one of the most grazing sensitive trees in the Killarney woodlands. Sika Deer have killed Yews by scoring the trees with their antlers.<ref name=PAThomas/> ===Wet woodlands=== Wet woodland (also called carr) is located on the low-lying swampy limestone areas within Lough Leane’s [[floodplain]]. It is about 1.7 km² (420 acres) in size.<ref name=Kelly>{{cite book | last = Kelly | first = Daniel L. | authorlink = | coauthors = Susan F. Iremonger | title = Irish Wetland Woods: The Plant Communities And Their Ecology | publisher = [[Royal Irish Academy]] | date = 1997 | location = | pages = | url = http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/procbi/1997/PB97I1/PDF/97101BI.pdf | doi = | id = }}</ref> This is one of the most extensive areas of this woodland type in Ireland. The dominant canopy species here are [[Alder]] (''Alnus glutinosa''), [[Ash tree|Ash]] (''Fraxinus excelsior''), downy [[Birch]] (''Betula pubescens''), and [[Willow]] (''Salix'' spp.).<ref name=Media4452/> The areas that are periodically covered by water are rich in species including grasses, rushes, sedges, and flowers such as marsh bedstraw, meadow sweet, and water mint.<ref name=Oakwoods/> Red Deer and Sika Deer heavily use the wetland woods as cover, and bare muddy “deer wallows” are a characteristic feature. Rhododendrons are the greatest treat to these woodlands. They are invading the woodlands, using raised areas such as tussocks or tree bases where the floor is too wet for seedlings to become established. Although some clearance has occurred reinvasion continues.<ref name=Kelly/> ==Bogland== While the lower slopes of the mountains are dominated by Oak ("Quercus petraea"), above 200 m (656 ft) the mountains are virtually treeless and are dominated by [[blanket bog]] and wet heath.<ref name=Power/> The bogs in the park mostly have a characteristic flora that includes the species [[Heather]] (''Calluna vulgaris''), [[Bell Heather]] (''Erica cinerea'') and [[Western Gorse]] (''Ulex gallii''), with occasional [[Bilberry]] (''Vaccinium myrtillus''). Large-flowered [[Butterwort]] (''Pinguicula grandiflora'') is common. The bogs also support a number of notable species, including mosses (''Sphagnum pulchrum'', ''S. fuscum'', ''S. platyphyllum'', ''S. strictum'', ''S. contortum'' and ''Calliergon stramineum''), liverworts (''Cladopodiella francisci'' and ''Calypogeia azurea'') and lichens (''Cladonia mediterranea'', ''C. macilenta'', ''C. rangiferina'', ''C. arbuscula'' and ''Cetraria islandica'').<ref name=Media4452/> The remoteness of some of the upland areas aids the survival of Ireland's only remaining wild herd of native Red Deer.<ref name=KNPAbout/> The bogs are threatened by grazing, [[turbary]], burning and afforestation.<ref name=Media3866/> ==Flora== A large number of plant and animal species of interest occur within the site, including most of the native Irish mammal species, several important fish species including [[Arctic char]], and a range of rare or scarce plant species.<ref name=Media4452/> Several of the animal and plant species in the park have a hiberno-lusitanean distribution, meaning that they only occur in southwest Ireland, northern [[Spain]], and [[Portugal]]. The main reason for this is the effect of the Gulf Stream on southwest Ireland’s climate.<ref name=Species>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Noteworthy Species | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/species/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> The park has been designated a biosphere reserve because of the presence of such rare species. Significant amounts of plant species found in the park have unusual geographic distributions and are of localised occurrence within Ireland. These plant species are grouped within four main categories: Arctic-Alpine plants, Atlantic species, North American species and very rare species. Atlantic species are species which are otherwise found mostly in Southern and South-western Europe, for example [[Arbutus]], [[St Patrick's Cabbage]] and [[Greater Butterwort]]. North American species include [[Blue-eyed Grass]] and [[Pipewort]].<ref name=NPWS/> ===Bryophytes=== Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) flourish in the park, due partly to the area’s mild oceanic climate. The park is internationally significant for bryophytes. Many of the bryophytes found in the park are not found anywhere else in Ireland.<ref name=Species/> Mosses, ferns such as filmy ferns, and liverworts grow luxuriantly. Many of them live as epiphytes, growing on the branches and trunks of trees.