Reenadinna Yew Wood grows on a limestone peninsula jutting into Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park — and it is one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland. A pure stand of ancient yew trees, their twisted trunks and dense canopy creating a world of deep shade and silence, it is one of only three such woodlands in Europe. Walking into it feels like stepping into another time entirely.
Reenadinna Yew Wood — at a glance
- Type Pure yew woodland — one of three in Europe
- Location Limestone peninsula, eastern shore of Muckross Lake
- Age Ancient — the yews are centuries old
- Why unique Grows on limestone pavement — rare in Ireland
- Access Waymarked path from Muckross House, 2km
- Entry Free, open year round
Why it exists
Reenadinna exists because of an unusual combination of geology and climate. The peninsula sits on limestone pavement — a rock type rare in Kerry — which creates the alkaline soil conditions that yew trees prefer. Combined with the mild, damp Atlantic climate and centuries of protection within the National Park, the yews have grown into a dense, closed-canopy woodland that excludes almost all other plant species. The forest floor beneath is bare limestone, mossy and dimly lit even on bright days.
Walking into Reenadinna feels like stepping into another world — dense, dark and silent, the twisted yews closing overhead.
Visiting
Reenadinna is reached via a waymarked path from Muckross House, approximately 2km along the lakeshore. It is best visited in combination with a walk around the Muckross Peninsula — a full loop of around 9km that takes in the yew wood, the lake shores and the old oak woodland on the way back. The wood is accessible year round and free to enter.
Practical information
Getting There
Start at Muckross House car park — 5km from Killarney on the N71. Waymarked path to the yew wood is approximately 2km
Best Walk
The full Muckross Peninsula loop — 9km, takes 3 hours, combines the yew wood with lakeshore and oak woodland
Entry
Free — open year round
Nearby
Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall — all within 3km