Before starting, I have something to confess. Torc Waterfall was not on my list during my County Kerry visit. I was short on time, so I skipped this one but how to ignore it while passing the Ring of Kerry circle?
So, of course, I ended up visiting it, and like everyone else, I have to admit it’s definitely worth the 5–10-minute walk from the car park to the viewing area.
Today, I will talk about my experience of this wonderful waterfall. Be with me throughout the article and you’ll have all the answers you’ve been itching for. Let’s dive right in.
How to Get to Rorc Waterfall
Getting to Torc Waterfall was easy. It was just four miles away from the city, and I had plenty of transportation options – car, bus, bike, and even by foot.
Car:
As usual, I opted to rent a car. In Ireland, renting a car is the most convenient choice. It will offer you lots of flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace and reach every nook and corner with ease.
And most importantly, the road from town to Torc is pretty simple to drive, so don’t worry if you’re not super confident behind the wheel. From Killarney town center, just go south on the N71 road, which is only about 6.5 kilometers away.
Along the way, you’ll pass Muckross House and Gardens (This is another famous tourist spot). When you see the Old Kenmare Road, continue on the N71. Look for a small car park on the left side of the road, and from there, it’s only a 200-meter walk to reach the waterfall.
This is the shortest way to reach the waterfall, and everyone stops here. So, finding a parking spot during peak season is very tricky (but don’t worry, I will discuss this later in the article). This is a disadvantage of renting a car.
Bike:
Many people thus avoid cars and take bikes instead. In this case, don’t use the main road, instead get into the park. There are clear cycle routes and it’s a mostly flat path to walk/cycle. They have arrangements for locking up your bike too.
Public transportation:
Lastly, you can proceed with public transport too. Even then, you have a couple of options. For example,
- You can Take a bus to Killarney town center and then hire a taxi to take you to Torc Waterfall.
- There are many guided tours available that include a visit to the waterfall. You can join them. But it can get pretty crowded with tour groups.
- Another unique way is to ride a horse and trap from Killarney. But keep in mind, it might cost more than other options.
By Foot:
I couldn’t believe it when I heard that some people prefer to walk all the way to Torc waterfall from town. It’s about 7 kilometers, which would probably take around 2 hours. Sounds exhausting, right?
Please don’t do this. Here’s a tip: instead of starting from Killarney town, you can 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.
Where Does The Name Come From?
Knowing the backstories of the places is always an extra layer of excitement to me, and somehow it makes the trip more engaging. So, I couldn’t resist digging up a little bit about Torc Waterfall too.
When it comes to Torc Waterfall, there are actually two myths about its name. Both stories start with the meaning of the word ‘Torc’ in Irish, which translates to ‘Boar’.
The first story is about a local man cursed by the Devil. Every night he turns into a wild boar. According to legend, he used to live in the cave under the mountain’s cliffs and spend his evenings roaming the area near the waterfall.
But one day, a local farmer reveals his secret. The guy gets super mad, bursts into flames, and poof! He disappears into the nearby Devil’s Punchbowl.
And get this, the river actually hides the entrance to his cave under the waterfall. It’s like something straight out of a childhood story.
The other tale involves the warrior Fionn MacCumhaill, who supposedly conquered a magical wild boar on Torc Mountain using a golden spear.
The Circular Routes Of Torc
Remember I previously said the visit to the main site is very easy?
The area around Torc Waterfall is the complete opposite, it has several parking areas connected to various trails. For anyone visiting this place for the first time, these trails are super confusing.
I’ll do my best to clarify things but feel free to ask if you have any questions. So, there are 3 circular walking routes in total, yellow loop, blue loop, and red loop.
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 is 1 hour long. This is just a short extension that adds about 600 meters to the original trail.
To extend your trail adventure, take a left at the first T junction and then immediately turn right and follow the blue markers. After a few hundred meters further upstream, you will have to cross the Owengarriff River, walk downhill to N71, and then back to the original parking.
This extension will add more excitement to your hike. This extension isn’t too tough, so people of all ages can give it a try. But, having decent physical fitness is important, and wearing good shoes is a must.
Red loop:
If you’re looking for a bit more adventurous hike during your road trip, the 5-kilometer Red Loop Trail is the best. This is about 2.5 hours long and has incredible views and you will be walking the red route and part of the yellow route.
