Lakes of Killarney 4.71

The Lakes of Killarney are a scenic attraction located in Killarney National Park near Killarney, County Kerry, in Ireland. They consist of three lakes - Lough Leane, Muckross Lake (also called Middle Lake) and Upper Lake.SurroundingsThe lakes sit in a low valley some 20m above sea level. They are surrounded by the rugged slopes of Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Notable mountains in the range include Carrauntoohil, which, at is Ireland's highest mountain, Purple Mountain, at, Mangerton Mountain, at, and Torc Mountain, at.The N71 road from Killarney to Kenmare passes a viewpoint called Ladies View which offers a view of the lakes and valleys. On the occasion of Queen Victoria's visit in 1861, the point was apparently chosen by the queen's ladies-in-waiting as the finest in the land; hence the name.Lough LeaneLough Leane is the largest and northernmost of the three lakes, approximately 19km2 in size. It is also the largest body of fresh water in the region. The River Laune drains Lough Leane to the north-west towards Killorglin and into Dingle Bay.