Before I get into it, I need to tell you something. I didn’t plan to go to Torc Waterfall when I visited County Kerry. I was running out of time, so I didn’t go. But how could I not check it out when I was driving around the Ring of Kerry?
So, I ended up going there anyway. And like everyone else, I have to say, it’s really worth the short walk from the parking lot to see it.
Today, I want to tell you about my experience at this amazing waterfall. Stick with me as I tell you all about it. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Torc Waterfall
Getting to Torc Waterfall was simple. It was only four miles from the city, and I had lots of ways to get there – drive a car, take the bus, ride a bike, or even walk.
Car:
As usual, I chose to rent a car. In Ireland, renting a car is the easiest option. It gives you a lot of freedom to go at your own pace and explore everywhere easily.
The road from town to Torc is pretty straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re not super confident driving. Just head south from Killarney town center on the N71 road, which is only about 6.5 kilometers away.
On the way, you’ll see Muckross House and Gardens, which is another popular tourist spot. When you see the Old Kenmare Road, keep going on the N71. Look for a small parking area on the left side of the road, and from there, it’s just a 200-meter walk to get to the waterfall.
This is the quickest way to get to the waterfall, and everyone stops here. So, finding a parking spot during busy times can be tricky (but don’t worry, I’ll talk about this later in the article). This is one downside of renting a car.
Bike:
Lots of people choose bikes over cars. If that’s your plan, skip the main road and head into the park. There are obvious bike routes, and the path is mostly flat for walking or cycling. They even have spots to lock up your bike!
Public transportation:
If you’re considering public transport, there are a few options to reach Torc Waterfall:
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Take a bus to Killarney town center, then hire a taxi to take you to Torc Waterfall. This offers flexibility and convenience.
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Join one of the guided tours available that includes a visit to the waterfall. However, keep in mind that it can get crowded with tour groups.
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For a unique experience, consider riding a horse and trap from Killarney. While it may cost more than other options, it offers a memorable and traditional way to reach the waterfall.
By Foot:
I was surprised to hear that some people opt to walk all the way to Torc Waterfall from town. It’s quite a hike, about 7 kilometers and could take around 2 hours. Sounds exhausting, right?
But here’s a better idea: Instead of starting from Killarney town, why not begin your journey from Muckross House? The trailhead to the waterfall is only about two kilometers from the house. Plus, this route takes you through beautiful woodlands and along the shores of Muckross Lake, offering some stunning views along the way. Trust me, compared to the trail from Killarney, this one is much more exciting.
What is the Origin of the Name?
Uncovering the backstories of places always adds an extra thrill for me, so naturally, I had to delve into the lore surrounding Torc Waterfall.
When it comes to Torc Waterfall, there are actually two captivating myths about its name. Both tales stem from the word ‘Torc’ in Irish, meaning ‘Boar’.
The first legend tells of a local man cursed by the Devil, transforming into a wild boar every night. It’s said that he resided in a cave beneath the mountain’s cliffs, spending his evenings wandering the area near the waterfall.
But one fateful day, a local farmer uncovered his secret. Enraged, the cursed man burst into flames and vanished into the nearby Devil’s Punchbowl. Intriguingly, the river conceals the entrance to his cave under the waterfall, adding a touch of enchantment straight out of a childhood tale.
The second myth revolves around the warrior Fionn MacCumhaill, who supposedly defeated a magical wild boar on Torc Mountain using a golden spear.
The Circular Paths of Torc
Remember how I said visiting the main site was easy?
Well, the area around Torc Waterfall is different—it’s a bit more complicated. There are a few parking areas connected to different trails, which might confuse you if you’re visiting for the first time.
Let me break it down for you. There are three circular walking routes: the yellow loop, the blue loop, and the red loop. Feel free to ask if you need help understanding!
Yellow loop:
The Yellow Loop, also known as the Torc Waterfall Hike, is the basic trail that takes about 40-45 minutes to walk. It’s 2.7 kilometers long and is pretty easy to follow, with good signs along the way.
The only issue here is parking. This trail is really popular among people as the waterfall is just 250 meters from the parking area. So it gets very crowded.
On the flip side, the parking spaces are very limited, with only about 25 spots available. If you want to make sure you get a parking spot here, you have to arrive really early—like, super early.
I was lucky—I found a spot for my car without any trouble. I parked and quickly made my way to the waterfall, and let me tell you, it was stunning. Even though it’s only 20 meters tall, it’s still really beautiful. Everyone was busy taking pictures—it’s actually the most popular spot for photos.
But just a heads up, it can get pretty crowded at the lookout point, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself. The great thing about the Yellow Trail is that it’s perfect for people of all ages and abilities.
After enjoying the waterfall, you have two options: you can either head back to the parking area or continue on the trail to complete the loop.
If you have time, there is no need to rush back to your vehicle. From the waterfall, climb the stone steps and follow the trail for another 500 meters until you reach a T junction. Here turn right and cross Owengarriff River via a wooden bridge and continue all the way back to N71. Once you reappear from the woods, cross the national road and return to the first parking area along the back route.
It might sound a bit complicated but don’t worry, there will be signs along the way to guide you. So, just stay cool and enjoy the hike!
Blue loop:
The blue loop takes about 1 hour to complete. It’s a short extension that adds about 600 meters to the original trail.
