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Ireland’s national parks stand as magnificent guardians of the country’s most precious natural landscapes, protecting diverse ecosystems that range from ancient woodlands and pristine lakes to rugged mountain peaks and unique limestone formations. These protected areas serve multiple vital functions: conserving Ireland’s rich biodiversity, preserving natural beauty for future generations, and providing exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and connection with nature.
Understanding Ireland’s National Park System
There are seven beautiful National Parks in the Republic of Ireland, each showcasing distinct landscapes and ecosystems that represent the country’s natural heritage. National Parks are guardians of Ireland’s unique geography and ecology to preserve nature for future generations. The establishment of these protected areas reflects Ireland’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
The first park established in Ireland was Killarney National Park located in County Kerry in 1932. Since that pioneering designation, Ireland has expanded its national park network to protect a wider range of habitats and landscapes. It is the policy of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, endorsed by successive governments, to abide by the criteria and standards for National Parks as set by the IUCN.
Ireland has 77 registered nature reserves that all play an integral role in preserving nature for future generations. These nature reserves complement the national parks, creating a comprehensive network of protected areas across the island. These parks are places of nature, of amazing landscapes, of inspiring beauty – and they make excellent destinations for walks, hikes and strolls.
Killarney National Park: Ireland’s First and Most Iconic Protected Area
Killarney National Park, near the town of Killarney, County Kerry, was the first national park in Ireland, created when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. The park has since been substantially expanded and encompasses over 102.89 km2 (25,425 acres) of diverse ecology, including the Lakes of Killarney, oak and yew woodlands of international importance, and mountain peaks.
Exceptional Biodiversity and Ecological Significance
It has the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland. 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. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981.
Killarney possesses the most extensive area (approximately 120 square kilometres (30,000 acres)) of semi-natural native woodland (woodland dominated by indigenous species) remaining in Ireland. Most of this woodland is encompassed by the national park. This makes Killarney an irreplaceable resource for understanding Ireland’s natural forest ecosystems.
Ancient Woodlands and Unique Forest Ecosystems
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; and wet woodland (also called carr) dominated by alder on low-lying swampy limestone soils on the lake edges. The oak and yew woodlands are of international importance.
The Reenadinna Woods is the largest area of yew woodland in Western Europe and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. Trees within it are estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old. The yew woodlands create a unique environment where dense canopies support remarkable moss communities, with some areas featuring moss blankets up to 152 centimeters deep.
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 glacial period, approximately 10,000 years ago. This continuous woodland cover makes the park invaluable for ecological research and conservation.
Wildlife and Endemic Species
The park supports an impressive array of wildlife species, many of which are rare or found nowhere else. Killarney shad (Alosa killarnensis) – known locally as a ‘goureen’ the Killarney shad is not only unique to Ireland, it is unique to Kerry and specifically one particular lake within the Killarney National Park, Lough Leane. Growing up to 20cm in length and with a herring-like appearance, the shad has a life expectancy of five years. They feed mainly on zooplankton found in the lake. The female is slightly larger than the male and chooses gravel areas near the islands on the lake to spawn during June and July. This is a particularly interesting species as it is believed to have arrived in the lake at the time of the last glacial period maximum 10,000 years ago, and as the ice sheets melted it had to adapt to become a landlocked species.
The red deer population represents a living connection to Ireland’s ancient past. These magnificent animals, the largest mammals on Irish shores, have inhabited the Killarney valley since Neolithic times. The park also hosts introduced sika deer, though these can pose management challenges for native species.
More than 140 bird species have been recorded within the park. Woodland birds present include Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Long-eared Owl and various warblers including Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Common Chiffchaff, probably also Wood Warbler. Common Redstart is also present as well as many other more widespread species.
The diverse habitats support numerous bird species, including the rare white-tailed eagle. The reintroduction of white-tailed sea eagles to Killarney represents one of Ireland’s most successful conservation projects, bringing back a species that had been extinct in Ireland for nearly a century.
