Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
You can see the Gap of Dunloe from the Apartment Sitting Roomwindow. Walking through this ancient glaciated valley with its five corrie lakes is a highlight you won’t want to miss. So, park at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. You can then choose to either walk through the Gap of Dunloe or to take a pony and carriage. The distance is 11km but you can cut this short at any time. The road is sealed and hiking boots are not required .
Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
You can see the Gap of Dunloe from the Apartment Sitting Roomwindow. Walking through this ancient glaciated valley with its five corrie lakes is a highlight you won’t want to miss. So, park at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. You can then choose to either walk through the Gap of Dunloe or to take a pony and carriage. The distance is 11km but you can cut this short at any time. The road is sealed and hiking boots are not required .
Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
The starting point for this walk is 7 km from Dunloe View apartment. This circular walk, starts and finishes at the northern end of Tomies Wood on the western side of Lough Leane. This walk brings you through native oak woodlands and conifer plantations and offers fine views of Lough Leane and its islands. Tomies Wood is one of the best areas also to see white-tailed eagles soaring majestically along the slopes of the mountains. It’s also a great area to learn about some of the very interesting flora and fauna of the woodlands. The trail is steeped in Irish Mythology. It is said that Tomies Wood and Mountain were the summer hunting grounds of Fionn Mc Cumhaill and his followers the Fianna. These were legendary warriors . Legend also has it that the cairns of stones on the summit of Tomies Mountain (which overlook Tomies Wood) are the burial siteof this ancient Irish Chieftain. On the loop you will see a sign for O’Sullivan’s Cascade. This is a beautiful waterfall flowing into Lough Leane. Legend has it that the waterfall once flowed not with water but with whiskey. Apparently, It was Fionn McCumhaill’s own personal supply.
Note: We find the steps to O’ Sullivan’s Cascade quite steep and can be slippery in wet weather. Nevertheless, it is well worth the effort. Don’t just go to the waterfall but also spend some time on the shores of Lough Leane when you are down there. The trail is steeped in Irish Mythology. It is said that Tomies Wood and Mountain were the summer hunting grounds of Fionn Mc Cumhaill and his followers the Fianna. These were legendary warriors . Legend also has it that the cairns of stones on the summit of Tomies Mountain (which overlook Tomies Wood) are the burial siteof this ancient Irish Chieftain.
On the loop you will see a sign for O’Sullivan’s Cascade. This is a beautiful waterfall flowing into Lough Leane. Legend has it that the waterfall once flowed not with water but with whiskey. Apparently, It was Fionn McCumhaill’s own personal supply.
This circular walk is popular with tourists and locals alike. This is a wonderful way to walk through the National Park and observe some of its wildlife . The trail has a smooth gravel path throughout and is suitable for bicycles, buggies and strollers. On this trail you will experience wonderful mountain and lake views and you will have a very good chance of seeing some Red Deer. Directly across the road from the pub you will see the entrance to the Fossa Way. Walk for about 15/20 minutes until you reach the gates of Killarney Golf Club (opposite Liebherr factory) Now you have a choice. You can go straight on or, what we like to do is take a right and go through the Golf ClubDirectly across the road from the pub you will see the entrance to the Fossa Way.
Walk for about 15/20 minutes until you reach the gates of Killarney Golf Club (opposite Liebherr factory) Now you have a choice. You can go straight on or, what we like to do is take a right and go through the Golf Club.
Killarney Golf Club is located within Killarney National Park. Please stick to the pathways and observe the signs. Walk down towards the Golf Club and near the lakeshore you will see a paved road going to the left. Take this left.
Continue on this path until you eventually arrive at wrought iron gates.
This section of the walk could take up to 30 minutes. At the left hand side of this gate there is a pedestrian walkthrough.
This will bring you through to the grounds of the Castlerosse Hotel . Walk on and follow the path past a cottage and then you will the National Park.
Walk arrive into straight on through the Park and you will finally come out at the gates opposite the Cathedral in Killarney .
Starting point is located at what is called the Jarvey Entrance to the National Park. Watch out for the following sign.
Park your car here. Enter the park through the wrought iron gates.
You will be stopped in your tracks by a stunning view of Lough Leane framed against the backdrop of the McGillycuddy Reeks.
Walk down the main path and soon Mucross Abbey will come into view on your left hand side.
Diverge off the path and visit the Abbey. Mucross Abbey was founded in the 15th Century by the Franciscans. These well preserved runins include a square courtyard where grows and ancient yew tree. It is though that this tree is as old as the Abbey itself.
