Hillwalking in and around Killarney
Killarney is surrounded by 26,000 / 10,000 hectares of National Park, lakes and magnificent mountain ranges including Ireland’s highest peak, Corrán Tuathail (1039m). It is said that “in Killarney, you will find a different walking route for every day in the year”. This may be an exaggeration, but only just!!
Whether you wish to trek to the top of Ireland’s highest mountain range, explore Killarney’s ancient woodland glens and valleys, or just stroll around its beautiful lakeshore walks, Killarney offers you a range of walks that will never cease to amaze and please you.
Selection of walks around Killarney
Short Walks
Duration: At walker’s discretion
(Many of these walks can be comfortably commenced and completed from Castle Lodge)
- Killarney Town Trail
- Knockreer Gardens
- Muckross Gardens commencing at Muckross House
- Boathouse Nature Trail commencing at Muckross House
- Demesne & River Walk
- Mossy Woods Nature Trail commencing at Muckross House
Moderate Walks
Duration: 2 hours (+/-)
(Some of these walks can be commenced from Castle Lodge or from along the route)
- Castle Lodge to Ross Castle return via National Park
- Ross Island from Castle Lodge
- Arthur Young Nature Trail commencing at Muckross House
- Blue Pool Nature Trail commencing near Muckross Park main gates
- Muckross House and return commencing at Jaunting Car entrance
- The Fossa Way, start from Castle Lodge
Strenuous Walks
Duration: Half or full day
(Usually commenced from a Start Point some distance from the town)
- Mangerton Mountain
- Torc Waterfall and Mountain Trail
- Old Kenmare / Killarney Road – Mountain and Forest Trail
- Tomies / Shehy / Purple Mountain
- Tomies and O’Sullivan’s Cascade Forest Walk
- Muckross and Dinis Island – commencing from Castle Lodge
- Mangerton Forest Walks
- Gap of Dunloe to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, Black Valley return
- Corrán Tuathail Mountain (trek/climb)
Rock Climbing in Killarney and Dingle
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe near Killarney has a large number of red sandstone rock climbing routes of various grades to suit climbers of all abilities. The ‘Gap’ is a traditional crag with no bolted routes. If you’re interested in climbing in the ‘Gap’ there are a number of qualified guides in Killarney who can provide half or full day guided climbs in the area.
Sea Cliff Climbing
In contrast to the mountain environment of the Gap of Dunloe, there are a number of seacliff crags around the Kerry coast providing exhilarating climbing above the Atlantic swell. As with the ‘Gap’ all of these crags are non-sport climbing crags so traditional gear is required. Contact us for information on local guides.