Among the park’s smaller but equally fascinating residents, the pine marten stands out as one of Ireland’s rarest mammals. This elusive, cat-sized creature with dark brown fur and a distinctive yellowish throat patch can sometimes be spotted in the ancient oak forests, particularly in Tomies Woods.
Flora and Botanical Treasures
In Ireland we have over 800 flowering plants. Wildflowers are under threat from agricultural practices, invasive species and the rezoning of land for building purposes. Approximately 120 species of wildflowers are under threat in Ireland. Killarney National Park plays a crucial role in protecting many of these threatened species.
The park harbors several botanical rarities, including the Killarney Fern and the Greater Butterwort, a carnivorous plant that thrives in wet bog environments. Irish Spurge, confined to southwest Ireland, grows commonly throughout the park. The Strawberry Tree and Saint Patrick’s Cabbage represent the fascinating “Lusitanian Flora” – species with unusual distributions found mainly in Spain and Portugal but with isolated populations in southwest Ireland.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Humans have lived in the area since at least the Bronze Age, approximately 4,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found evidence that 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.
The park’s historical treasures include Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress standing guard on the shores of Lough Leane, and Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion that offers visitors a glimpse into aristocratic life in 19th-century Ireland. The most important of these features is Inisfallen Abbey, the ruins of a monastic settlement on Inisfallen Island in Lough Leane.
Glenveagh National Park: Donegal’s Wilderness Sanctuary
Glenveagh is the second largest national park in Ireland and was the third to be founded. Its remote location covers 66 square miles of rugged terrain at the top of County Donegal, encompassing mountains, bogs, waterfalls and of course the lake that lends its name to the park – Lough Veagh.
In Irish, the name of the park is Gleann Bheatha, meaning “glen of the birches”. This remote and dramatic landscape offers visitors an experience of true wilderness, with vast expanses of blanket bog, heather-covered mountains, and pristine waterways.
Castle, Gardens, and Cultural Heritage
Glenveagh used to be part of a hunting estate, complete with an idyllic castle and vibrant garden. Sitting on the shores of Lough Veagh amongst mountains and bogs, the turrets of Glenveagh Castle and its manicured garden contrast dramatically with the wild landscape of Glenveagh. The castle and its surrounding gardens provide a fascinating counterpoint to the rugged wilderness, demonstrating how human creativity can complement rather than compete with natural beauty.
Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
Keep an eye out for the park’s herd red deer, diverse flora and even the rare golden eagles reintroduced to the park while exploring Glenveagh’s network of trails. The golden eagle reintroduction program represents another significant conservation success story, bringing these magnificent raptors back to Irish skies after a long absence.
The park’s red deer population, though enclosed by deer fencing, remains completely wild. The best time for observing these majestic animals is during the autumn rutting season, which occurs between mid-September and mid-November, when the males compete for mating rights in dramatic displays.
Connemara National Park: Wild Beauty of the West
Once described by Irish writer Oscar Wilde as a ‘savage beauty’, the Connemara National Park is a place of wild and expansive landscapes. One of Ireland’s most sparsely populated areas, Connemara has some of the most beautiful vistas and unspoilt scenery that Ireland has to offer. The region is a combination of vast bogland, sharp quartzite peaks, teacup-sized villages, pretty lakes and quiet shores.
Connemara National Park in County Galway, which is home to Diamond Hill – an incredible and strenuous hike with fantastic views at the top. Connemara National Park is one of Ireland’s six national parks and is also one of the most visited, with the iconic Diamond Hill at its core.
Landscape and Vegetation
Connemara National Park located in the West of Ireland in County Galway offers much to the visitor such as grasslands and woodlands, large spans of bog and heath, and wonderful mountains views including Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range where there are metamorphic type rock.
Western blanket bog and heathland are the main vegetation in the Park. These blanket bogs represent one of Ireland’s most important and threatened habitats, storing vast amounts of carbon and supporting specialized plant and animal communities adapted to the wet, acidic conditions.
Cultural Significance and Heritage
The remote location also means pockets of Irish-speaking communities fiercely holding on to Irish tradition and heritage. The park thus serves not only as a natural preserve but also as a cultural sanctuary, protecting traditional ways of life and the Irish language itself.