The graveyard is the burial place of the great Irish poets Eoghan Rua O’ Suilleabhain, Aoghan O Rathaill and Geoffrey O’ Donoghue. The graveyard is still in use today.
Go back on to the path. And walk straight on until you come to Muckross House. There are lots of walks around Muckross House and Gardens for you to enjoy.
Walking the Old Kenmare Road is a magical experience that will take you back in time and back to nature. It is a very special trail within Killarney National Park because of its landscape, flora and fauna and its history. There is wonderful isolation here and also stark beauty sandwiched as it is between Torc and Mangerton Mountain. Until 1820 the Old Kenmare Road was the only road between Killarney and Kenmare . The main road that you use today to travel to Kenmare by car was not constructed until 1860. By this time the townlands along the Old Kenmare Road were emptied of people through a combination of famine and emigration. By the 1860’s the Old Kenmare Road looked exactly as it looks today. Look carefully at the landscape on either side and you will see little fields that were once use to grow potatoes. These are called lazy beds (‘undug’ potato furrows from the famine times which are now covered with grass). Along the route can be seen the remains of famine settlements abandoned in 1840’s. You will also come across an area where the tenants’ houses were broken down to create large stone piles or cairns. These cairns were used as resting places for the muskets used by the landlord at the time (Lord Kenmare) and friends to shoot the deer
As you walk along this rough track, it is hard to believe that horse drawn coaches once travelled along this route especially when you come past Corrs Cascade and reach the magical area known as Esknamucky Glen. In this narrow gully you will come across some writing on a stone slab written by a member of the Irish army in the 1800’s. ‘James Neill Tippy’ may have been stationed here to watch out for smugglers on the route smuggling the likes of butter, whiskey or sheep.
This is a series of several hundred steps that go up the slopes of Torc Mountain. This is a wonderful workout. Believe me, it is not called Cardiac Hill for nothing. You will however also be rewarded with great views of the Lakes of Killarney, McGillycuddy Reeks and Killarney National Park.
Cross the road from the carpark and continue along this trail to the right for about 15/20 mins. Watch out for the steps on your left hand side.
You will have a rope and pole banister to help you after a while. Once the steps are over the trail levels out and you begin to traverse the north face of Torc. You will have amazing views of the Lakes and the National Park on your left.
Eventually you will reach a junction where you can either take a left which will bring you back to the carpark or if you’re feeling energetic go right to Torc Waterfall.
Setting off from the Castle you soon see sneak peeks of the beautiful lake and island through the trees and off track forest routes. There are wonderful viewing points like the Copper Mines, Gorvernor’s Rock, Library Point and Innisfallen Island with its 6th Century Monastic ruins..
This is a beautiful walk at any time of the year but it is particularly beautiful during spring when it is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic and of course during Autumn when the leaves turn russet and gold.
This is our Versailles…
This oasis of calm away from the busy streets of Killarney Town is an absolute must visit.
A bit of history…
Killarney House was once know as Kenmare House and was owned by the Earls of Kenmare and built in the 18th Century. In the 1950’s the last Earl of Kenmare died and Kenmare House and all its lands was sold to an American Property Developer called John McShain and his wife Mary. They renamed it Killarney House. Following the death of Mrs McShain in 1998 Killarney House and garden were generously donated to the State and became a welcome addition to Killarney National Park. After extensive repairs and reconstruction Killarney House and Gardens were finally opened to the public in 2016. You can slip into the house and gardens through the Golden Gates. These gates are found opposite the East Avenue Hotel/Methodist Church. Alternatively, you can enter by the sculpture of Monsignor Hugh O’ Flaherty (the scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican) You will be struck immediately by the beauty and tranquility of this beautiful haven right in the heart of the town. The planted beds and tree lined pathways provide a circuit within which to wander the gardens. In May when the cherry blossoms which flank a long avenue are in bloom the garden really comes into its own and is truly magical. This is a great place in which to wander and explore or simply sit on a bench with a coffee and watch the world go by. People bring their rugs and cooler boxes during the summer and picnic here.
You can also access the National Park from these grounds and walk to Knockreer or Ross Castle. Killarney House and Gardens offer a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life as well as being a portal to the National Park .
Ciaran and I are amateur walkers and only climb in fine weather. We regularly do Mangerton, Torc, Strickeen and Tomies. We occasionally climb Carrauntoohil and Purple Mountain but always with experienced walkers who have navigation skills. We don’t have those skills. We have however attached links that you may find useful.
Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
Mangerton Mountain is a moderate 4 to 5 hour hour (10 km) walking route to the summit (839m) This climb is so worth it simply for the views. Early on in your ascent you will be rewarded with the expansive views of Killarney National Park and its hinterland. Later, the McGillycuddy Reeks come into view as do the inky blue water of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and finally you will be rewarded with the most amazing views into the Horses Glen.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a cliff encircled coom. Legend has it that the Chieftain O’Donoghue Ross dined with the devil on Mangerton. An argument erupted between the two and the chieftain punched the devil in the face and ran down the mountain. The devil retaliated by taking a chunk out of the mountain and threw it after the chieftain. He missed and that chunk of mountain landed in Mucross Lake to form Devil’s Island. Today water flows out of the Punch Bowl down the mountain and eventually forms Torc Waterfall. When you arrive at the Punch Bowl you will be surprised by the fact that it meets you almost at eye level. To reach the summit of Mangerton then we always take a left at the DPB and follow the path around the lake. We then traverse the narrow arête (that separates the Punch Bowl from the Horses Glen) to the summit of Mangerton. Take the time on this part of your walk to look into the Horses Glen with its 3 corrie lakes and steep sides. It really is a sight to behold
The summit of Mangerton is a flat boggy terrain with only a cairn to mark the highest point. However, a panorama of mountain peaks soon become visible and they will simply take your breath away. You will feel like king of the world and master of all you survey. The views really are awesome. The track leads you back down to the Punch Bowl and from there you can descend down the path.
There is a well defined path that goes all the way to the top. The views from the Summit are wonderful. To your left will be an unrivalled view of the Hags Glen and the Reeks. Nearer the summit, Castlemaine Harbour will come into view. In addition the views out over Loch Leane , the Killarney area and of course the Gap of Dunloe and Purple Mountain are simply awesome.
Park your car at Kate Kearney’s Cottage which is 5 km from the Apartment. Walk from there in the direction of the Gap of Dunloe . After about 20 mins/1km watch out for a sign on a boulder to your right. This is your starting point. You will see the sign below. Sometimes you will find cars parked here.
Start/Finish: Cloghereen Upper Car Park. From Killarney take the N71 to Kenmare. 3.5 km from the Gleneagle Hotel you will come to a sign on the left marked “Old Kenmare Road” Follow this road for 1.7 km to upper Torc Carpark. This is the same carpark that you would use for walking the Old Kenmare Road.
This is a very popular scenic, walking route to the summit of Torc Mountain. The presence of a well maintained boardwalk on much of the route makes the climb very easy. You will be rewarded at the summit with spectacular views of the three lakes, the McGillycuddy Reeks, Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula
Killarney Riding Stables offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the National Park on horseback.
Killarney Riding Stables offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the National Park on horseback.
You will be rewarded with horseback views of Killarney’s breathtaking scenery. You trot on trails specially chosen to give you the best experience of the National Park. You will also have a very good chance of encountering red deer which is the last surviving indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland.
Killarney Riding Stables cater for all levels and experience. They cater for individuals, families and groups. They run 1,2 & 3 hour Trail Rides in the Killarney National Park. In addition they have Guides who speak a variety of European language The stables provide Riding Helmets and boots.
We highly recommend that you hire bikes while in Killarney. At a cyclists pace you’ll experience places car travellers will never know existed: hidden paths, ruins of old graves, Abbeys, dirt paths. On a bike, you can experience the smells from the hedgerows, listen to the birds and the wind whistling through the trees and feel the contour of the terrain beneath you. Seeing Killarney by bike will really make you feel that you are experiencing this beautiful place directly and not just passing through. Also, of course the fact that you are being active during the day will give you an excuse to experience the pleasure of good food and drink in the evening
Our favourite bike routes are as follows:
You can cycle all the way to the above mentioned stops. When you enter the National Park you will be met by the most iconic view of Killarney National Park. There in front of you will be Loch Leane framed against a backdrop of the McGillycuddy Reeks
You can cycle all the way to the above mentioned stops. When you enter the National Park you will be met by the most iconic view of Killarney National Park. There in front of you will be Loch Leane framed against a backdrop of the McGillycuddy Reeks
Cycle on down the main path and soon Muckross Abbey will come into view on your left hand side. Diverge off the path and visit the Abbey.
Cycle on in the direction of Muckross House. After Muckross House cycle in the direction of Muckross Lake below the house. Continue on until your reach Torc Waterfall.There are lots of other tracks and trails you can explore off this main route
Ross Island is actually an island. It is connected to the mainland by the man-made channel that flows under the bridge you cross to get to Ross Castle. At Ross Castle you will be able to get a map showing you the various points of interest. These will also be numbered.
