Best trails in Killarney National Park
Want to find the best trails in Killarney National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 57 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 16 easy hiking trails in Killarney National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 65 to 3,868 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Killarney National Park.
Top trails
1
(1357)
•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
(772)
•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
(558)
•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
(676)
•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
(345)
•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
(400)
•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
(362)
•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
(335)
•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
(308)
•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
(235)
•Hard
•8.6 mi
•Est. 4h 39m
This is a longer route of Torc Mountain that begins at the Muckross House car park and takes you along Muckross Lake, passing Torc Waterfall and other beautiful sights along the way. After passing the waterfall there is a period of steep steps to ascend. There is amazing scenery inside the park on this route including an old farm dwelling, with stone fences still standing the test of time. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the lake, the mountains, the park and Killarney itself from the top of...
Showing results 1–10 of 57
Trail reviews for Killarney National Park
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
I do not recommend parking at the carpark nearest the Cardiac Steps (unless you plan on going both up and down steps; going down NOT recommended.) For full Red Trail Loop Walk, when coming from Killarney, park at next carpark (on your right) after Torc Waterfall Carpark (on your left).
Faster and much easier walking from killarney to kenmare.
The Kerry Way: Kenmare to Galway's Bridge (Official)
went a little off track a few times, but we had a great walk through the trails nearby killarney town in the national park
Parking: Medium lot
Ross Castle Dec and Governer's Rock Loop
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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 1,357 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 9,280 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 92 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 1,357 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 76 community reviews.