Also seen within the Connemara National Park are signs of old megalithic court tombs. These ancient monuments connect visitors to the people who inhabited this landscape thousands of years ago, adding layers of human history to the natural wonders.
Burren National Park: A Limestone Wonderland
The Burren National Park in County Clare. This amazing destination of limestone karst landscapes features popular coastal paths such as the Caher Valley Loop which offers some of the most incredible views of the ocean, Aran Islands and Galway Bay.
Limestone pavement has become synonymous with the Burren and covers most of the National Park, although usually in a mosaic with other habitats. The pavement may be of either a smooth or shattered type. The smooth limestone pavement areas consist of clints and grykes. The clints are the slab-like flat surface areas of the pavement and the grykes are the fissured cracks that dissect the clints. The grykes provide shelter for the soil to accumulate and also shelter from the wind.
This unique karst landscape creates microhabitats that support an extraordinary diversity of plant life, including Arctic-alpine species growing alongside Mediterranean flora – a botanical phenomenon found nowhere else in the world. The Burren’s limestone pavements, formed over millions of years through geological processes and glacial action, create one of Europe’s most distinctive and scientifically valuable landscapes.
Wicklow Mountains National Park: Dublin’s Mountain Wilderness
Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow established in 1991 including Glendalough Woods and the adjacent Glenealo Valley, and land around the Liffey Head Bog complex were also purchased from the Powerscourt Estate to include in the Park. This park’s proximity to Dublin makes it one of the most accessible national parks for Ireland’s urban population.
The Park consists primarily of heath and bog cloaked uplands along with woodland in the river valleys. The rounded granite mountains forged some 500 million years ago now support a wide diversity of wildlife. The geological divide between granite and schist is clearly visible in places like Glendalough where coarse granite boulder scree suddenly gives way to smoother shiny schist.
The park encompasses the famous monastic settlement of Glendalough, where ancient round towers and stone churches nestle in a glacial valley, creating one of Ireland’s most photographed and spiritually significant landscapes. The combination of natural beauty and historical importance makes Wicklow Mountains National Park a destination that appeals to hikers, historians, and spiritual seekers alike.
Wild Nephin National Park: Mayo’s Blanket Bog Wilderness
Established in 1981, Wild Nephin National Park is made up of blanket bog land, alpine heath, upland grassland and mountain views of Nephin Beg mountain range and also enjoy Scardaun Loughs. Owenduff bog is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe and is an important scientific and scenic feature of the National Park.
Important fauna in Wild Nephin National Park in Mayo include Greenland White-fronted Geese, Golden Plover, Red Grouse and Otters. The park’s remote location and challenging terrain mean it receives fewer visitors than some other national parks, but this very remoteness helps preserve its wilderness character and provides sanctuary for species sensitive to human disturbance.
Habitats and Ecosystems Across Ireland’s National Parks
Blanket Bogs and Peatlands
Blanket bogs form in mountain areas and follow the contours of the hills. Raised bogs grow as large domes, mainly in the midlands. Both are a patchwork of raised drier hummocks and wetter pools and boggy patches. Typical bog plants include mosses, especially Sphagnum, and heathers, bilberry, crowberry, sedges and cotton grass, and distinctive lichens.
The blanket bogs and active peatlands of Donegal, North Mayo and Connemara. These peatlands represent globally significant carbon stores and support specialized plant and animal communities found nowhere else. Ireland’s bogs have formed over thousands of years and contain valuable records of past climates and vegetation.
Native Woodlands
There are various woodland habitats present in Ireland such as Deciduous Woodland, which can contain excellent examples of native species such as ash, hazel, pine and oak. The ancient and semi-natural woodlands of oaks, yew and pine present throughout Ireland represent remnants of the forests that once covered much of the island.
These woodlands provide critical habitat for numerous species and serve as living laboratories for understanding forest ecology and succession. The protection and restoration of native woodlands remains a conservation priority across all of Ireland’s national parks.
