Best trails in Killarney National Park
Covering 10,000 hectares in the southwest of County Kerry, Killarney was founded in 1932 as Ireland's first National Park. The park has now been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and includes some beautiful lakes, the ancient Reenadinna Forest and the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain chain.
Top trails
1
(1468)
•Moderate
•4.8 mi
•Est. 2h 50m
This is a lovely trail that begins by following the Owengariff before turning right and ascending Torc Mountain. It is a must-see when visiting Killarney National Park, on a clear day the views stretch for miles.
In wet weather, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
After your walk, the nearby town of Killarney has a number of pubs and cafes, perfect for relaxing at the end of a day on the hills.
* Note: Fishing is allowed at Muckross Lake and...
2
(869)
•Moderate
•3.9 mi
•Est. 1h 50m
This lakeside trail is easygoing and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. The landscape along this route is simply breathtaking and picnics on a sunny day can be a great choice for a family or group of friends.
The trail will take you from Muckross, past Muckross house and along the shores of the lake, then up to Torc Waterfalls, before returning to the trailhead.
Torc is Irish for Wild Boar, and the falls are named after a number of legends set in the area. The Falls are...
3
(617)
•Moderate
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 17m
Named Torc, meaning Wild Boar in Irish, these falls are the home to many myths and legends.
The stream flows down from The Devil's Punchbowl, a glacial lake high on Mangerton Mountain, down the falls, then out in Muckross Lake.
Though the trails here are generally well maintained, they can get a little middy following bad weather, so it's always worth wearing stout outdoor shoes. In addition, this being Ireland, the weather is changeable, so bringing waterproofs and a warm layer is always...
4
(732)
•Hard
•6.1 mi
•Est. 4h 10m
This is a tough but rewarding trail taking on the long climb up beside the river to the Devil's Punchbowl. Here you can enjoy the views over the water and some snacks before taking on the steep and rough climb up to the higher ground and looping round. The trail then descends back to the start.
Take care on the rough and steep sections of this trail where the terrain is rocky and loose, especially in wetter and windy conditions.
Appropriate footwear and warm and waterproof layers are...
5
(367)
•Moderate
•5.5 mi
•Est. 3h 0m
Meaning "Wild Boar" in Irish, the name Torc comes from a number of myths that surround these waterfalls. In one, a man was cursed to turn into a boar every night, but when his secret is revealed to a local farmer he bursts into and disappears into the Devil's Punchbowl (a lake on the nearby Mangerton Mountain from which the stream that flows over Torc Falls flows). In another story, a mighty warrior kills a magic boar on Torc Mountain.
Starting in Muckross, this trail takes around the west...
6
(447)
•Easy
•3.9 mi
•Est. 1h 26m
This trail takes you around Ross Castle, thought to have been built by the chieften O’Donoghue Mór in the fifteenth century, and on to Governer's Rock on the shores of Lough Leanne.
The Chieftan is said to sleep under the lake. The legend says he rides out of the lake on his horse every seventh year on the first morning of May. So if you're doing this hike in the spring, make sure to keep an eye out for a man on a white horse!
The trail takes in some beautiful woodland, as well as beaches...
7
(413)
•Moderate
•8.0 mi
•Est. 3h 25m
Hike in the beautiful Killarney National Park around Muckross Lake with the famous sights of Muckross House, Dinish Cottage, and the famous Torc Waterfall. You'll then continue back to Muckross House through a wonderful botanical garden. It's a mostly paved path, partly asphalted, but there are also individual narrow paths. It's a popular and therefore also lively route. There's a large free parking lot at the beginning of the route with designated RV parking spaces, and a cafe about halfway...
8
(371)
•Moderate
•1.7 mi
•Est. 1h 0m
Torc Waterfall is a stunning waterfall where the Owengarrif River cascades 20 meters down Torc Mountain, located in Killarney National Park.
Torc Mountain is rich in local legends and is named after the Irish word for boar, “torc.” The legend tells of a mythical wild boar that was said to have been killed by Finn McCool.
The Yellow trail leads you on the ascending path that runs alongside the Owengarrif River. This trail winds up the wooded slopes and offers several breathtaking viewpoints...
9
(334)
•Hard
•10.4 mi
•Est. 4h 46m
This circular trail will take you on a circuit of the beautiful Muckross Lake, taking in a number of notable places. Along the way, you'll see the Dinis Cottage, the Meeting of the Waters, the Old Weird Bridge, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross Abbey.
Founded in 1448, Muckross Abbey has a long, and often bloody, history. Though now a ruin, it is still a beautiful site which is well worth a visit.
Though these paths are generally well maintained, some sections can get a little muddy, or even...
10
(453)
•Moderate
•4.5 mi
•Est. 2h 12m
Lough Leane is the largest of the three lakes of Killarney, and it is always worth a visit.
This circular walk will take you through the woods alongside the loch, past O'Sullivan's Cascade and down to the loch shore, before heading back through the woods to the trailhead.