<ref name=NPWS/> ===Other plant species=== The Killarney fern (''Trichomanes speciosum'') is probably the most rare plant species in the park. It is a [[filmy fern]] that grows in the [[splash zone]] of waterfalls and other damp places. Although it was once quite common, it was picked almost to extinction when pickers collected it to be sold to tourists. The few sites where this fern remain tend to be in isolated mountainous locations where pickers never found it.<ref name=Species/> Although the [[strawberry tree]] (''Arbutus unedo'') is relatively common in the park, it is one of Ireland’s rarest native tree species and is found in very few locations outside Killarney. In the park it is found on cliff tops and the edges of the woodlands around the lake.<ref name=Species/> Killarney [[whitebeam]] (''Sorbus anglica'') is a shrub or small tree that grows on rocks close to lakeshores. It is found only in Killarney. The more common Irish whitebeam (''Sorbus hibernica'') is also found in the park.<ref name=Species/> The [[Greater Butterwort]] (''Pinguicula grandiflora'') (also known as the Kerry violet) is a [[carnivorous plant]] found in bogs. It digests insects in order to supplement the poor supply of nutrients (especially nitrogen) available from the bog. Its spectacular purple flowers bloom in late May and early June.<ref name=Species/> Irish [[spurge]] (''Euphorbia hyberna'') is an [[atlantic species]] that in Ireland is only found in the southwest. In the past the milky [[sap]] from its stem was used to cure warts. Fishermen used it to capture fish, utilising compounds in the sap that prevent fish gills from functioning properly and so suffocate the fish.<ref name=Species/> A number of rare species of myxomycete fungus have been recorded in the park. These are ''Collaria arcyrionema'', ''Craterium muscorum'', ''Cribraria microcarpa'' (the only known location in Ireland), ''C. rufa'', ''C. violacea'', ''Diderma chondrioderma'', ''D. lucidum'', ''D. ochraceum'', ''Fuligo muscorum'', and ''Licea marginata''.<ref name=Media3866/> The park has a highly diverse lichen flora.<ref name=Species/> ==Fauna== ===Mammals=== Most mammals native to Ireland and long established introduced species are found in the park.<ref name=NPWS/> The [[bank vole]] was first identified in 1964 in northwest Kerry. Its range has now expanded and now includes the park.<ref name=NPWS/> [[Pine marten]] is another notable species in the park.<ref name=Media3866/> ====Deer==== [[Image:Red deer.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Male and female Red Deer]] The park has Ireland’s only remaining wild herd of native Red Deer (''Cervus elaphus''), comprised of approximately 700 individuals,<ref name=RedDeer>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Red Deer | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/deer/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> an increase from 110 individuals in 1970.<ref name=Nolan>{{cite book | last = Nolan | first = L.M. | authorlink = | coauthors = J.T. Walsh | title = Wild Deer Management In Ireland: Stalker Training Manual | publisher = | date = 2005 | location = | pages = | url = http://www.deeralliance.ie/pdfs/red.pdf | doi = | id = }}</ref> They are found in upland areas of the park, mostly on Mangerton and Torc mountains. This herd has been continuously in Ireland for 4,000 years, since the return of red deer to the island, possibly aided by humans, after the last ice age,<ref name=NPWS/> approximately 10,500 years ago.<ref name=RedDeer/> They were protected in the past by the Kenmare and Muckross estates. The herd is not completely pure because stags were introduced to the herd to improve antler quality in the nineteenth century.<ref name=Nolan/> Pregnant hinds from the lowland areas frequently go to the mountains to give birth in early June. The National Park staff tags the calves. Although Red Deer and Sika Deer are capable of interbreeding, no cases of crossbreeding have been recorded in the park. High priority is given to maintaining the genetic purity of the native Red Deer herd. Red Deer are fully protected by law, and their hunting is not permitted.<ref name=RedDeer/> Sika deer (''Cervus nippon'') were introduced to the park from Japan in 1865. Their population has increased considerably since then.<ref name=Perrin/> Within the park they are found both on open upland areas and woodlands.<ref name=NPWS/> ===Bird species=== The park is designated as a [[Special Protection Area]] (SPA) because of the bird species living in it.