Torc Waterfall & Mountain Hike: The Best Views in Killarney
Trail Facts & Stats
Distance: 7.5 km (Return from Upper Car Park).
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate (Strenuous in parts, but the boardwalk makes it accessible).
Elevation Gain: 535m.
Start Point: Upper Torc Car Park (Recommended) or Main Waterfall Car Park.
Key Feature: Torc Waterfall & The Railway Sleeper Boardwalk.
What is the Torc Mountain Hike?
Torc Mountain is arguably the "highest reward for lowest effort" hike in Killarney National Park. It offers 360-degree views of the McGillycuddy Reeks, Muckross Lake, and the Black Valley, but without the technical difficulty of climbing Carrauntoohil. The trail is famous for its boardwalks - wooden railway sleepers laid over the bog. This protects the landscape and keeps your boots (mostly) dry, making it a great option even in wetter weather.
Don't Miss: Torc Waterfall
You can’t visit Killarney without seeing Torc Waterfall. It is one of the most famous landmarks on the Ring of Kerry, dropping 20 metres through the forest. However, many hikers get confused about how to fit it in. You have two options:
Park at the Bottom (Main Car Park): You see the waterfall immediately, but you have to climb the "Cardinal Steps" (100+ steep stone steps) just to reach the start of the mountain trail.
Park at the Top (Upper Car Park): You do the mountain hike first (saving your legs), and then drive 5 minutes down to the waterfall afterwards. This is my recommended strategy.
Stage 1: The Old Kenmare Road
From the Upper Car Park, you cross the small bridge over the Owengarriff River. You are now walking on the Old Kenmare Road, a historic trade route that winds through the valley. This section is relatively flat and wide, passing through open heathland with the bulk of Torc Mountain rising to your right.
Stage 2: The Boardwalk Ascent
About 30 minutes in, you will see a signpost for "Torc Mountain" pointing right. This is where the work begins. The path turns into a zigzagging boardwalk that lifts you rapidly up the side of the mountain. It’s steep, but the sleepers give you solid footing. As you climb, pause and look behind you—the view back toward the Upper Lake is incredible.
The Summit Views
The summit (535m) is marked by a rocky cairn. From here, you have one of the finest viewpoints in Kerry.
North: Killarney town, Ross Castle, and Lough Leane.
West: The jagged peaks of the Reeks.
South: The remote Black Valley and Kenmare Bay in the distance.
Practical Tips
Arrive Early: Both car parks fill up fast. In summer, try to be there before 10 AM.
Wind: The boardwalk is exposed. It might be calm in the valley, but the wind at the top can be fierce. Bring layers.
Family Friendly? Yes, older kids handle this hike well because the boardwalk feels like an adventure, but keep an eye on them near the summit drops.
Final Thoughts
If you only have time for one mountain hike in Killarney, make it Torc. It delivers the "big mountain" feeling without the 6-hour slog. And if you time it right, you can finish the day with a cool down walk at the waterfall.