Setting off from the Castle you soon see views of Lough Lane, Torc and Mangerton mountains through the trees . After you leave Ross Castle watch out for the ruins of Ross Cottage on your left hand side. It is reputed that the famous poet, Percy Shelley spent some months here in the 1860’s. When you see the signpost for Old Mining Trail go left to the lakeshore. This view here of Lough Leane with Mangerton and Torc Mountain as a backdrop is very beautiful.
This is the location of the Copper Mines. Across the path from this rocky shore you will see The Blue Hole. This is a flooded mining shaft. The presence of copper is in evidence in the blue green colour of the water.
When you go on a little further you will see the remnants of a dam on your left. This was an attempt to stop the mine shafts from flooding.
When you go on a little further you will see the remnants of a dam on your left. This was an attempt to stop the mine shafts from flooding.
Across from the dam you will see the ruins of what was once a Smelter. The proximity of the mines to the lake shore meant they were constantly being flooded and why ultimately mining was discontinued in the 19th Century.
Cycle on to Governor’s Rock . This is a viewing point perched on a limestone cliff face on the shores of Loch Leane. The views here are spectacular. To your left you can see Loch Leane , Torc , Mangerton the McGillycuddy Reeks and you can also Muckross Lake via Bricin Bridge and even the tip of Innisfallen Island. It is thought that the reason for the name Governor’s Rock lies in the fact that this viewing point was most likely often viewed by the various Governors that inhabited Ross Castle over the years. The viewing point is quite sheltered and there is a lovely wooden bench placed here for people to perhaps take a rest or have a little picnic as they bask in this glorious view.
Library Point
This is a limestone rock which has been eroded at the water’s edge to form a pattern resembling books on a shelf. You can see Innisfallen Island from here. You can even catch a glimpse of the ruins of the 12h Century Augustinian Priory.
Ross Island has a myriad of tracks and trails going off in all directions. It has 150 acres of the most gorgeous woodlands. It is full of amazing old Oak and Beech trees with enormous trunks. It is a beautiful cycle at any time of the year but it is particularly beautiful during spring when it is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic and of course during Autumn when the leaves turn russet and gold.
This circular walk is popular with tourists and locals alike. This is a wonderful way to cycle through the National Park and observe some of its wildlife.The trail has a smooth gravel path throughout and is suitable for bicycles, buggies and strollers. On this trail you will experience wonderful mountain and lake views and you will have a very good chance of seeing some Red Deer. Directly across the road from the pub you will see the entrance to the Fossa Way.
Walk for about 15/20 minutes until you reach the gates of Killarney Golf Club (opposite Liebherr factory) Now you have a choice. You can go straight on or, what we like to do is take a right and go through the Golf Club.
Killarney Golf Club is located within Killarney National Park. Please stick to the pathways and observe the signs. Walk down towards the Golf Club and near the lakeshore you will see a paved road going to the left. Take this left.
Continue on this path until you eventually arrive at wrought iron gates.
At the left hand side of this gate there is a pedestrian walkthrough.
This will bring you through to the grounds of the Castlerosse Hotel . Cycle on and follow the path past a cottage and then you will the National Park.
Cycle straight on through the Park and you will finally come out at the gates opposite the Cathedral in Killarney .
Dunloe View Killarney is a wonderful base in Beaufort, Killarney for Walkers of all abilities. Walking in this area is a truly magical experience given the stunning natural beauty of the place. There are endless walks and pathways that allow you to walk for hours. In addition, there are walks that suit all levels of fitness and ability. Below are some of our favourite walks to get you started.
You can see the Gap of Dunloe from the Apartment Sitting Room window. Cycling throught this ancient glaciated valley with its five corrie lakes is a highlight you won’t want to miss. So, start at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Cycle to the top of the Gap and then making sure your brakes are working you can whiz back down the same route. The distance is 11km..
You are spoilt for choice with regard to Golf Courses to play during your stay in Killarney.
Here you have a range of courses to choose from.
Killeen : This course played host to the Irish Open on four separate occasions. It is challenging. With water features on every hole You will be captivated by the spectacular scenery throughout.
O’Mahony Point: This is less challenging. Again, it offers breathtaking views of the lakes and the McGillycuddy Reeks.
This is an 18 hole championship parkland Golf Course. It boasts stunning views of the McGillycuddy Reeks.
The Ross Golf course is a 9 hole parkland course designed and built inside Killarney Racecourse. The course takes in magnificent views of Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney and the McGillycuddy Reeks
This is one of Ireland’s Oldest Golf Links Courses and has been voted Ireland’s most scenic Golf Courses 2020
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