‘Scenic Walks in Killarney – A Walking Guide’ by Jim Ryan is a welcome addition to the many books that feature some of Killarney’s finest walks. Although it is not the first book to cover these walks, it is one of the better ones that address the needs of more casual walkers who may not want to venture into the hills and uplands of Killarney National Park. Continue reading
The Knockreer and Ross Island Loop in Killarney National Park is a superb 10km route close to Killarney town. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, hiker or a stroller, the route has something for everyone; stunning views, historic sites and nature at its finest. This trail boasts the convenience of a starting point close to the town centre but also provides a varied landscape with great opportunities to observe nature at close quarters along the way. If you’re looking for a great 10k run or a beautiful walk through Killarney National Park, this route is one of the better options available in the Killarney area. Photo opportunities present themselves at several points along the way and you’re never too far from civilisation if you need to get back to the town. Continue reading
I remember reading “The Beach” by Alex Garland before it became a movie and before I ever took a backpacking step in anger. The author skilfully conveyed that magic feeling of discovering a secluded or secret place. My mind’s eye was transported to the lazy island shores of a land that I had yet to set foot in. The giddy moment when the beach itself was finally discovered managed to capture that child-like feeling of being the first to find something special. This is how you will feel when you first emerge from the woods of Killarney National Park on to the sands of Rosie’s Beach. Continue reading
On this route we explore a circular 6km trail through one of the best known areas of Killarney National Park. Suitable for runners, walkers, hikers, strollers and dogs alike, this trail will take us through some of the most-visited areas of Muckross in Killarney National Park. With just a few detours off the well-beaten track, you can very easily travel along by the lake shore of two of Killarney’s famed three lakes. Read on to sample some of the magic of Muckross and maybe follow the route yourself the next time you’re in the neighbourhood.
If the great outdoors is your thing, there are plenty of options for you around Killarney National Park. Just a stone’s throw from one of the busiest tourist routes in the Killarney area is a lovely trail that is perfect for a lively walk or an interesting trail run. The presence of some tyre tracks in the winter mud suggests a few mountain bikes have braved the ups and downs of the trails as well. Let’s take a dip in to the Blue Pool.
A change is as good as a rest or so they say. We are spoiled for choice in terms of where to go for a walk, run or cycle in Killarney. Every now and again, it’s good to go a bit off the beaten track. The forest trail of the Pike Wood is a fine example of a route less traveled and less known but still worthy of a visit. Continue reading
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”. Continue reading
Today was my first trip of the year up the Cardiac Steps of Killarney. For those not familiar with this trail, it is a not-so-gentle ascent up the slopes of Torc Mountain, just a few kilometres outside of Killarney town. The steep rise up through hundreds of steps brings great rewards to the walker or trail runner with panoramic vistas throughout the trail. If you need a break en route, you can take your pick of the great views of the Lakes of Killarney, McGillycuddy Reeks and the rest of Killarney National Park.
Donal O'Leary 