Killarney is a walker's dream, with 26,000 acres of 'free to roam' Killarney National Park surrounded by Kerry's stunning scenery, nature, and miles of golden 'blue flag' beaches. This outdoor enthusiast's paradise offers a variety of lodging, dining, and entertainment alternatives.

Walkers can pick from low-level parkland walks around calm lakes and through some of Ireland's oldest oak woods to high-level hill climbs, bridle trails, or the peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks at any time of year, with or without guides.

What to bring on a one day walk?

Water Bottle
Snack
Fully Charged Mobile Phone
Personal Medication
Rubbish Bag
Hand Sanitiser
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Comfortable Shoes
Sun Hat or Warm Beanie
Sunglasses
Suitable Clothing - Base Layer/Mid Layer/Exterior Layer/Gloves/Socks

Take only pictures, Leave only footprints

Killarney National Park

The spectacular Killarney National Park is a must-see in any season, although it might be argued that the area is much more pleasurable in the Autumn months, as the park becomes considerably calmer after the summer crowds. With over 26,000 acres to explore, Ireland's oldest national park is home to some of the country's oldest native woodlands. The wonderful woods of Killarney are complex, diversified, and breathtakingly unique in many ways.

• Circular Walk Knockreer 3km

Visitors and locals alike enjoy the Circular Walk at Knockreer, Killarney National Park. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the National Park and get up close and personal with some of the species without having to travel too far from town. The route includes a pleasant paved walkway that loops around several of the park's most accessible areas.

• Knockreer & Castlerosse 5km

The Killarney National Park looped circuit from Knockreer to Castlerosse is a beautiful 5km walk that winds through open parkland, golf fields, and shaded riverbank paths. The recent addition of a children's playground and an open-air fitness park joins two 19th century gate lodge cottages along the path. Locals and visitors like enjoy the Knockreer area of Killarney, and this 5-kilometre path is an excellent opportunity to explore some of the magic of Killarney National Park while staying close to town.

Library Point 5km

Ross Castle is one of Killarney National Park's most well-known attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Library Point, a limestone rock structure on the banks of Lough Leane, is located on Ross Island, just over 2 kilometres from Ross Castle. The lovely Library Point walk is an exquisite trek over woodland roads and shoreline paths. Discover a hidden and peaceful peninsula trail as you emerge from the shadows of Ross Castle.

Muckross House and Gardens

Muckross House is a must-see for history buffs, with the property's preservation making it a really remarkable location. On their social media and website, they have a terrific range of photographs, behind-the-scenes videos, and farm visits. After perusing the conventional treasures of this fully certified museum, you'll undoubtedly add the historic House and Gardens to your itinerary.

• Mossy Woods 2km

In the centre of Killarney National Park, near Muckross Manor, is the Mossy Woods Nature Trail. This forest, which is popular with hikers, is a small wonder if you enjoy the outdoors. Trails will lead you into the forest, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of the trees, ponds, and rich vegetation. The moss has fully covered some parts of the woodland, creating an unusual sight. The foliage is beautiful in the spring and changes in the autumn, so it may be enjoyed all year.

• Muckross Abbey 2.5km

Muckross Abbey is a must-see location for many that visit Killarney National Park. Fortunately, in order to access the historic ruins, you have to go through some of the best-loved parts of the Park. By veering off the beaten track ever so slightly, you can find a lovely looped walk that combines splendour and solitude with a bit of adventure in between.

• Arthur Young’s Walk 5.6km

Between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, this hike skirts Muckross Peninsula. The walk follows a fault line that runs between limestone and old red sandstone substrates. As a result, the vegetation changes from Yew woodland on a limestone outcropping to oak woodland on old red sandstone.

• Muckross and Dinis Loop Walk 10km

Take the marked journey from Muckross House in the 19th century, pausing along the way to see typical working farms and magnificent formal gardens. Quiet green roads lead away from the estate and down to Muckross Lake's little beaches and rocky coves, where you may watch herons forage for food. The trail then leads to Muckross Peninsula, where the Muckross Lake is separated from the larger Lough Leane by a protrusion of land.

