Torc Mountain Walk
Torc Mountain Walk
4.5
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4.5
576 reviews
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Average
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1
Diane C
35 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful hike on the yellow (moderate) trail. From the highest parking lot our loop took us down to the lake and up to the waterfall on the way back. The hundreds of steps back up the mountain were a little challenging for me but I was so glad we did the hike! A wonderful day! One of my favorite days in Ireland.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly_M_99
Chichester, UK52 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This is a heck of a walk! It’s steep but the path is very clear and well-maintained the whole way to the very top. And it’s so worth the climb as the views all the way are beautiful, then you get 360 at the top, with various lakes in sight and a huge sense of achievement. We walked from the bottom, by Muckross Lake, to see the waterfall first then carried on up.
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AusTraveller15
27 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
We made the trek to Torc Mountain. It took us 20 mins of following the wrong trail before we realised we were headed in the wrong direction (down hill). Here are the directions as we found it difficult to find as there are no signs whatsoever:
- drive towards Muckross House away from Killarney.
- approx 200m after the main turn off to Muckross House take a left on to a gravel road. The sign post said “Old Kenmare Road”. Note your GPS may send you to a turn off which is about 1km short of the main entry to Muckross House. It must happen a lot because there is a sign saying the GPS wrong.
- drive approx 1.5km up the gravel road until you can go no further (there is a barricade). There are 2 Carparks. Park in the 2nd car park (upper Carpark)which is just near the barricade.
- continue walking on the gravel path/ road past the barricade following the gravel path/ road.
- don’t be distracted by the sign posted walks (blue, red and yellow). There are no signs for the Torc Mountain walk.
- after 5-10 mins the road veers to the right and you will go over a bridge.
- just after the bridge the road forks. Take the right fork with no signs). You’ll be starting to head upwards. If you turn left there are signs for the red, blue and yellow tracks.
- keep following the gravel road for about 20mins until you see a blue sign which says “Torc Mountain footpath. Please keep to pathway to prevent erosion”.
- from here the walk starts to become quite strenuous and steep. Depending on how fast and fit you are it will take anywhere between 30-60 mins to make it up to the top.
Even if you don’t go all the way to the top of Torc Mountain the walk up to the blue sign is easy and gorgeous. If you can make it to the top it is worth it!
Please feel free to add any other tips you found to make finding this place easier.
- drive towards Muckross House away from Killarney.
- approx 200m after the main turn off to Muckross House take a left on to a gravel road. The sign post said “Old Kenmare Road”. Note your GPS may send you to a turn off which is about 1km short of the main entry to Muckross House. It must happen a lot because there is a sign saying the GPS wrong.
- drive approx 1.5km up the gravel road until you can go no further (there is a barricade). There are 2 Carparks. Park in the 2nd car park (upper Carpark)which is just near the barricade.
- continue walking on the gravel path/ road past the barricade following the gravel path/ road.
- don’t be distracted by the sign posted walks (blue, red and yellow). There are no signs for the Torc Mountain walk.
- after 5-10 mins the road veers to the right and you will go over a bridge.
- just after the bridge the road forks. Take the right fork with no signs). You’ll be starting to head upwards. If you turn left there are signs for the red, blue and yellow tracks.
- keep following the gravel road for about 20mins until you see a blue sign which says “Torc Mountain footpath. Please keep to pathway to prevent erosion”.
- from here the walk starts to become quite strenuous and steep. Depending on how fast and fit you are it will take anywhere between 30-60 mins to make it up to the top.
Even if you don’t go all the way to the top of Torc Mountain the walk up to the blue sign is easy and gorgeous. If you can make it to the top it is worth it!
Please feel free to add any other tips you found to make finding this place easier.
Written 14 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jersey_Ocean
Belfast, UK93 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
I found the walk in our Killarney walking guide (Scenic Walks in Killarney by Jim Ryan - it has 18 local walks in and if you love walking an absolute must) and luckily it had clear directions in there. We started on the Upper Car Park (Signposted Old Kenmare Road) instead of the Lower Car Park (Torc Waterfall) which is 2 km less than from Torc Waterfall.
