Torc Mountain via Torc Waterfall
Lovely hike in Killarney National Park, Kerry. An amazing view of the lakes and the park from the top. You can also enjoy the Torc Waterfall, easily accessible from the car park (200 m). Very pleasant transition between Killarney and Kenmare, along the road of the famous Ring of Kerry.
A
Ireland walk
posted on 31/01/22 by eloi.verrier. Last update : 09/03/22
Description
(S/E) From Torc Waterfall car park, follow the path South which leads to Torc Waterfall, clearly indicated by a sign. Reach the waterfall after 200 m.
(1) The trail then ascends along the waterfall and enters the forest using steps which facilitate the climb.
N.B. The path then follows the Torc Yellow Trail (Yellow markings) and the Kerry Way. Lovely viewpoints here and there - accessible via platforms on the right of the trail - on Muckross Lake.
(2) At the junction, leave Kerry Way on the left and turn right (South-West) towards the bridge which crosses the Owengarriff stream. Then turn right, you'll quickly reach a junction. Turn left (do not follow the Torc Yellow Trail which continues straight). Immediately (50m) leave a new path on your right (which actually joins up with the "Torc Yellow Trail"), you'll reach a fork.
(3) Follow the path on the left (due South) which goes into the forest and runs alongside the stream. Catch up with Kerry Way within a few cable lengths.
(4) Continue South-South-West on Kerry Way. After about 1km, the trail leaves the forest and runs along the stream in a landscape of rocky meadows, on the foothills of Torc Mountain (on its right).
(5) About 500 m after leaving the forest, leave the main trail and turn right where a sign indicates the start of the ascent of Torc Mountain. It's highly recommended to stay on the marked trail in order to limit erosion. This one starts rapidly along the steep slope of Torc Mountain. It is clear and open, thanks to the many wooden planks (wooden slippers) which ease the climb.
Along the ascent, two wooden platforms allow you to enjoy the view of Killarney Park. After one last steep section on the stones, reach the summit of Torc Mountain from which the views of the park and the Lakes of Killarney, as well as the Purple Mountain massif (to the west), are breath-taking.
(6) Head back via the same path to Torc Waterfall car park : D/A:
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 50 m - Torc Waterfall car park
- 1 : km 0.27 - alt. 101 m - Torc Waterfall
- 2 : km 0.82 - alt. 146 m - Kerry Way junction N°1
- 3 : km 0.98 - alt. 161 m - Fork
- 4 : km 1.46 - alt. 171 m - Kerry Way junction N°2
- 5 : km 2.59 - alt. 234 m - Starting point Torc Mountain
- 6 : km 4.56 - alt. 514 m - Summit - Torc Mountain
- S/E : km 9.12 - alt. 50 m - Torc Waterfall car park
Useful Information
Car park :
- The hike begins at the Torc Waterfall car park, accessible via the N71 (Ring of Kerry) from Killarney (north) or Kenmare (south).
- The waterfall and its car park (on the left of the road from Killarney) are signposted from the entrance to Killarney National Park. Park in the parking lot.
Facilities : No water point or food supplies on the journey, but toilets (sinks and bins) in the car park. This one can get crowded, as the waterfall is a popular tourism viewpoint on the way to the famous Ladies View. However, the rotations are quite quick, with the waterfall being very close to the parking lot.
Gears : Bring good shoes, warm clothes (even in summer, especially for children), a windbreaker and a waterproof jacket (essential). The weather in Kerry is very changeable with frequent showers. Torc Mountain is very exposed and the wind blows hard in places during the ascent, and very windy at the top. If it rains, the wooden planks on the trail to the top can be slippery.
Always be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Visorando and the author of this sheet cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident or any inconvenience occurring on this circuit.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Muckross House and its recreations of traditional Irish farmhouses are a few miles away (towards Killarney) and are a great activity for children if the weather makes hiking impractical.
- The Ross Castle, medieval castle, is also close (again in the direction of Killarney)
- Continuing on the N71 towards Kenmare, you reach the "Ladies View", offering a viewpoint of the Lakes of Killarney.
