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.

Local Rock Climbing Guides