Walk & Cycle Trails

Knockreer Circular Walk

Commencing at Killarney House & Gardens, this has a paved path, is off the beaten track and away from passing traffic and perfect for runners, walkers & those just looking for a stroll. Walk along the avenue away from the house and go through the large gateway to set you on your way on this 8km loop. After a short distance, signposts mark the way, turn left at the bridge and move along and admire the bank of River Deenagh. At the second bridge, you will be heading right over the river. Continue on the pathway and then it is a left at the next intersection, navigating over the cattle grid. Then it expands as you head across the open parkland. The path will start to circle back with a gradual ascent. At the top there is another cattle grid and the pathway starts to level off. Now is the time to whip out the camera or just stop to admire the amazing vista of Lough Leane & the Macgillycuddy reeks. Continue on, passing Knockreer House & Gardens, then the standout thatched-roof Deenagh lodge, passing the intersection once again & over the bridge for the final time making your way back to Killarney House.

Estimated Time 2 hours

 

Muckross & Dinis Loop Walk or Cycle

This loop can be done on foot or by bike. Starting from the main entrance to Killarney National Park on the Killarney to Kenmare road. Bringing you right through the Muckross Demesne to Dinis, you will marvel at the many sights along the way, including Muckross Abbey, Muckross House & Gardens, Colleen Bawn Rock, Brickeen Bridge, Dinis Cottage and Torc Waterfall. This trail has some of Killarney’s finest and most scenic areas with breath-taking views of the lake district. As the path move towards the main road after Dinis Cottage, those on a bike will join the main public road for the short trip or if completing this loop on your feet cross the road and continue up a few steps and join the pretty forest walking trail , before arriving at the world famous Torc Waterfall. You can return to the National Park via the underpass near the car park. This 21km round trip from Killarney town centre and back is one of the best cycle routes in Ireland.

Estimated Time 2 hours

 

Old Kenmare Road

Consisting of woodland trails, boardwalk, river stepping stones with on occasion muddy and uneven ground in parts, this scenic but strenuous trail is for walker only. Starting at Upper Torc car park, take a left on leaving the carpark, follow the Old Kenmare Road through the barrier. Taking another left immediately after crossing the wooden bridge over the Owenagarrif River. As the trail is easy to navigate and pretty clear throughout, there isn’t much decisions to be made. Following the sharp decline along the gravel path you will meet the public road and they you decide to follow the Old Kenmare Road the full way to Kenmare or turn right and make your way back to Derrycunnihy Church. Across the road from the church you can follow the sign post path known as the Mass path to Lord Brandon’s Cottage.

Estimated Time; 2 Hours

 

Ross Island

A nice easy and gentle route to explore the Ross Island Mining Trail, with 17 stopping points along the route. Starting at the carpark for Ross Castle, continue along the tarred road past Ross Castle on your right. Take a right after 50 metres and meander along the narrow walking trail, which will eventually bring you back out on the tarred path. Take a right here and walk for about 800m and take the left fork to follow the Copper Mines loop as it skirts the shoreline. There is another junction ahead, take the left, as the trail begins to loop back towards the starting point, passing trails that branch off to Governor’s Rock and Library Point. Eventually making your way back to the final fork in the trail, a left fork here will bring you back to the tarred road to Ross Castle.

Estimated Time; 1.5 Hours

Killarney Park Run

Log a run at Killarney Park Run!

Killarney Parkrun is a free, weekly, community event that takes place every Saturday morning in Killarney. The event is part of the global Parkrun movement, which encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in a timed 5-kilometer run or walk.

Event Details:

Location: The Killarney Parkrun is typically held at Muckross House, a historic estate set within Killarney National Park. The course winds through the scenic surroundings of the park, offering participants stunning views of lakes, woodlands, and mountains.

Time: The run starts at 9:30 AM every Saturday.

Cost: Participation is free, but registration is required before your first run. Once registered, you can participate in any Parkrun event globally.

Course: The course is well-marked and consists of a mix of paved paths and trails, making it accessible to runners, joggers, and walkers alike. The event is timed, allowing participants to track their progress over time.

Estimated Time; 1 Hour