Directions from Upper Car Park (Old Kenmare Road):
Walk out of the car park and turn left, follow the path until you cross the bridge. At the Cross Road turn left again and keep walking until you come to another Y-Junction (see picture 2 with the arrow). Follow up there and you will only have the one way up - you can't get lost from here.
Directions from Lower Car Park (Torc Waterfall)
Walk to the Waterfall and then follow the steep stone steps on the left (you will have Torc on your right). Follow the steps and you will come to a junction (below you will see a bridge). Ignoring the path to the bridge, you will come to the Old Killarney to Kenmare Road (part of the Kerry Way). Keep walking until you will have a car park on your left hand side (Upper Car Park), follow the path until you cross the bridge. At the Cross Road turn left again and keep walking until you come to another Y-Junction (see picture 2 with the arrow). Follow up there and you will only have the one way up - you can't get lost from here.
Depending on how fast you walk, it will take you between 2 - 3 hours return. Ensure to bring sturdy boots as the top is very uneven as well as a coat that protects you from the strong wind and rain at the top. It was blowing a gale when I got up there.
Directions from Upper Car Park (Old Kenmare Road):
Walk out of the car park and turn left, follow the path until you cross the bridge. At the Cross Road turn left again and keep walking until you come to another Y-Junction (see picture 2 with the arrow). Follow up there and you will only have the one way up - you can't get lost from here.
Directions from Lower Car Park (Torc Waterfall)
Walk to the Waterfall and then follow the steep stone steps on the left (you will have Torc on your right). Follow the steps and you will come to a junction (below you will see a bridge). Ignoring the path to the bridge, you will come to the Old Killarney to Kenmare Road (part of the Kerry Way). Keep walking until you will have a car park on your left hand side (Upper Car Park), follow the path until you cross the bridge. At the Cross Road turn left again and keep walking until you come to another Y-Junction (see picture 2 with the arrow). Follow up there and you will only have the one way up - you can't get lost from here.
Depending on how fast you walk, it will take you between 2 - 3 hours return. Ensure to bring sturdy boots as the top is very uneven as well as a coat that protects you from the strong wind and rain at the top. It was blowing a gale when I got up there.
Written 29 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evunka
42 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
You can climb the Torc Mountain by starting at the lower car park.The walk is not very well sign though.There is an old map/sign in the car park showing 3 level coloured walks.Unfortunately none of them lead you directly to the summit.The easiest way to get there is to take steps up from the Torc Waterfall till you see the sign "Old Kenmare Road Walk".Turn left then.Follow this road a while approx 15 -20 min- passing a second upper car park. The start of the path to the Torc Mountain will be on your right hand side where the small,blue sign is.The hike itself is easy enough and takes up to 1 hour.The path to the top is accessible to almost anyone due to clear paths and wooden sleepers on the mountain.The views from the top is magnificent. It s a bit bizzare that there is no clear sign at the lower car park how exactely get to the summit especially that someone really made an effort and hard work to built the wooden paths.So I think it should be clearly marked at the start how to get there...
We as a group were confused and had to ask people for directions to the summit.
Firstly we took red trail as we though it will take us to the top.In fact you are climbing the Southern side of Torc Mountain not reaching the top. The way up has steepy steps and it s difficult enough.There is a rope there too to give you some support.It helped us a lot. The way up is called cardiac hill/steps as it involes a lot of huffing and puffing..it might be challening for some.This route brings you back to waterfalls.
If you are planning to go to the Mountain make sure you have comfortable shoes,raincoat and ..anti midge's spray..once you stop walking they are all over you ..
Overall is it spectacular and rewarding trip..I have no doubt I will be back there...
We as a group were confused and had to ask people for directions to the summit.
Firstly we took red trail as we though it will take us to the top.In fact you are climbing the Southern side of Torc Mountain not reaching the top. The way up has steepy steps and it s difficult enough.There is a rope there too to give you some support.It helped us a lot. The way up is called cardiac hill/steps as it involes a lot of huffing and puffing..it might be challening for some.This route brings you back to waterfalls.
