FERN + FIA

I’m lucky enough to call Killarney, Co. Kerry, home—a place where the air feels fresher, the colors seem brighter, and the world slows down just enough to let you breathe. Nestled in the shadow of Ireland’s rugged southwest, Killarney is surrounded by a UNESCO National Park that’s nothing short of magical. Stunning mountains, ancient woodlands, and shimmering lakes stretch out before me, like a postcard, and I find myself drawn to it again and again. For me, spending time in this wild, beautiful place isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for my soul, mind, and body.

There’s something about stepping into nature that flips a switch. The moment I leave behind the hum of daily life and wander into the park, I can feel the weight lifting. The noise of leaves underfoot, the sound of the wind through the trees, the singing of birds— the chatter in my head gets drowned out by something bigger, something quieter. I often head out alone, not because I don’t love company, but because solitude in nature has a way of clearing the clutter from my thoughts. It’s just me, the path, and the vastness of it all. No emails, no deadlines, no distractions—just space to think, or not think at all. Have you experienced the same feeling when out in nature?

But here’s the thing about Killarney—it rains. A lot. The skies open up more often than not, and it can be tempting to stay indoors, peering out at the drizzle. But I’ve learned that even on those grey, wet days, it’s still worth reaching for the umbrella and putting on the rain gear. Sure, it can feel like a chore to get outside when the wind’s howling, but once I’m out there, I never regret it. The rain softens the world—muffling sounds, painting the landscape in a misty glow—and there’s an oddly strange comfort in it. You feel better, lighter, almost instantly. The right clothes make all the difference, and suddenly the weather’s not a barrier; it’s part of the experience, especially in Killarney.

That’s the magic of Killarney National Park—it doesn’t just give you scenery; it gives you peace, rain or shine. Whether I’m walking along the shores of Lough Leane, looking up at the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, or losing myself in the stillness of Muckross Abbey’s yew trees, I feel any stress I’m holding within start to unravel. Science backs this up too—studies show time in nature lowers cortisol, boosts mood, and even sharpens focus. But I don’t need a study to tell me what I already know: after an hour out there, I’m calmer, lighter and more focused.

It’s good for the body too, as it makes you move in ways a treadmill never could—climbing over roots, ducking under branches, walking up hills. It’s not exercise for the sake of a workout; it’s movement with purpose, woven into the act of simply being present. And then there’s the air—crisp, clean, and tinged with the scent of moss and trees, even fresher after a downpour. Every breath feels like a reset.

But it’s the soul that gets the biggest gift from nature. There’s a quiet power in standing somewhere that’s been here for centuries, untouched by the chaos of modern life. The oaks in the park have seen more seasons than I ever will, and the lakes have mirrored the sky through storms and sun alike. It puts things in perspective—my worries, my to-do lists, my little dramas—they shrink against that kind of timelessness.

Nature doesn’t judge or rush you; it just is, and somehow that helps me just be.

Living in Killarney, I’ve come to see the park as more than a backdrop—it’s a sanctuary. Whether I’m de-stressing after a long week, untangling a problem in my head, or simply soaking in the beauty, it never fails to restore me.

If you’re ever near Kerry, I can’t recommend it enough: grab the raincoat, and let this place work its magic on you. And if you’re not nearby, find your own patch of green—because nature, wherever it is, has a way of healing us in ways we didn’t even know we needed.

I’d love to know how you feel after spending time outdoors in nature?

-Stacey