<ref name=Living/> The Park boasts a wealth of bird life, and is of ornithological importance because it supports a diverse range of birds. 141 bird species have been recorded in the park,<ref name=BirdLife>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Bird Life in the Park | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/birds/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> including upland, woodland and wintering waterfowl species.<ref name=Media3866/> Several species which are otherwise rare in Ireland are present, notably the woodland species [[Redstart]] (1-2 pairs), [[Wood Warbler]] (1-2 pairs), and [[Garden Warbler]] (possibly up to 10 pairs). The [[Red Grouse]] and [[Ring Ouzel]] are [[Red List|Red-listed]] species of high conservation concern (1-2 pairs each). The Greenland White-fronted Goose, Merlin, and Peregrine are listed on Annex I of the [[Birds Directive|EU Birds Directive]].<ref name=Media4452/> Other noteworthy species found in the park are the [[Chough]], [[Nightjar]], and [[Osprey]]. The Osprey sometimes passes through the park as it migrates between Northern Africa and [[Scandinavia]]. Historical accounts and place names suggest that the Osprey bred in the area in the past. [[Golden Eagle]]s once nested in the park, but became extinct around 1900 as a result of disturbance, nest robbing, and persecution.<ref name=BirdLife/> The most common bird species in upland areas are [[Meadow Pipit]]s, [[Raven]]s and [[Stonechat]]s.<ref name=NPWS/> Rare species are [[Merlin]]s (up to five pairs) and [[Peregrine falcon]]s (at least one pair).<ref name=Media3866/> [[Chaffinch]]s and Robins are the most common species in the woodlands.<ref name=NPWS/> Other species that breed there include [[Blackcap]]s and [[Garden Warbler]]s. The rare [[Redstart]] and [[Wood Warbler]] are thought to have a few breeding pairs in the park’s woodlands.<ref name=Media3866/> [[Heron]]s, [[Little Grebe]]s, [[Mallard]]s, [[Water Rail]]s, [[Dipper]]s and [[Kingfisher]]s live on the park’s water bodies.<ref name=NPWS/> Lough Leane, and the other lakes to a lesser extent, support wintering birds that travel south from higher latitudes.<ref name=Media4452/> These species include Redwing, Fieldfare, Golden Plover and waterfowl such as Teal, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Pochard and Whooper Swan.<ref name=BirdLife/> The park’s native bird populations are augmented by migrant species in both winter and summer. A small flock of [[White-fronted Goose|Greenland white-fronted geese]] (''Anser albifrons flavirostris'') from the world population of approximately 12,000<ref name=NPWS/> migrates to winter on boglands<ref name=Media3866/> in the Killarney Valley within the park.<ref name=NPWS/> The numbers of this bird that stay in the park are currently low, at less than twenty individuals. This population is important because it is the most southerly in Ireland and one of the few remaining populations remaining that feed entirely on bogland,<ref name=Media3866/> and whose habitat almost entirely lies within a protected area.<ref name=Species/> Other wintering waterfowls are [[Coot]], [[Cormorant]], [[Goldeneye]], [[Mallard]], [[Pochard]], [[Teal]], and [[Tufted Duck]]. Other species that live on the lakes are the [[Black-headed Gull]], [[Little Grebe]], and [[Mute Swan]].<ref name=Media4452/> Species that migrate from Africa in the summer include [[Cuckoo]]s, [[Swallow (bird)|Swallows]], and [[Swift (bird)|Swifts]]. Some species are vagrants that appear sporadically, for example when there is stormy weather or an unusually cold spell on the European continent.<ref name=BirdLife/> ===Fish species=== The Lakes of Killarney contain many Brown Trout and an annual run of Salmon. Rare species found in the lakes are Arctic Char and Killarney Shad.<ref name=Lakes/> The lakes have natural stocks of [[brown trout]] and [[salmon]] that can be fished, subject only to usual Irish salmon license regulations.<ref name=NPWS/> The lakes contain [[Arctic char]] (''Salvelinus alpinus'' L.), which is usually found much further north in sub-Arctic lakes.<ref name=NPWS/> It a [[relict|relict species]] left behind in the area after the last Ice Age, and are consequently indicative of pristine environmental conditions. Although they were once widespread, they now are confined to isolated populations in inland freshwater lakes that have a suitable habitat. They are isolated in their respective lakes since the last Ice age. They are extremely sensitive to environmental changes when they are as far south as Ireland, where they are at the southern edge of their species range. The greatest threats to their survival in Ireland are introduced fish species, eutrophication, acidification and climate change. The rate of extinction of entire populations in Ireland has increased in recent decades.