The Irish Lake District
In the 17th century Viscount Kenmare began to develop the town
as a tourist centre. Many people already knew of the town as a
religious site, but were curious to see what was being described as
the "Irish Lake District". Tourists were soon won over by the
area's outstanding beauty and natural attractions; the coming of
the railway only enhanced Killarney's prosperity, and its status as
Ireland's ultimate attraction was sealed when Queen Victoria
visited in 1861.
Having enjoyed a celebrated reputation to this day, the quaint
town of Killarney has many charms and is a very popular base for
exploring some of Ireland's most attractive landscapes, fanning out
from the town.