Ross Castle in one of the most popular attractions within Killarney National Park. Its proximity to the town centre in a tranquil setting means that it is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The trails around Ross Island are a little less visited and are one of my favourite spots to walk, run or stroll around with the family. On a recent sunny winter’s day, it provided the perfect backdrop for a brisk lunchtime stroll.

The M App

If you’re not familiar with the location, see the map below which was the route I took on the day. The MapMyFitness app was getting lonely recently since my running career has gone on hold so I decided to dust it down for this outing.

You don’t have to wait long for the first opening vista on to Lough Leane with Torc and Mangerton looming behind. Mangerton had a lovely winter cap in the afternoon sun.

Copper Blue

Or green to be more precise..The remnants of the mining activity can be seen all around the island and the distinctive hue can be seen in some of the flooded mine shafts along the way.

There’s plenty more information on the signs dotted around the trail.

The lake was high after recent rains so both trails out to the Governor’s Rock and Library Point were flooded. So I took the shortcut back through the woodland track that brings you back to the boathouses at the Castle.

The main loop walk is about 2.5k so two laps is the perfect early morning or lunchtime 5k run if that’s your poison. On this day, it was a short walk to recharge the batteries in the low January sun. We will return another day to take you around the rest of the Island.