Hiking

Hikers will be spoilt for choice in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Killarney National Park, famous for its craggy mountain tops, peaks and troughs, including Ireland’s highest mountain range the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Torc Mountain
Torc Mountain is a scenic yet energetic hike providing extraordinary views of the Killarney lakes and mountains, Muckross House and the Killarney National Park.
Extremely accessible due to its inclusion of wooden sleepers, the route is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Begin your journey along part of the Kerry Way – a famous 200km walking route – where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the oak woodlands. Follow the railway sleepers peeking out amongst the rock and heather as you make your steady ascent to the top where you will be rewarded with an open vista and astonishing scenes of Killarney’s three Lakes, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Killarney Valley.

Strickeen Mountain
Part of the MacGillycuddy Reeks family, Strickeen, meaning little Peak, is one of the more accessible mountains of its brothers and sisters making it a great walk for families and beginners alike. Starting at the Gap of Dunloe, the walk through the eastern part of the Reeks allows you to get a real taste for the Kerry Mountains and the breath-taking views below. Capture panoramic views as far as Dingle Peninsula as well as the Gap of Dunloe and the Killarney Lakes below.

Mangerton Mountain
Situated about 5km from Killarney on the N71 to Kenmare, you will find the route to Mangerton Mountain. The mountain offers a moderate to difficult hike with plenty of rewarding scenery such as views of the Devil’s Punchbowl, MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Paps. The area itself is also steeped in Irish mythology with legend stating that after a meeting between Chieftain O’Donoghue Ross and the Devil, (in which the former had angered him greatly), the Devil bit off the top of the mountain thus leading to its punchbowl structure and oval shaped lake.
A steep ascent leads to the Punchbowl and onwards and from there, the further rewarding climb to the summit.

Carrauntoohil Mountain
Carrauntoohill is the highest mountain peak in Ireland standing at 1,039m and as one can imagine requires a good level of fitness and stamina for the six-to-seven-hour (12km) return climb. Offering once in a life-time views from journey to the summit, the hike’s highlights include tremendous vistas of the Black Valley, MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Gap of Dunloe.
The route requires a climb through a steep gully with a light scramble at the end and different journeys can be taken depending on one’s fitness levels or taste for adventure, however the Devil’s Ladder is the most common and safest route to the peak.