Wet Heaths and Moorlands
Wet heaths are botanically similar to blanket bogs. They can occur on varied types of terrain, but are best represented on moderately steep, badly drained moraine slopes, where the peat is rarely much more than one metre deep. Typical species include ling heather, cross-leaved heath, gorse and bog myrtle, with purple moor-grass, deer-grass, cotton-grass, tormentil, heath rush and some bog moss species.
Conservation Challenges and Management Strategies
In Killarney National Park we are working to conserve and increase our biodiversity. Conservation efforts across Ireland’s national parks face numerous challenges, from invasive species management to climate change impacts, visitor pressure, and balancing conservation with public access.
Invasive Species Management
Invasive species pose significant threats to native ecosystems in Ireland’s national parks. Rhododendron ponticum, originally introduced as an ornamental plant, has become a major problem in several parks, particularly Killarney, where it forms dense thickets that shade out native vegetation and reduce biodiversity. Park managers implement ongoing control programs, but complete eradication remains challenging.
Other invasive species requiring management include Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, and various non-native animal species. These invasives can outcompete native species, alter habitat structure, and disrupt ecological processes that have developed over thousands of years.
Habitat Restoration and Protection
Active habitat restoration forms a crucial component of national park management. This includes restoring degraded peatlands, removing invasive species, protecting and expanding native woodlands, and managing grazing pressure from both wild and domestic animals. Successful restoration requires long-term commitment and careful monitoring to ensure interventions achieve desired outcomes.
Fencing programs help protect sensitive areas from overgrazing while allowing natural regeneration of native vegetation. However, managers must balance protection with maintaining the open character of certain habitats that depend on some level of grazing or disturbance.
Wildlife Monitoring and Research
Comprehensive monitoring programs track population trends for key species, from red deer and golden eagles to rare plants and invertebrates. This data informs management decisions and helps identify emerging threats before they become critical. Research partnerships with universities and conservation organizations enhance understanding of park ecosystems and inform evidence-based conservation strategies.
Reintroduction programs for species like the white-tailed eagle and golden eagle demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to restoring lost biodiversity. These programs require careful planning, ongoing monitoring, and public support to succeed.
Visitor Experience and Sustainable Tourism
Ireland’s National Parks provide unique opportunities to be at one with nature; the purest of experiences in nature giving emotions of awe, wonderment, feelings of connectedness and peacefulness. National Parks inspire visitors to create their own experiences and journeys, where they feel rejuvenated and restored, with a greater understanding of conservation
Recreational Opportunities
Ireland’s national parks offer diverse recreational opportunities suitable for all ages and abilities. Hiking remains the most popular activity, with trail networks ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents. Well-maintained paths and clear signage help visitors navigate safely while minimizing environmental impact.
Birdwatching attracts enthusiasts from around the world, particularly during migration seasons when rare species may appear. The parks’ varied habitats support different bird communities, from woodland specialists to wetland species and mountain birds. Many parks provide bird hides and viewing platforms to enhance wildlife observation while minimizing disturbance.
Cycling, fishing, boating, and photography represent other popular activities. Some parks offer guided tours, educational programs, and interpretive centers that help visitors understand and appreciate the natural and cultural heritage they’re experiencing.
Visitor Centers and Educational Programs
Killarney National Park Visitor Centre is located in Killarney House and Gardens. Our guides will be happy to provide information about the National Park, places of interest, walks and hiking, and activities. The interactive exhibition (of 15 rooms) in Killarney House is a must-see, with information on the National Park, flora, fauna, history and biodiversity.
Visitor centers across the national park network provide essential orientation, interpretation, and education. Interactive exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and knowledgeable staff help visitors understand what makes each park special and how they can help protect these precious resources.
We’re passionate about helping young people discover more about our natural world and how to care for it. Killarney Education Guides can support your school in experiencing the National Park and making connections with subjects right across the curriculum for when you return to the classroom. Learning together through the landscape, we explore the past, present and future of this special place.