<ref name=Igoe>{{cite book | last = Igoe | first = Fran | authorlink = | coauthors = Johna Hammar | title = The Arctic Char Salvelinus Alpinus (L.) Species Complex In Ireland: A Secretive And Threatened Ice Age Relict | publisher = [[Royal Irish Academy]] | date = 2004 | location = | pages = | url = http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/ProcBI/2004/Pb104i3/PDF/bae104307.pdf | doi = | id = }}</ref> The Killarney [[Shad]] (or goureen) (''Alosa fallax killarnensis'') is a land-locked lake-dwelling [[sub-species]] of [[twaite shad]], a mostly marine species. It is unique to the Lakes of Killarney. It is rarely seen because it feeds mainly on plankton and thus is rarely caught by fishers. It is listed in the Irish "Red Data Book" of threatened species.<ref name=Species/> It is listed in Annex II of the EU [[Habitats Directive]].<ref name=Media3866/> ===Invertebrates=== Several unusual invertebrate species can be found in the Killarney valley. Some of these species, including the [[Northern Emerald]] dragonfly (''Somatochlora arctica'') and several [[caddisfly]] and [[stonefly]] species are usually found much further north in Europe. They are thought to be [[relict species]] that were left behind in Killarney after the last retreat of ice.<ref name=Species/> The Northern or Moorland Emerald [[dragonfly]], the rarest Irish dragonfly, is confined to the park. It breeds in shallow pools in bogs.<ref name=dragonfly>{{cite web | last = ENFO | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Dragonflies & Damselflies | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.noticenature.ie/files/enfo/factsheet/en/WL37%20Dragonfly%20eng.pdf | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> The oak woods in the remote Glaism na Marbh valley are a stronghold for ''[[Formica lugubris Zett.]]'', a [[wood ant]] species that is rare both in the Killarney woods and in Ireland as a whole.<ref name=Sullivan/> The [[Kerry Slug]] (''Geomalacus maculosus'') is a hiberno-lusitanean species. It emerges in Killarney’s frequent wet weather to graze on [[lichens]] on rcks and tree trunks. It is reputedly the only slug capable of rolling itself into a ball. It is on both Annex II and Annex IV of the EU [[Habitats Directive]].<ref name=Species/> ==Conservation threats== [[Image:Torc Waterfall at Killarney National Park2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Wild Rhododendrons growing beside Torc Waterfall.]] The park has a number of conservation and management challenges. One of these is the park’s proximity Killarney town, one of Ireland’s best known tourist destinations. Killarney has hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Most of these visitors spend time in the park. Careful management is needed to ensure minimal conflict between conservation and recreation.<ref name=KNPAbout/> The past introduction of several [[exotic species]] to the park is an additional human influence on the area. These species have impacted on the natural ecosystems of Killarney. The most notable of these species are the Common Rhododendron (''Rhododendron ponticum''), which has infested large areas of the National Park, and Sika Deer, which overgraze the woodland floor and pose a potential threat to the genetic integrity of the native Red Deer. Both Rhododendron and Sika Deer can have an adverse effect on the native flora by inhibiting regeneration. A more recent, accidental, introduction is the [[American Mink]], which is now firmly established in the Park alongside the native Otter. Extinctions caused by humans include the [[Wolf]] (''Canis lupus L.'') and the [[Golden Eagle]] (''Aquila chrysaetos L.'').<ref name=KNPAbout/> Fires caused by human activity occur with some frequency in the park. Despite the wet climate, they can spread quite rapidly to cover large areas. These fires rarely penetrate areas covered by dense woodlands, but they do burn readily through stands of open woodland.<ref name=Sullivan/> The main land use within the site is grazing by sheep.<ref name=Media3866/> Deer grazing is also common. The woods in the park are currently severely overgrazed by Sika Deer.