Castles, lakes, and Ireland's first national park - Killarney National Park

Sunset, Sept, 1986

Weather and clothing savvy

Sheltered from Atlantic storms by Ireland's highest peaks (above 3,400 feet), the Killarney area boasts mild temperatures, always hovering between 49| and 65|. But rainfall is high--50 inches annually --and double that in the mountain moors. Dress in layers, with rain gear always at hand, and wear nonskid walking shoes. It's not untypical for a day to start out clear and sunny, with clouds gathering by noon and rain by afternoon. So rise early and tackle fresh-air outings first; save shopping for later.

Photo: Bundled in a jaunting car, riders pass Muckross Abbey ruins in Killarney National Park

Photo: From Killarney, main roads lead to national park (shaded) and Gap of Dunloe; dotted line shows hiking trail

Photo: Backed by craggy limestone outcrop, hiker and cyclist tackle the broad track up into the narrow Gap of Dunloe