There are so many wonderful walks to choose from in killarney, from The Muckross Lake Loop Walk to the Gap of Dunloe, there is a walk to suit all ages and abilities during your stay in Killarney!
1. Tomie's Wood & O'Sullivan's Cascade
This is an easy to moderate, family friendly 9km walk along the shore of Lough Leane. The majority of the walk is clearly marked and easy to navigate. This walk will bring you through the scenic Tomie’s Wood right along the shore of the lake. Tomie’s Wood is one of the best areas to see white-tailed eagles soaring majestically along the slopes of the mountains, it is also said to be the hunting ground of the mythical Fianna and Fionn McCumhaill. The trail meanders through Tomie’s Wood before crossing the North Bridge and returning by the South Bridge and includes a visit to the breathtaking O’Sullivan’s Cascade, a waterfall that is rated by some to be even more spectacular when in full flow than the famous Torc Waterfall. Enjoy scenic views for the whole duration of the walk of the lake, it’s islands and the surrounding mountains and forest.
2. Old Kenmare Road
The Old Kenmare Road walk makes up part of The Kerry Way, a spectacular long-distance trail that winds its way around the Iveragh Peninsula and is a little more of a strenuous route featuring a number of steep and steady climbs and descents. The Old Kenmare Road is regarded as one of the most scenic trails in Ireland, meandering through the uplands of Killarney National Park. It crosses through the Esknamucky Glen, a narrow pass between Cromaglan Mountain and Stumpacommeen high in the mountains above Killarney. As well as being beautifully scenic, the trail is steeped in history, featuring some 19th century graffiti, etched on to a rock by the path believed to have been left by passing soldiers in 1815. As you wander through valleys formed during the Ice Age and deserted of settlements in more recent years, the trail is truly a journey through time and one well worth undertaking.
3. Knockreer Circular Walk
This walk is well-worn and popular with locals and visitors alike. It is an ideal way to get a peek of the National Park and experience some of the wildlife up close, without having to venture too far from town. It is one of the most accessible walks in Killarney National Park and features stunning lake and mountain views, open parkland expanses and an almost guaranteed glimpse of some of the local red deer herd. The entire walk is clearly marked and paved. Deenagh Lodge is the starting and end point of the walk, and the lodge is located at the entrance to Killarney National Park, opposite the famous St. Mary’s Cathedral. Simply follow the signs for Knockreer House and you will find your way. The path meanders past Knockreer, before opening up to breathtaking views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. You will cross a section of open parkland and can then either follow the Riverbank Path or continue straight back towards Deenagh Lodge. This is a walk suitable for all ages and abilities, bikes and buggies, although there are a number of cattle grids to negotiate throughout.
4. Ross Island Walk
This is one Killarney’s easier walks, but that is not to say it should be dismissed as you are rewarded with stunning scenery for little effort. Ross Castle is one of Killarney’s most popular tourist attractions and one of the most visited places in Killarney National Park. The castle itself sits on a picturesque lake, Lough Leane, while the MacGillycuddy Reeks feature as a background. This walk will take you from the impressive 15th century structure, to a limestone rock formation called Library Point, from here, you can look out across to the shores of Innisfallen Island. The 2km trail from Ross Castle to Library Point winds alongside the lake and through woodland. It ends by a low fence at the edge of the peninsula. There is the option to take a boat ride from the castle to get a tour of Innisfallen Island, so why not pack your lunch and have a picnic on the island.
5. Muckross Lake Loop Walk
This walk is a little bit of a longer one at 15km, it takes around 3-4 hours to complete. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s the perfect way to pass an afternoon in Killarney. The loop brings you on a scenic walk from Muckross House, down to the lake shores and from there all the way out to the Muckross Peninsula. This peninsula separates Muckross Lake from Lough Leane, and hosts stunning views from every angle. Following this, you’ll stroll in to the Reenadinna Wood which is an ideal spot to keep an eye out for the country’s only wild herd of red deer, as well as the local red squirrels. On the western edge of Muckross Lake, you can make a pitstop for a cup of coffee and slice of cake at Dinis Cottage, before following the woodland and lakeside paths back to Muckross House. Finish up at Muckross House and enjoy some well deserved rest by relaxing on Muckross Gardens with a delicious ice cream.
6. The Gap of Dunloe
The most popular starting point for walking the Gap of Dunloe is Kate Kearney’s cottage, where you can park your car. You could catch a jaunting car here to experience the Gap of Dunloe but why not stretch those legs, breath in the fresh mountain air and walk it? The Gap of Dunloe was formed around two million years ago when Killarney’s Ice Age took hold, this gave the mountains there their distinct jagged appearance. The 12km route will lead you through the famous Gap, guarded on both sides by the majestic MacGillyCuddy Reeks mountain range. This walk has to be seen to be believed as the views are simply magical, featuring streams, lakes, waterfalls and of course the scenic mountain range. It is one of our top recommendations for a walk while you are visiting Killarney.
7. The Blue Pool
This trail is lesser known and slightly off the beaten track, it is a hidden gem in Killarney, found just off the main road to Muckross. It starts only a stone’s throw away from one entrance to Killarney National Park that leads into Muckross Abbey. It is also en route to the base of Mangerton Mountain and just off the main road towards Muckross House and Gardens. You will find two options signposted, the Blue Pool trail and the Cloghareen trail. These are two separate trails but the area is commonly known as ‘The Blue Pool’. The route is well sign posted throughout so don’t let a fear of getting lost put you off! You can take your pick of the two trails, both are of similar length (approx. 3km) and overlap at stages. There are a number of different spots to take a rest at the edge of the pool, so why not pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds of nature.