Here, you enter Reenadinna Wood. It's worth keeping an eye out for red squirrels and gorgeous red deer among the moss and ferns. The 200-year-old Dinis Cottage is located at the western extremity of Muckross Lake. You can get some refreshments here before travelling behind the cottage to the meeting of the waters, where Killarney's Upper Lake meets the smaller loughs. Return to Muckross House via lakeside trails and woodland walkways. An optional side-trip to the top of Torc Waterfall is available shortly before you arrive, but this circuit can also be completed on its own.

Tomies Wood Walk

Glena Cottage's ruins are accessible from the loop's halfway point on the Southern Point. The rhododendron forest gives way to the Shehy Mountains, from whence you can descend to visit the ruins on Lough Leane's shore. The house has a long history dating back to 1822, with Queen Victoria being the most prominent visitor when she stopped by for lunch in 1831.

Torc Waterfall 9km

The Torc Mountain summit walk provides breathtaking views of Killarney town and lakes, Muckross House, Killarney National Park, and the McGillicuddy's Reeks. Despite the fact that the summit is 525 meters above sea level, this trek is quite popular since the clear trails and wooden sleepers on the mountain make it accessible to virtually everybody. If you try this, be in mind that the sleepers can be over a foot from the ground at times and can be slippery when wet.

There are a number of trails around Torc waterfall which range from easy to very difficult. So pick a suitable trail for you.

• Torc Loop (Yellow Trail) 1.5km
• Torc Loop (Bule Trail) 2.5km
• Huntsman Hill (Red Trail) 3.5km
• Torc Mountain 7.5km

Gap of Dunloe 12km

Slow-moving ice formed a tiny mountain route between these mountains two million years ago, creating this beautiful mountain gap. The Loe River winds its way down the valley, connecting the five corrie lakes that surround the pass. The gap's breathtaking and wild scenery can be appreciated on a bicycle, on foot, on horseback, or in a speeding automobile. Kate Kearney's Cottage is the starting point for The Gap. The road snakes through the pass, passing five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough, before descending into The Black Valley. A magnificent historic bridge known as the 'Wishing Bridge' is within easy walking distance of Kate Kearney's cottage. It is said that wishes made here really do come true!

Old Kenmare Road 16km

The Old Kenmare Road is a fantastic trail that winds across Killarney National Park's uplands. It is a magnificent experience that will transport you back in time and back to nature, and it is part of the Kerry Way long-distance track. The Old Kenmare Road stands out as a really unique trail within Killarney National Park because of its diverse environment, flora, and fauna. Between the thriving cities of Killarney and Kenmare, there is a magnificent sense of seclusion and stark beauty.

Carrauntoohil Mountain

If you are feeling up for the ultimate hiking experience in Ireland, then you have to venture up Ireland's largest mountain. Carrauntoohil, stands towering among the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in Kerry. Begin the arduous ascent, which might take anywhere from four to six hours.

As stated by Discover Ireland Carrauntoohil is a challenging hike that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The Devil's Ladder route starts at Cronin's Yard and climbs through Hag's Glen valley, crossing the mild Gaddagh River. You can also take the Caher path or the Brother O'Shea's Gully way. Views of lovely valleys, calm lakes, and lush green trees may be found on all three hikes.

Take a photo at the Carrauntoohil cross to commemorate this significant occasion. With the Gap of Dunloe to the east and Glencar to the west, take in the vistas of spectacular mountain peaks and rugged hills.Take a look at our

Killarney Town Guide to enjoy the many other experiences Killarney has to offer.

https://www.destinationkillarney.ie/2019/08/autumn-in-killarney-top-8-things-to-do-this-autumn-in-killarney
https://killarneyguide.ie/
https://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/explore/walking-hiking/walking-trails/torc/
https://killarney.ie/walks-trails/
https://www.discoverireland.ie/kerry/
https://www.theringofkerry.com/the-gap-of-dunloe