5 wonderful walks in Killarney National Park
Experience the magic of Killarney National Park on one of these great walks. You’ll find endless trails while hiking in Killarney National Park, in the heart of Kerry, home to the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks, with hectares of picturesque woodland and
1: Knockreer Circular Walk
Just a five-minute drive or ten-minute walk from the centre of Killarney, the Knockreer Circular Walk is a great way to explore the National Park. Circling around some of the most accessible parts of the park, the 5-km trail follows a smooth paved path suitable for walking and cycling, with wonderful views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
2: Muckross House to Torc Waterfall Lake Loop
Park at Muckross House, 6-km from Killarney town centre and give yourself two-hours for this relatively challenging, but family-friendly walk. Follow the Old Boathouse
Trail past heady views of mountains and meadows, by the scenic limestone cliffs of Dundag Point and panoramas of the Middle Lake.
3: Ross Island Mining Trail
With its incredible views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ross Castle is an intact 15th century fortress on the eastern shores of Lough Leane. Park at the castle and pick up your map of the 17-stop Ross Island Mining Trail, which leads you around Ireland’s, and North-Western Europe’s, earliest known metal mines.
4: The Old Kenmare Road: Torc to Incheens
Seasoned walkers enjoy the Torc to Incheens two-hour route, easily one of the best Killarney walks, which forms part of the much longer Kerry
Way and meanders through the uplands of Killarney National Park. Starting out at the Upper Torc carpark, you’ll follow the Old Kenmare Road across the wooden bridge, over the Owengarrif River, before turning left down the leafy wooded trail.
5: The Mass Path: Derrycunnihy Church to Lord Brandon’s Cottage
With a dramatic start, you’ll descend old wooden steps into lush forest as soon as you leave the carpark at Derrycunnihy Church for this 1.5-hour route. Meander beneath ancient oak trees, cross trickling streams and wander by abandoned ruins. Quality walking gear is recommended for this terrain, which is rough underfoot and prone to flooding in winter months.