If you are planning to go to the Mountain make sure you have comfortable shoes,raincoat and ..anti midge's spray..once you stop walking they are all over you ..
Overall is it spectacular and rewarding trip..I have no doubt I will be back there...
Written 28 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania D
190 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Started off in the morning packed with water to drink ,good walking boots ,and a good rain coat ,something to eat and a few just incase supplies! The walk can start in two places Torc waterfall car park ,walking past Torc waterfall then up the steep steps to the upper carpark ,which is where we started from ,it takes about 2 hours to the summit and 2 hours back to the top carpark , the walk is moderately hard with stunning views looking over Killarney lakes and the surrounding national park, it's best to take your time taking it slow and steady this way you can take in the magnificent views,it is not suitable for wheelchairs as the path is narrow in most places and requires you to climb up a Stoney path in places or planks of wood! Once we reached the top all our hard work was rewarded , out came our sandwiches and drinks , couldn't think of a better way to spend a quiet Sunday !
Written 15 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
exit75
Lelystad, The Netherlands32 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
Walked up Torc mountain today. Rented a bike to cycle to the waterfall. Parked and locked bike there and then went up the steep steps. I am no fit person at all and these steps did challenge me. But it got a lot more flat right after. Walked on the old Kenmare road. I brought a simple map with me but didn't need it. Though there is no sign to be found that says "road to top of Torc mountain here'. But the old Kenmare road winded on into another direction and I decided a climb was needed to get to the top. It is by no means an easy walk, especially when you're not fit person. The boards made it easier, but the stones were a challenge at times because it had rained a lot before. The views when you're going up are breathtaking. A lot of times you think you're near the top, only to be fooled. When you do get to the top, it is beautiful! It was really windy today, so really cold up there, but at least it was sunny and you could see for miles and miles. The climb downhill isn't easy either, due to slippery stones.
All in all a long walk and great exercise. Just don't think you'll 'just' do it, especially when unfit. You can do it, but at times you wish you never had.
All in all a long walk and great exercise. Just don't think you'll 'just' do it, especially when unfit. You can do it, but at times you wish you never had.
Written 27 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yogibear54
Dublin, Ireland354 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Torc mountain is a bit tough to climb and rough in places walking boots recommended but when u get to the top it is worth it it takes about 1hour to 11/2 hrs to climb from the base depending on your fitness in the Killarney national park
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat H
Clonmel, Ireland202 contributions
Oct 2019
My wife and I walked to top of Torc last week. Fabulous experience. Never thought we would do this as we are reasonably active but not real hikers. The path to top is well laid out with the sleepers and well placed stones. Well done to all who created this pathway. Recommend to all.
Written 21 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Random Traveler
London, UK264 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
A truly lovely walk to the top of Torc Mountain. Fairly gradual ascent along wooden planks and rocky paths, with beautiful views of the Kerry mountains and lakes all around. The view from the top is spectacular you can see Killarney and the surrounding mountains and lakes. We were very lucky to have a clear day.
It takes about 2-3 hours from the car park on the old Kenmare Road. You should wear walking boots or shoes and be prepared for bad weather.
It takes about 2-3 hours from the car park on the old Kenmare Road. You should wear walking boots or shoes and be prepared for bad weather.
Written 31 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Approximately how much time should we allow for a hike at Torc Mountain?
Written 29 April 2015
Depends on personal hiking condition. We made it in 70 minutes to the top. But we were of good speed. I would say up to 100 minutes is ok.
Written 3 January 2017
Hi this is going to be my first time doing the walk what would you recommend bringing ?
Written 9 January 2015
Hi I would recommend a pair of good comfy shoes, keep your stuff in backpack , hiking sticks are useful. If you have baby don't drag the buggy.Baby carer highly recommended. Cause you'll go up and up. And then back down. Water, camera and snacks! Have fun
Written 5 May 2015
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