Killarney is a haven for walkers of all ages and levels. From an exciting hillwalk on the soaring MacGillycuddy Reeks to a pleasant stroll through the world famous National Park, there is something for everyone.

Old Weir Lodge is within a stones throw form the National Park and the start of the Kerry Way walking route - the longest way-marked trail in Ireland, taking in Killarney National Park, mountain passes, and coastal paths. Its circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula is 215k
(135 miles).

Some suggested walks around Killarney are as follows:

EASY WALKS

Aghadoe and Fossa Way
From the medieval monastery on the ridge of Aghadoe overlooking the Killarney Valley, descend Botharín na Marbh (the little road of the dead) before following the Fossa Way into the Cnoc na Rí estate and into Killarney. Easy - two to three hours walking on paved trails.

Muckross Peninsula / Killarney National Park
From the gardens of Muckross House, this nature walk explores the beauty and natural history of the Muckross Peninsula and Dinis Island. Two to three hours walking on paved trails.

Cnoc na Rí and Ross Island / Killarney National Park
From Killarney town centre and St Mary's Cathedral, the majesty of the National Park is immediate! This route takes you through the Cnoc na Rí Estate and onto Ross Castle and Island. Two to three hours walking on paved trails.

MODERATE WALKS - WALKING BOOTS REQUIRED

Torc Mountain / Killarney National Park
Standing tall amidst the Killarney National Park, Torc provides an exhilerating and easy hill walk with stupendous views of the Killarney Valley. Three to four hours walking with four hundred metres of ascent covering six kilometres on constructed rocky trails.

The Old Kenmare Road / Kerry Way
From Galway's Bridge near Ladies View on the Ring of Kerry, this route follows the ancient road linking the settlements of Killarney and Kenmare, cutting through wild glens before emerging alongside Torc Waterfall. Three to four hours walking with two hundred metres of ascent covering eight kilometres on rough tracks.

Tomies Woods / Killarney National Park
Situated along the southern shore of Loch Lein, the wild woods of Tomies are reminders of our great oak-past. This circuit explores the depths of the forest. Visit O'Sullivan's Cascade and follow a track around Tomies. Three to four hours walking with two hundred metres of ascent covering eight kilometres on forest trails.

Black Valley / Gap Of Dunloe
From Galway's Bridge on the Ring of Kerry road near Ladies View, this route follows the Kerry Way into the Black Valley. Here at the head of the Killarney lake system and beneath the MacGillycuddy Reeks, swing north through the pass of the Gap of Dunloe to finish at Kate Kearney's Cottage. Four to five hours walking with two hundred metres of ascent covering twelve kilometres rough tracks and paved road.

The following walks are on the rugged mountains surrounding Killarney and extreme care should be taken when venturing into the hills. Killarney's mountains are low by international standards, but contain much steep and dangerous terrain. If you are interested in hiring a competent local guide for your day's hike, please contact Con Moriarty of the Kerry based Hidden Ireland Tours - providers of personalised tours of Ireland and private specialty guiding, or call into Spórt Corrán Tuathail, Killarney Outlet Centre (Tel:064-22681
or email con@hiddenirelandtours.com

DIFFICULT - WALKING BOOTS, MAP, COMPASS, RAINWEAR AND SOUND MOUNTAIN SENSE ESSENTIAL!

Mangerton Mountain
The great bulk of Mangerton Mountain dominates the horizon south of Killarney. This hillwalking circuit takes in the Devil's Punch Bowl and overlooks Gleann na gCapall (the Horse's Glen). Four to six hours walking with one thousand metres of ascent covering ten kilometres over rough open hillside and rugged tracks.

Purple and Tomies Mountains
Forming the western edge of the National Park and the eastern flank of the Gap of Dunloe. Purple and Tomies are located in the heart of it all! This walk takes you through the Gap and onto the slopes of Purple before following an elevated ridge to Tomies and descent to Kate Kearney's Cottage. Four to six hours walking with one thousand metres of ascent covering ten kilometres over rough open hillside.

VERY DIFFICULT - TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY EXPERIENCE WALKERS ONLY

Corrán Tuathail
Corrán Tuathail is Ireland's highest and most rugged mountain, situated amidst the MacGillycuddy Reeks range just 10km from Killarney. This is a very difficult hike over very tough terrain for competent hillwalkers only, suitably attired. Five to six hours walking and scrambling with one thousand metres of ascent and covering twelve kilometres over rough and rocky mountain slopes and exposed ridges...no trails.