Walking & Hillwalking in Killarney
Killarney is a walkers paradise with so many opportunities from the National Park to the Gap of Dunloe and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Take a leisurely afternoon stroll around Killarney House and Knockreer, Muckross House & Gardens and its many nature trails or Ross Island and the Copper Mines. Be more adventurous and take to the hills and mountains that surround the Killarney valley…
Short walks in the area
Muckross, Knockreer, Ross Island – Killarney National Park has a variety of short walks which will give you a great feel for the immediate area. Only a short drive from The Beeches will give you access to woodland, lakeside and National Park stroll, ideal for an afternoon or evening a stroll. Muckross House and Gardens have a number of nature trails from the Arthur Young Walk to the Old Boathouse and Mossy Woods nature trails. The nearby Garden Restaurant is reason enough to explore these walks.
Knockreer is an extensive area of the Park adjacent to the town and will access to the Fossa Way, Ross Castle, Ross Island and the Old Killarney Copper Mines.
Short walks in the area
Muckross, Knockreer, Ross Island – Killarney National Park has a variety of short walks which will give you a great feel for the immediate area. Only a short drive from The Beeches will give you access to woodland, lakeside and National Park stroll, ideal for an afternoon or evening a stroll. Muckross House and Gardens have a number of nature trails from the Arthur Young Walk to the Old Boathouse and Mossy Woods nature trails. The nearby Garden Restaurant is reason enough to explore these walks.
Knockreer is an extensive area of the Park adjacent to the town and will access to the Fossa Way, Ross Castle, Ross Island and the Old Killarney Copper Mines.
Medium distance walks
If you have more time, and a little more energy, head to the Gap of Dunloe, a famous glacial valley between Purple mountain and the MacGillycuddys Reeks. Starting at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the walk to the ‘head of the gap’ in approximately 7km, from where you can descend to the Black Valley. A great day out includes walking to Lord Brandon’s Cottage in the Black Valley and picking up an open boat through Killarney’s Lakes and the Long Range river, one of the old of Killarney’s tours. See www.killarneydaytour.com for more information and boat times.
Within the National Park boundary, Torc mountain is a popular trek. Starting at the upper Torc car park (take a left turn just beyond the gates to Muckross House), walk along the Old road to Kenmare and on to the summit of torc mountain for one of the best views in the Park.
Medium distance walks
If you have more time, and a little more energy, head to the Gap of Dunloe, a famous glacial valley between Purple mountain and the MacGillycuddys Reeks. Starting at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the walk to the ‘head of the gap’ in approximately 7km, from where you can descend to the Black Valley. A great day out includes walking to Lord Brandon’s Cottage in the Black Valley and picking up an open boat through Killarney’s Lakes and the Long Range river, one of the old of Killarney’s tours. See www.killarneydaytour.com for more information and boat times.
Within the National Park boundary, Torc mountain is a popular trek. Starting at the upper Torc car park (take a left turn just beyond the gates to Muckross House), walk along the Old road to Kenmare and on to the summit of torc mountain for one of the best views in the Park.
Long hillwalks & climbs
For the more energetic, consider hiring a guide and taking to the higher summits of the area. The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks is home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak at 1040m. Though not high by international standards, the ‘Reeks’ are a rugged range with steep terrain throughout. Planning and proper footwear are essential before heading out. There are a number of local guides we recommend for a great day out. See Hidden Ireland Tours for more information.
Looking for a more adrenalin filled day? How about rck climbing in the Gap of Dunloe or on the sea cliffs of Doonshean, outside of Dingle. See Kerry Climbing for more information.
Long hillwalks & climbs
For the more energetic, consider hiring a guide and taking to the higher summits of the area. The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks is home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak at 1040m. Though not high by international standards, the ‘Reeks’ are a rugged range with steep terrain throughout. Planning and proper footwear are essential before heading out. There are a number of local guides we recommend for a great day out. See Hidden Ireland Tours for more information.
Looking for a more adrenalin filled day? How about rck climbing in the Gap of Dunloe or on the sea cliffs of Doonshean, outside of Dingle. See Kerry Climbing for more information.
Amazing place. It easily suits group of friends as well as couples or families. Shops and amenities are easily accessible with a couple of minutes driving. Quiet, clean, modern, well-equipped (nice shower!). Highly recommend.
Christiano, AirBnb