What Lies Beneath

You learn something new every day. And so it was the day I saw a stunning photograph of a waterfall in Killarney National Park featured in the Journal.ie. The photo captivated me not just because of its beauty but because I had no idea where the photo had been taken. Having grown up in Killarney and spent plenty of time wandering around the Park, my interest was piqued. The shot was from a photographic book by Norman McCloskey called “Parklight” which documented years of traversing the Park in all sorts of conditions. Having shared the photo on Facebook, I thought no more of the Tower Wood and filed it away in my mind under “Must Find Later”.

Trouble will find me

The waterfall found me again about a year later when it appeared again the facebook page of Peter O’Toole (no, not that one…), who is a Conservation Ranger in Killarney National Park. Peter is quite the accomplished photographer himself and keeps hundreds of his friends and followers enthralled as he posts some great shots of his travels around the Park. So I asked Peter where could I find this mystical spot and he duly obliged by pointing me in the direction of the Tower Wood.

the long and winding road

To get to the start of this trail, head south out of Killarney towards on the N71 (Kenmare) Road. Continue on past Muckross House and Torc Waterfall and approximately 5 miles (8km) from the town, at the Eagle’s Nest, you will cross a low bridge with the lake on either side of the bridge. Here’s a map from the mapmyfitness route I logged that day:

Our starting point is less than a mile from the bridge so keep your eyes peeled for a lay-by on the left hand side. Blink and you’ll miss it – especially in the summer time when the trees are in full leaf. What you’re looking for is the ruin of an old tower house that was used for keeping an eye on the poachers in the Estate in years gone by. Here’s what it looks like but you won’t see it this well from the road so go slow and ignore the line of cars behind you…

If you’re in luck, there should be room for a couple of cars to park in the little lay by near the tower. I had the place to myself when myself and Triggs went for an early morning stroll recently.

gorse code

One thing I was wondering about this place was how child friendly it would be in terms of gaining access. I’m all for family days out with the kids but they’re getting a bit big to be carrying now, so I wanted to be sure that this would be suitable for the kids to walk on their own steam. The good news for those child-carrying parents out there is that you should be able to manage with children but be aware that there is some uneven terrain and a stream crossing to contend with. There is no pathway as such but if you follow the river and listen you will soon find the waterfall. It is a very short walk (just over a kilometre there and back again…) so it’s well worth putting up with a few prickly gorse bushes and the odd muddy patch for the reward you get at the falls. This slippery rock is one of your first obstacles so take care!

As you walk along the river bank, watch out for some of the local residents. On the day these photos were taken, Triggs and I disturbed a heron and an impressive red deer stag within a couple of minutes from leaving the car. I wasn’t able to get a good photo of the deer but it was a treat to hear his hooves pounding the soft forest floor and the crackle of twigs and branches as he made a hasty exit. The screech of the heron gave us more of a fright that the stag!

Many rivers to cross (well… not really…)

There is one stream crossing to be negotiated which, should prove no difficulty in the summer months. If you are accompanied by small people, you may need to lend a helping hand at this stage. The rocks provide a stepping stone route of sorts but they are a bit wobbly so be careful where you step. My aqua-phobic dog went on strike when he was presented with this crossing and literally turned his back on me and pointed for the car.

I emerged, dry and unscathed with Triggs under my oxter, on the opposite bank of the stream with the roar of the falls beginning to rise. All around you is evidence of the hard work undertaken to clear the area of rhododendron. This area was almost impenetrable previously so it’s great to see the place accessible again. Ongoing maintenance is needed to keep the rhododendron at bay so this work needs to be supported.

From here it’s a short hop, skip and a jump around some of the ancient oaks before you are greeted by the falls in front of you.

Follow the bank to the left and with a bit of scrambling along some deer paths you will soon emerge up on top of the falls. Looking back down on Tower Wood and out over the Park, it truly is a special place.

Trace your steps back to the start and as you arrive back at the tower, it’s amazing to think this gem lies hidden beneath the cover of the ancient oaks, just minutes from the busy main road to Killarney. You learn something new every day.

Have you been to the Tower Wood waterfall? Did we miss anything? Maybe you have some hidden gems that you want to share? Let us know with a comment below.