Also known as Cardiac Hill, this trail is a bit more challenging but definitely worth it. It starts at the parking area and features a rugged trail and several nice Lake Muckross viewpoints. And the best part? Reaching the summit of Torc Mountain. The views from up there are absolutely breathtaking.
You will need to come down using the steps of Torc Waterfall. Be careful because they could be slippy, especially on rainy days.
How To Solve The Parking Hazard?
We’re well aware of how small the main Torc waterfall park is! Securing a spot here can be quite competitive, especially during peak tourist seasons. Your best bet to avoid any hassle is to either arrive very early (like 07:30) or late in the day (just before sunset) when crowds are thinner.
But still, if you find the main parking area full, don’t worry! There are several alternative options available.
The first option I found was the Upper Torc Carpark. You can find it by following a narrow road about 350 meters south of the Muckross House turn-off.
Another option is to park at the Muckross House parking lot and walk to the waterfall from there. There’s plenty of space available, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure.
Heading west, you’ll find another parking area about 500 meters down the road. This spot is great if you’re planning to do the Yellow or Red Torc Loop, as the trail passes by here.
Lastly, if you’re tackling Cardiac Hill, there are plenty of parking spaces (about 60 in total) available.
Just remember, parking can fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead and arrive early to increase your chances of finding a spot.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about my trip to Torc Waterfall – from the majestic waterfall to the bustling crowds and stunning natural views. But I’ll just mention a couple of highlights to keep it short.
Firstly, the most breathtaking part was the view from the top of the mountain. When I arrived at the park, I noticed how crowded it was everywhere, from the parking lot to the waterfall itself. The top of the mountain was an exception, it was really peaceful. The trail wasn’t too difficult either, so I highly recommend it to anyone who’s up for a little hike. click some picture, enjoy the calmness, make your trip truly unforgettable.
Secondly, I was really impressed by how well-managed the park was. You will always find marking to know where to go next, which made exploring the area easy.
I won’t keep you any longer. You should go and see it for yourself – it’s definitely worth it!
Things To Know Before You Go
What Is Nearby?
Visiting Torc Waterfall in Kerry is great because it’s close to lots of other cool places to check out. Just a short drive away, you’ll find plenty of neat stuff to see.
If you like old fancy houses and pretty gardens, take a 15-minute drive to Muckross House and Gardens. You can walk around the big old mansion and the gardens and even see some working farms.
If you’re into old ruins, drive 20 minutes to Muckross Abbey. It’s a cool old building from way back in 1445.
Want to see a really old castle? Drive 25 minutes to Ross Castle. It’s a big tower house by a lake and it’s super cool to look at. And if you like awesome views, drive 25 minutes to Ladies View. It’s a famous spot where you can see really far and it’s amazing.
There’s so much to see near Torc Waterfall, you won’t be bored.
Is It Safe (Family-Friendly)? When is the perfect time to visit Torc Waterfall?
I get it, some people might feel nervous about going on trails, but Torc Waterfall is actually a great place for families. The paths are paved or made of earth, so they’re easy to walk on.It is very accessible. If you park at the main parking area it’s no more than a 5-minute walk to the viewing area. So you don’t need to worry about bringing kids or seniors along.
When is the perfect time to visit?
Torc Waterfall is open 24 hours a day, but to make the most of your trip, consider these tips:
- Off-Peak Times: Try visiting during quieter times, like early mornings or late afternoons, to avoid big crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit.
- After Rain: For the most impressive waterfall, go after heavy rain. This brings more water flowing over the falls, making it even more spectacular.
- Off-Season: Consider 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 although some areas were still relatively quiet, the waterfall was fairly busy, even in the morning
What is the expected cost?
When it comes to Torc Waterfall, you’ll be pleased to know that there are no admission fees to worry about. That’s right, enjoying this natural wonder won’t cost you anything at all. Some attractions near Torc Waterfall may have entrance fees, so be sure to budget for these if applicable.
What to pack?
For this short hike, good quality hiking shoes are your best bet. Keep a rain jacket handy in case the weather turns bad. These are the only two essential items you need.
But remember, Torc Waterfall is just one part of Killarney National Park and a stop along the Ring of Kerry. Whether you walk or drive, get ready for a full day of adventure.
In conclusion, is Torc Waterfall worth visiting?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Just go and see for yourself!