O'Sullivan's Cascade is a beautiful waterfall which legend has it once ran with whiskey.
Although the path is usually in good condition, it can be a little uneven and rocky in places, so good sturdy boots are recommended....
Showing results 1–10 of 57
Trail reviews for Killarney National Park
Long uphill road climb to start. Was really foggy and we ended up walking right thru a cloud. Got to some more technical rock walking but big views all around and lots of path road walking. Then thru Killarney National Park, encountered more hikers than usual out here. Had lunch (French cafe chicken and Brie sandwich was the insanely good) at some fairly well intact house ruin a in the middle of nowhere but was shaded by an island of trees. Eventually got to Torc Waterfall and had second lunch (salad). Final features were Muckross House (just photos) and Muckross Abbey which was awesome! Our feet and bodies were super tired but we made it by 9:15pm to our final B&B and then with 10 min to spare at Porterhouse which was great restaurant.
Kenmare to Killarney via The Kerry Way
A great easy hike to do if you don’t have a lot of time and you’d like a taste of Killarney National Park. And the birding is also spectacular! Tack on the hike to and from Library Point for another 2.4 km.
A super easy trail through Killarney National Park, mostly following metal roads with optional woodland trail detours. I attempted to extend the route to cover the park’s full perimeter, but one section was completely flooded and only passable on horseback. I still ended up doing around 21km. Stunning views on a sunny day, and Ross Castle was a definite highlight. A fantastic walk with plenty of flexibility to adjust the distance.
Difficulty: Easy
Ross Castle Dec and Governer's Rock Loop
Started from Killarney - Gleneagle Hotel. Beautiful views throughout the hike. The last portion into Kenmare has some car traffic but it is minimal and easy to navigate. Grabbed an expedition ale to cap off the Journey at Tom Crean Brewery next to the bus stop. Bus ride back into Killarney took about 45min.
Very wide trail. From Muckross to Killarney this is paved trail. Would be a nice bike ride. Rent bikes in Killarney.
Killarney to Muckross Abbey and House and Torc Waterfall and Mountain
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Killarney National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Killarney National Park is Owengarriff to Torc Mountain, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,468 reviews. This trail is 4.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,381 ft.
What is the longest trail in Killarney National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Killarney National Park is Gap of Dunloe via Black Valley. This trail is estimated to be 37.8 mi long.
How many trails are in Killarney National Park?
There are 57 trails in Killarney National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 10,099 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Killarney National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Killarney National Park has you covered. Gap of Dunloe via Black Valley boasts the most elevation gain with 3,868 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Muckross Lake - Torc Mountain, which will get you 3,641 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Killarney National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Killarney National Park and the most popular is Ross Castle Dec and Governer's Rock Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 108 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Killarney National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 46 running trails in Killarney National Park and the most popular is Owengarriff to Torc Mountain with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,468 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Killarney National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Killarney National Park and the most popular is Gap of Dunloe via Black Valley with an average 4.9 star rating from 80 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 25 trails with waterfalls in Killarney National Park, including Muckross House and Torc Waterfall Loop, Torc Waterfall Trail, Torc Waterfall Loop, Muckross House, Muckross Lake, Dinish Cottage, and Torc Waterfall, and Torc Waterfall Yellow Trail.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Killarney National Park, including Owengarriff to Torc Mountain, Gortagullane River and Devil's Punchbowl Loop, Torc Mountain, Torc Mountain Loop, and The Devil's Punchbowl via Blue Pool Nature Reserve.
Are there any trails with rivers in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 22 trails with rivers in Killarney National Park, including Muckross House and Torc Waterfall Loop, Torc Waterfall Trail, Torc Waterfall Loop, Muckross House, Muckross Lake, Dinish Cottage, and Torc Waterfall, and Torc Waterfall Yellow Trail.
Are there any trails with castles in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 25 trails with castles in Killarney National Park, including Muckross House and Torc Waterfall Loop, Torc Waterfall Loop, Ross Castle Loop, Muckross House, Muckross Lake, Dinish Cottage, and Torc Waterfall, and Muckross Lake Loop.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 15 trails with historical ruins in Killarney National Park, including Muckross Lake Loop, Derrycunihy to Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park: Lakeside Walk, Old Kenmare Road, and Mass Path.
Are there any trails with bays in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with bays in Killarney National Park, including Muckross House, Muckross Lake, Dinish Cottage, and Torc Waterfall, Muckross Lake Loop, Killarney to Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage and Old Weir Bridge, and Gap of Dunloe via Black Valley.
Are there any trails with lakes in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 28 trails with lakes in Killarney National Park, including Gortagullane River and Devil's Punchbowl Loop, Ross Castle Loop, Muckross House, Muckross Lake, Dinish Cottage, and Torc Waterfall, Muckross Lake Loop, and Tomies Wood and Lough Leane Loop.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Killarney National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with scenic viewpoints in Killarney National Park, including Ross Castle Loop, Muckross Lake Loop, Governor’s Rock, Killarney to Muckross Lake, and Ross Castle Dec and Governer's Rock Loop.