Responsible Visitation Guidelines
While visiting the parks it is important to remember that these environments should be treated with appropriate respect, and their importance honoured. All visitors share responsibility for protecting national parks through their actions and choices.
Respect wildlife and always keep your dogs on a lead. Leave what you find and do not disturb the flora and fauna. Dispose of waste properly, litter is a huge threat to nature. These simple principles, when followed by all visitors, help ensure national parks remain healthy and beautiful for future generations.
Think about the best time to visit and how you’ll travel here, to minimise your environmental impact. Visiting during off-peak times reduces crowding and environmental stress, while using public transportation or carpooling minimizes carbon emissions and parking pressure.
Biodiversity and Scientific Importance
Ireland has a low number of species compared to the rest of Europe, but many of our species and habitats are of international importance. This paradox reflects Ireland’s island geography and glacial history, which limited species colonization, but also created unique conditions that support specialized communities and endemic species found nowhere else.
Endemic and Rare Species
Ireland’s national parks protect numerous species of conservation concern, including several found only in Ireland or with very limited global distributions. The Killarney shad, Kerry slug, and various rare plants represent Ireland’s unique evolutionary heritage. Protecting these species requires maintaining the specific habitat conditions they depend upon.
Approximately 120 species of wildflowers are under threat in Ireland. National parks provide crucial refuges for these threatened plants, protecting them from agricultural intensification, development, and other pressures that have eliminated them from much of their former range.
International Designations and Recognition
Many of Ireland’s national parks have received international recognition for their ecological importance. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, and Ramsar wetland designations acknowledge the global significance of these protected areas and bring additional resources and attention to their conservation.
These international designations also create obligations and opportunities for collaboration with conservation efforts worldwide, sharing knowledge and best practices for protecting similar ecosystems in other countries.
Climate Change and Future Challenges
Climate change presents perhaps the greatest long-term challenge for Ireland’s national parks. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more frequent extreme weather events, and sea-level rise all threaten park ecosystems and the species they support.
Peatlands face particular vulnerability, as warmer, drier conditions could accelerate decomposition and release stored carbon, turning these carbon sinks into carbon sources. Changing conditions may also favor invasive species over natives, alter species distributions, and disrupt ecological relationships that have developed over millennia.
Park managers are developing climate adaptation strategies that include protecting climate refugia, maintaining habitat connectivity to allow species movement, reducing other stressors to increase ecosystem resilience, and monitoring for early warning signs of climate impacts. However, the scale and pace of climate change may exceed the adaptive capacity of some species and ecosystems.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond their intrinsic value and conservation importance, Ireland’s national parks provide significant economic and social benefits. Tourism associated with national parks supports local economies through accommodation, food services, guiding, and retail. This economic activity helps sustain rural communities and provides incentives for conservation.
The health and wellbeing benefits of access to nature are increasingly recognized and valued. National parks provide opportunities for physical activity, stress reduction, and mental health benefits that contribute to public health. Studies consistently show that time spent in nature improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall wellbeing.
Educational benefits extend beyond formal programs to include informal learning and inspiration. Many people develop lifelong interests in nature, conservation, and environmental science through experiences in national parks. These parks serve as outdoor classrooms where abstract concepts become tangible and memorable.
Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
Ireland’s national parks protect not only natural heritage but also extensive cultural and archaeological resources. From prehistoric stone circles and megalithic tombs to medieval castles and monastic settlements, these sites tell the story of human interaction with the Irish landscape over thousands of years.
The integration of natural and cultural heritage protection reflects an understanding that human history and natural history are intertwined. Traditional land management practices shaped many of the landscapes we now seek to protect, and understanding this history informs contemporary conservation approaches.
Archaeological research in national parks continues to reveal new insights into Ireland’s past. Peatlands, in particular, preserve organic materials and artifacts that would decompose in other environments, creating time capsules that document past climates, vegetation, and human activities.
Community Engagement and Stewardship
Successful national park management requires engagement with local communities, whose support and participation are essential for long-term conservation success. Many parks work with local residents through advisory committees, volunteer programs, and community events that build connections and shared ownership.