To add more adventure to your hike, turn left at the first T junction, then immediately turn right and follow the blue markers. After a few hundred meters upstream, you’ll need to cross the Owengarriff River, walk downhill to N71, and then return to the original parking area.
This extension adds extra excitement to your hike. It’s not too challenging, so people of all ages can give it a try. However, it’s important to have decent physical fitness and wear good shoes.
Red loop:
If you’re up for a more adventurous hike during your road trip, the 5-kilometer Red Loop Trail is perfect. It takes about 2.5 hours and offers incredible views as you walk along the red route and part of the yellow route.
Also known as Cardiac Hill, this trail is a bit tougher but totally worth it. It starts at the parking area and features a rugged path with several lovely viewpoints of Lake Muckross. And the highlight? Reaching the summit of Torc Mountain. The views from up there are absolutely stunning.
To descend, you’ll need to use the steps of Torc Waterfall. Just be careful, especially on rainy days, as they can be slippery.
How to Resolve Parking Issues
We know that the main Torc waterfall park is small! It can get really busy, especially in peak tourist times. To avoid problems, it’s best to arrive very early (like 7:30 in the morning) or later in the day (just before the sun sets) when there are fewer people.
But if you can’t find a spot in the main parking area, don’t worry! There are other places you can park.
First, there’s the Upper Torc Carpark. It’s down a narrow road about 350 meters south of the turn-off for Muckross House.
You can also park at the Muckross House parking lot and walk to the waterfall from there. There’s plenty of room, so it’s a good place to start your adventure.
If you go west, you’ll find another parking area about 500 meters away. This is a good spot if you’re doing the Yellow or Red Torc Loop because the trail goes by here.
Lastly, if you’re going up Cardiac Hill, there are plenty of parking spaces there, about 60 in total.
Just remember, parking fills up fast, so it’s smart to plan ahead and come early to have a better chance of finding a spot.
My Favorite Things
Certainly! Here’s the rewritten passage with simpler language:
I really enjoyed my trip to Torc Waterfall. Everything was great, from the big waterfall to the busy crowds and beautiful views. But I’ll just talk about a few of the best parts to keep it short.
Firstly, the most amazing thing was the view from the top of the mountain. When I got to the park, it was busy everywhere, but the top of the mountain was calm. The path up wasn’t too hard, so I think anyone who likes walking a bit should try it. Take some pictures, enjoy the peacefulness, and make your trip really unforgettable.
Secondly, I was impressed by how well the park was organized. There were signs to show you where to go next, which made exploring easy.
I won’t take up any more of your time. You should go and see it for yourself – it’s definitely worth it!
Things To Know Before You Go
What is The Nearby Places?
Visiting Torc Waterfall in Kerry is awesome because it’s close to many other interesting places to explore. Just a short drive away, you’ll find plenty of cool things to see.
If you enjoy old fancy houses and beautiful gardens, take a 15-minute drive to Muckross House and Gardens. You can stroll around the grand old mansion and the gardens, and even visit some working farms.
For fans of ancient ruins, drive 20 minutes to Muckross Abbey. It’s a fascinating old building dating all the way back to 1445.
Looking to see a really old castle? Drive 25 minutes to Ross Castle. It’s a large tower house situated by a lake, and it’s fascinating to see. And if you love breathtaking views, drive 25 minutes to Ladies View. It’s a famous spot where you can see for miles, and it’s truly amazing.
With so much to explore near Torc Waterfall, you’ll never be bored!
Is Torc Waterfall Safe for Families? When is the Ideal Time to Visit?
I understand that some people might feel anxious about going on trails, but Torc Waterfall is actually a fantastic place for families. The paths are either paved or made of earth, making them easy to walk on. It’s very accessible. If you park at the main parking area, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to the viewing area. So, you don’t need to worry about bringing kids or seniors along.
When is the Ideal Time to Visit?
Torc Waterfall is open 24 hours a day, but to have the best experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Off-Peak Times: Try going during quieter times, such as early mornings or late afternoons, to avoid large crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit.
- After Rain: For the most impressive waterfall, visit after heavy rain. This brings more water flowing over the falls, making it even more spectacular.
- Off-Season: Think about visiting outside of peak tourist times, like in autumn or winter. It’ll be less crowded but still just as beautiful.
I visited Torc Waterfall in May, and while some areas were still relatively quiet, the waterfall itself was quite busy, even in the morning.
What Will It Cost?
When you visit Torc Waterfall, you’ll be happy to hear that there are no admission fees to worry about. That’s right, enjoying this natural wonder won’t cost you anything at all. However, some attractions near Torc Waterfall may have entrance fees, so make sure to budget for these if needed.
What Should You Bring?
For this brief hike, your best choice is to wear high-quality hiking shoes. Keep a rain jacket with you in case the weather changes suddenly. These are the only two essential items you need.
But keep in mind, Torc Waterfall is just one part of Killarney National Park and a stop along the Ring of Kerry. Whether you choose to walk or drive, prepare yourself for a full day of adventure.
In Summary, Is Torc Waterfall Worth a Visit?
Absolutely, no doubt about it! You’ve got to experience Torc Waterfall for yourself – it’s truly worth the visit! Trust me, you won’t regret it!