<ref name=Cross/> Grazing has caused damage to many terrestrial habitats, causing heath and blanket bogs to degrade and preventing woodland regeneration. In the upland areas erosion caused by grazing is exacerbated by the exposed nature of the terrain.<ref name=Media3866/> Pressures from native grazers like Red Deer and Irish Hare have increased since their main natural predators, the Wolf and Golden Eagle, became extinct.<ref name=Perrin/> Grazing and disturbance of vegetation greatly aids the spread of Rhododendron.<ref name=Cross/> The common Rhododendron is perhaps the greatest threat to the ecology of the park.<ref name=Rhododendron>{{cite web | last = Dúchas | first = | authorlink = Dúchas | coauthors = | title = Rhododendron Infestation | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://homepage.eircom.net/~knp/rhodo/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-01 }}</ref> It is an evergreen shrub with a natural distribution in the [[Mediterranean]] and [[Black Sea]] areas.<ref name= Erfmeier>{{cite journal | last = Erfmeier | first = Alexandra | authorlink = | coauthors = Helge Bruelheide | title = Comparison of native and invasive “Rhododendron ponticum” populations: Growth, reproduction and morphology under field conditions | journal = Flora | volume = 119 | issue = | pages = 120–133 | publisher = | date = 2004 | url = http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/urban/121/2004/00000199/00000002/art00005 | doi = 10.1078/0367-2530-00141 | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> Rhododendrons died out in Ireland because of climate change thousands of years ago.<ref name=Rhododendron/> It was introduced to the Killarney area during the nineteenth century, and rapidly took hold. It has spread through its large numbers of very small easily dispersed seeds. It shades the ground flora and so prevents the regeneration of native woody species.<ref name=Cross/> More than 6.5 km² (1,606 acres) of the park are now completely infested. They have had a devastating effect in certain parts of the park. As light cannot penetrate the dense thickets of rhododendrons, very few plants can live beneath it. The park’s oak woods are in long-term danger because they cannot regenerate. There is a policy of control and eradication of rhododendrons in the park.<ref name=Rhododendron/> ==Tourism== [[Image:Jaunting Cars in Killarney National Park.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Jaunting cars bring tourists around the park.]] :''Main article: [[Muckross House]].'' The park is open for tourism year-round.<ref name=NPWS/> There is a visitor and education centre at Muckross House. Visitor attractions in the park include Dinis Cottage, Knockreer Demesne, Inisfallen Island, Ladies View, the Meeting of the Waters and the Old Weir Bridge, Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, the Muckross Peninsula, the Old Kenmare Road, O’Sullivan’s Cascade, Ross Castle and Ross Island, Tomies Oakwood, and Torc Waterfall. There is a network of surfaced paths in the Knockreer, Muckross, and Ross Island areas that can be used by cyclists and walkers. The Old Kenmare Road and the track around Tomies Oakwood have spectacular views over Lough Leane and Killarney. Boat trips on the lakes are available.<ref name=Visiting/> Muckross House is a [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] mansion, located close to Muckross Lake’s eastern shore, beneath the backdrop of Mangerton and Torc mountains. The house has now been restored and attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year. Muckross Gardens are famous for their collection of rhododendrons, hybrids and azaleas, and exotic trees. Muckross Traditional Farms is a working farm project that recreates Irish rural life in the 1930s, prior to electrification. Knockreer House is used as the National Park Education Centre.<ref name=NPWS/> ==See also== {{Commons|Killarney National Park|Killarney National Park}} *[[National Parks in the Republic of Ireland]] *[[Muckross House]] *[[Ross Castle]] *[[Lakes of Killarney]] *[[Killarney]] *[[Purple Mountains]] *[[Mountains of East Kerry]] *[[Muckross Abbey]] *[[Aghadoe]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/ Official site]. [[Category:Geography of County Kerry]] [[Category:Visitor attractions in County Kerry]] [[Category:National parks of the Republic of Ireland|Killarney]] [[de:Killarney-Nationalpark]] [[es:Parque Nacional de Killarney]] [[fr:Parc national de Killarney]] [[it:Parco nazionale di Killarney]] [[lt:Kilarnio nacionalinis parkas]] [[pl:Killarney National Park]]