Traditional knowledge held by local communities provides valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics, species behavior, and historical conditions. Incorporating this knowledge alongside scientific research creates more comprehensive understanding and more effective management strategies.
Volunteer programs allow people to contribute directly to conservation work, from trail maintenance and invasive species removal to wildlife monitoring and visitor education. These programs build conservation capacity while fostering personal connections to protected areas.
Planning Your Visit to Ireland’s National Parks
Each of Ireland’s national parks offers unique experiences and attractions. Killarney’s combination of lakes, mountains, and woodlands makes it ideal for multi-day visits with diverse activities. Glenveagh’s remote location rewards visitors with solitude and wilderness experiences. Connemara’s dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage appeal to those seeking both natural beauty and Irish tradition.
The Burren’s unique geology and botanical diversity attract naturalists and photographers, while Wicklow’s accessibility from Dublin makes it perfect for day trips and weekend getaways. Wild Nephin offers the most remote and challenging experiences for those seeking true wilderness.
Timing visits to match personal interests enhances the experience. Spring brings wildflowers and migrant birds, summer offers long days and warm weather, autumn features spectacular foliage and rutting deer, while winter provides solitude and dramatic light. Each season reveals different aspects of park ecosystems and creates distinct experiences.
Proper preparation ensures safe and enjoyable visits. Checking weather forecasts, bringing appropriate clothing and equipment, informing others of plans, and understanding personal limitations all contribute to positive outcomes. Park websites and visitor centers provide current conditions, trail information, and safety advice.
The Future of Ireland’s National Parks
Just in case that wasn’t enough, a brand new National Park covering 500 acres across the Boyne Valley in County Meath will open soon! This expansion of Ireland’s national park network demonstrates ongoing commitment to conservation and recognition of the value these protected areas provide.
Future challenges will require adaptive management approaches that respond to changing conditions while maintaining core conservation values. Increased resources for research, monitoring, and active management will be essential for addressing threats from invasive species, climate change, and visitor pressure.
Strengthening connections between national parks and the broader landscape through wildlife corridors and coordinated conservation planning will help maintain ecosystem function and allow species movement in response to changing conditions. No park exists in isolation, and their long-term viability depends on the health of surrounding landscapes.
Engaging new generations in national park stewardship through education, volunteer opportunities, and accessible experiences will ensure continued public support for conservation. As Ireland becomes increasingly urbanized, national parks play an ever more important role in connecting people with nature and maintaining awareness of environmental issues.
Conclusion: Guardians of Ireland’s Natural Heritage
Ireland’s national parks represent the country’s commitment to preserving its most precious natural and cultural treasures for future generations. From the ancient yew woodlands of Killarney to the blanket bogs of Wild Nephin, from the limestone pavements of the Burren to the granite mountains of Wicklow, these protected areas showcase the remarkable diversity of Irish landscapes and ecosystems.
The parks serve multiple vital functions: protecting biodiversity and rare species, preserving natural beauty, providing recreational opportunities, supporting scientific research, educating the public, and contributing to local economies. They offer spaces for solitude and reflection, adventure and discovery, learning and inspiration.
Successful conservation requires ongoing effort, adequate resources, scientific understanding, community support, and individual responsibility. Every visitor who follows Leave No Trace principles, every volunteer who contributes time to conservation work, every researcher who advances understanding of park ecosystems, and every advocate who supports conservation funding plays a role in protecting these irreplaceable resources.
As pressures from climate change, invasive species, and human activities intensify, the importance of national parks as refuges for biodiversity and natural processes will only grow. These protected areas provide hope that even in a rapidly changing world, spaces remain where nature can thrive and where people can experience the wonder and beauty of the natural world.
For more information about visiting Ireland’s national parks, consult the official National Parks of Ireland website, which provides detailed information about each park, current conditions, and visitor guidelines. The National Parks and Wildlife Service offers additional resources about conservation efforts and protected areas across Ireland. Tourism Ireland’s guide to Ireland’s parks provides inspiration for planning your visit and discovering the natural wonders that await in these magnificent protected areas.