1. Tour the lakes on foot, bike, or boat

Killarney National Park has the famous Lakes of Killarney, along with mountains, islands, waterfalls and more. This beautiful landscape is fabulous for walking or biking, giving you time to discover the area, enjoy the scenery, and savor the serenity of the park. Depending on your energy level and preferences, you can walk to your heart’s content on the quiet paths around the lakes, or you can rent a bike in town so you can cover more distance. The extensive trail network gives you a lot of options, and you can pick up a trail map at the park information center. There are also boat tours that leave from Ross Castle, so you can get views of the park from the water.

Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Kerry, Ireland by Jim Linwood

2. See how Irish chieftains lived at Ross Castle

During the Middle Ages, a number of Irish Chieftains ruled different pieces of Ireland, warring between themselves. One such chieftain, O’Donoghue, built Ross Castle as his stronghold. This chunky castle with its strong, fortified tower was built for warfare. Everything in the castle was designed to aid the defenders in battle. The entryway, the spiral staircase, the parapets, and much more had special design characteristics for protection under attack. Be sure to take the castle tour – it’s hugely interesting. Not only will you learn about these interesting castle design details, but you’ll learn a lot about how the Irish lords and their households lived in the Middle Ages.

3. Picnic amid the ruins of an early monastery

In the middle of the lake is Innisfallen Island, with a set of evocative ruins to explore. A monastery was founded here in the year 640, that operated for over 800 years. This was also a center for education, and the lake was nicknamed the “Lake of Learning”. The famous Irish king Brian Boru was educated here, and other wealthy families sent their princes here to be taught by the monks. Today, the buildings are in ruins, with stone walls giving it an eerie sense of majesty and spirituality. You can take a small boat out to the island from Ross Castle, and spend some time exploring the ruins and the island. This is also a fabulous place for a picnic lunch. It’s quiet and secluded – you may even have the place to yourselves.

Ruins of monastery on Innisfallen Island, Ireland by Bkwillwm

4. Visit stately Muckross House and farms

Fast forward a few centuries to the 1800s, when the luxurious and imposing Muckross House was built. The owners spent lavishly, preparing the house and its gardens for a visit by Queen Victoria. You can tour the house (furnished in authentic period style), and find out about their elegant lifestyle. After touring the house, see how the other half lived, at the Muckross traditional farms. History comes alive as these working farms recreate the typical life of an Irish farmer – a simple and hardworking way of life. There are also artisan shops that practice traditional methods of spinning, weaving and pottery making. Of course, they sell some of the products right there, too.

5. Ride in an Irish jaunting car

A jaunting car is a type of horse drawn carriage, and this is the perfect way to get back to Killarney town at the end of your national park visit. You’ll see drivers and their horses in the park, who are happy to give you the scenic drive back to town. Your driver can point out sights of interest along the way, tell silly jokes, or answer any questions you may have. While the horse carries you along through this peaceful park, it’s easy to imagine being back in the old days, when this was a normal way of traveling. What a fitting end to a lovely day!

Horse drawn carriage in Killarney National Park, Ireland by Deanna Keahey

Deanna Keahey is a lifelong traveler, who ran an international travel company for years. Today, you’ll find her out traveling, hiking, and exploring. Deanna writes about travel clothes and accessories at Best-Travel-Clothes.com, and you can find her on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

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In Madeira you can find several worlds at one place, despite its seemingly small area. Beautiful green mountain, partly similar to South America. The seaside towns offer breathtaking views of the wide blue ocean. Madeira has unlimited number of natural resources. In the wild nature you can see orchids, Strelicies and other exotic flowers. The flowers can be seen at each step in Madeira and their beauty and fragrance caress the soul of every man.

Irrigation canals are built around the whole island (in total length of 2000 km), along which you can easy walk and hike the island.

For the lovers of nature and mountains Madeira is an ideal place for active recreation. Of course, for the lovers of bathing it is a land of rest, but do not try to find the extensive beaches.

Best travel tips in Madeira – Interesting tips for travel around Madeira, that you should not miss.

Porto Santo
Madeira consists of two main islands, Madeira and Porto Santo but also includes the Desertas and the Savage Islands. In Porto Santo you can find beautiful long beach with golden sand, so this could be a paradise for swimmers.

The city of Funchal
Do not miss the capital city of Madeira – Funchal. Beautiful historic center, picturesque streets, Funchal’s bay and Botanical Gardens definitely worth seeing.

Mountains and inland
Inland of Madeira will enchant you with its magnificent mountain peaks, rising from the ocean to the heavens. The highest peak is Paul da Serra located in region of Santana. Its elevation is 1,862 meters above the sea level.

Festivals and celebrations in Madeira

Madeira held four distinct and major festivals.

Carnival
Carnival takes place in late February. Streets change to the rhythm of Brazilian samba for four days and four nights. Masks, music, dance and happy mood are everywhere in the city streets.

Flower Festival
Flower Festival is held in late April or early May (two weeks after Easter). The whole city of Funchal is decorated with flowers. On Saturday children’s parade takes place when each child bears a flower and put it into the hole in the “Wall of Hope” on the square Praça do Município.

Wine Festival
Wine festival is held in early September in honor of the grape harvest in several villages.

New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve, like in other countries is to celebrate the end of the year. It belongs to the largest ones. If you want to see an amazing fireworks just over the ocean, do not wait and book your hotel in advance.

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