Deenagh Lodge: Everything You Need to Know
Killarney is a beautiful town in County Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. I think, one of the highlights (often underrated) “thing” of Killarney is the Deenagh Lodge.
Visiting Killarney, you can expect stunning views everywhere you go, of mountains, lakes and forests, as the town is surrounded by over 26,000 acres of national parkland, Killarney National Park, where you’re likely to see local wildlife like eagles, deer, rabbits and more.
Deenagh Lodge is an Ornate Cottage that was built in 1834 and was originally the gate lodge of the Kenmare Estate.From early April to September yearly, it is occupied by Down Syndrome Kerry, who are ready quench the thirst and assuage the hunger of anyone who steps through the door. It sits at the entrance to what is now Killarney National Park.
Table of Contents
Down Syndrome Kerry operates a beautiful tearooms from Deenagh Lodge in the National Park in Killarney during the summer months.
This project was set up to train their young adults in this line of work in order to help them in gaining employment within the hospitality sector.
The Ornate Cottage is situated across from the well-known St. Mary’s Cathedral at the entrance to Killarney National Park.
They serve teas and coffees, along with sandwiches (both toasted and non-toasted), soup, fresh pastries, yummy scones, cakes, and tarts.
They also serve cold drinks and ice-cream if you happen to be there on one of our rare hot days.
It was originally built with a beautiful thatched roof, which is still part of its picturesque charm to this day. The thatch originally consisted of ands.
hollow river reed, which offered excellent insulation to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
There are plenty of waking trails for visitors to explore close to Deenagh Lodge, all with unmissable views across the park
What is the Easiest Walk Near Deenagh Lodge?
The Circular Walk Trail around part of the park begins and ends at Deenagh Lodge. This walk is among the easiest to access in Killarney National Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, expansive stretches of grassland, and a nearly certain sighting of the resident red deer herd.
The whole path is paved and has clear directions marked along the way. After winding around Knockreer, the path opens up to spectacular views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Lough Leane. After crossing a stretch of open parkland, you have the option of returning directly to Deenagh Lodge or continuing down the Riverbank Path. All ages and skill levels are welcome on this walk, and it is bike and buggy friendly.
How to Get to Deenagh Lodge?
Deenagh Lodge is about a 4 hour drive if you are going from the city centre in Dublin. Car is the easiest option (if you can rent one or have one) – as this will cost you the least time + money.
However, that’s not the only option.
If you feel fancy, a flight from Dublin to Kerry only takes about 45 minutes and is quite cheap too. Ryanair runs them. Of course, you won’t be taking a flight to go see Deenagh Lodge alone, however, if you have plans to stay around Killarney then this might be an option worth exploring.
If you want to rely on public transport, head over to Heuston Station and take the train to Killarney. It is a 3.5 hour train ride with absolutely breathtaking views.
And Deenagh Lodge is only a 25 min walk from the Killarney train station once you reach there.
Spraoi Chiarrai
Community IrishTraditional Arts Collective. If you visit Deenagh Lodge over the summer you might be lucky enough to see Spraoi Chiarrai, a Kerry based youth group specialising in Irish folk and traditional music as well as song, dance, and storytelling.
They hold free outdoor concerts every summer and if you can take one in you should, they are great
