Killarney is a beautiful town in County Kerry, located on the southwest coast of Ireland. Among its many highlights, one often underrated gem is the Deenagh Lodge. In Killarney, you can expect breathtaking views at every turn, with majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, and dense forests surrounding the town. This natural beauty is thanks to the over 26,000 acres of Killarney National Park, where you’re likely to spot local wildlife, including deer, rabbits, eagles, and more. Deenagh Lodge, a beautifully ornate cottage built in 1834, originally served as the gate lodge for the Kenmare Estate. Today, it stands at the entrance of Killarney National Park. From early April through September each year, the lodge comes alive with the presence of Down Syndrome Kerry, who warmly welcome visitors with refreshments to satisfy both thirst and hunger. Down Syndrome Kerry operates a delightful tearoom at Deenagh Lodge in Killarney National Park during the summer months. This initiative was established to provide training for their young adults, helping them gain valuable skills and experience in the hospitality sector. At the tearoom, visitors can enjoy a variety of offerings, including teas, coffees, toasted and non-toasted sandwiches, soup, fresh pastries, scones, cakes, and tarts. On warmer days, guests can also indulge in refreshing cold drinks and ice cream. The charming Deenagh Lodge, situated across from the iconic St. Mary’s Cathedral at the entrance to Killarney National Park, retains its picturesque appeal with a beautiful thatched roof. Originally made of hollow river reed, the thatch offers excellent insulation, keeping the cottage warm in the winter and cool during the summer months. Visitors to Deenagh Lodge can also explore numerous walking trails nearby, each providing unmissable views across the stunning parklands. Spraoi Chiarrai If you visit Deenagh Lodge during the summer months, you may be lucky enough to catch a performance by Spraoi Chiarrai—a Kerry-based youth group specializing in traditional Irish music, song, dance, and storytelling. Their free outdoor concerts are a treat, and experiencing one is highly recommended! How to Get to Deenagh Lodge Reaching Deenagh Lodge from Dublin takes about four hours by car. Driving is the most convenient option if you can rent or have access to a vehicle, offering the best balance of time and cost efficiency. However, it’s not the only way to get there. For a quicker option, you could take a 50-minute flight from Dublin to Kerry with Ryanair. While you probably wouldn’t fly just to see Deenagh Lodge alone, this could be a great option if you plan to spend time around Killarney. If you prefer public transport, head to Heuston Station in Dublin and take the train to Killarney. The journey lasts around three hours and offers breathtaking views along the way. Once you arrive, Deenagh Lodge is just a 20-minute walk from Killarney train station.