A Guide to Torc Waterfall
Read our travel guide on Torc Waterfall in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, trail description, how to get there, and when to go.
Sitting at the base of Torc Mountain, Torc Waterfall (Torc means boar in Irish) is undoubtedly one of the most accessible and beautiful places in Killarney National Park.
It's also one of the top stops on Ring of Kerry and gets busy any time of the day, even outside the peak season.
Furthermore, when starting in Killarney, this is one of the first places you will have a chance to explore along the way.
Fed by Owengarriff River that flows from Devil's Punch Bowl located on Mangerton Mountain, Torc Waterfall features an easy trail and lovely scenery.
The visit is very straightforward, but the area around Torc Waterfall has several parking areas and a trail and is generally a bit confusing for first-time visitors.
Therefore, we created this travel guide that includes everything you should know before visiting Torc Waterfall to plan your trip better.
How to Visit Torc Waterfall
As mentioned above, this is one of Killarney's most popular short hikes.
Mostly because people like waterfalls and there are no similar attractions in the area.
There are three circular routes that start at the Torc Waterfall parking and a few more out-and-back trails.
Yellow Loop Trail
The 2.7-kilometer Torc Waterfall hike (yellow trail) is well-signed, well-maintained, and gets busy during the day.
It seems that everyone stops here, so it's not easy to find here a parking spot in the peak season (don't worry, we'll talk about it later in the article).
Luckily, we started early and found the parking with at least a few spots empty. We grabbed our daypack and immediately headed into the wooded area with a wide walking trail.
The waterfall is just 250 meters from the parking area, and the trail is for all ages and abilities.
The 20-meter cascade waterfall is charming and makes a good photo spot.
The lookout often gets busy, so don't expect to have it just for yourself.
Before you head back to the parking area, you can choose to retrace your steps via the same path or follow the yellow signs 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.
Blue Loop Trail
In case you would want to extend the trail, turn left at the first T junction and immediately turn right and follow the blue markers.
This is just a short extension that adds about 600 meters to the original trail.
After a few hundred meters further upstream, you will have to cross the Owengarriff River and walk downhill to N71, and then back to the original parking.
Red Loop Trail
If you're looking for a bit more adventurous hike during your Ireland road trip, consider the 5-kilometer Red Loop Trail.
It also starts at this parking area and features a rugged trail and several nice Lake Muckross viewpoints.
Also known as Cardiac Hill, this is a more challenging trail, especially in rainy conditions.
Read more tips on staying safe in Ireland here.
Is Torc Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Even though Torc Waterfall is arguably less impressive than Glencar Waterfall or Powerscourt Waterfall, it's definitely worth seeing, especially if you decide to explore the area more thoroughly or you have some time to spare.
Simply put, this is an easy, nice walk through a wooded area that features a lovely cascade. What's not to like?
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How to Get There
In our opinion, the easiest way to get to Torc Waterfall is by car, even from Killarney.
Car
Renting a car in Ireland is not difficult, and we believe it's the best way to get around the country.
Even if you're relying mostly on public transport, having your own car for attractions such as the Ring of Kerry is a great advantage, as there are many similar stops along the way that you will have a chance to explore at your own pace.
Unlike some difficult roads, such as Gap of Dunloe and Healy Pass, the N71 is fairly easy to drive, so it's a great place to visit even if you are not the most assertive driver.
Still, make sure to read our guide on driving in Ireland, which includes useful tips for first-time visitors.
Galway is a three-hour drive from here. The journey from Dublin takes about four hours.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Bike
In case you're staying in Killarney for a few days, consider renting a bike and start exploring the local trails
In fact, getting to Torc Waterfall by bike is the second-best option, at least according to our opinion.
On Foot
You can also get there on foot, but it's usually better to start from the Muckross House instead of Killarney town. The reason is very simple.
The waterfall trailhead is only two kilometers from the house and seven kilometers from the town (and a large part of the trail from Killarney is not very exciting).
Tours
Obviously, some tour operators include Torc Waterfall in their itinerary. For instance, this Ring of Kerry Tour from Cork features this charming waterfall, among many other stops.
Parking
There is a relatively small Torc Waterfall Carpark 200 meters from the waterfall on N71 that gets busy, and you often won't find a parking space there.
In case this parking area is full, you have several options for where to leave the car.
The first and most obvious choice is the Upper Torc Carpark (there is an Old Kenmare Road sign), which can be reached via a narrow road about 350 meters south of the Muckross House turn-off.
By the way, you can park your car at the Muckross House parking and visit the waterfall from there.
When driving west, there is another parking area about 500 meters further down the road.
If you decide to make the Yellow or Red Torc Loop, you can start from here as the trail also passes this point.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to Torc Waterfall. Therefore, this is a great stop for those exploring Ireland on a budget (not just them, of course).
When to Go
You can visit Torc Waterfall any time of the year. However, the waterfall is not big, and it's worth seeing it during or after rain when the river flow is great.
Arrive early or late in the day to avoid bus tours that often include the waterfall in their Ireland itinerary.
We visited Torc Waterfall in May, and although some areas were still relatively quiet, the waterfall was fairly busy, even in the morning.
Here you will find more tips on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
Good quality hiking shoes are the best option, even for short walks such as this one.
Always make sure to keep a rain jacket handy for when the weather gets bad.
These are the only two essential items you need for this short hike.
However, don't forget that Torc Waterfall is just one destination in Killarney National Park or a single stop along the Ring of Kerry.
Regardless of whether you walk or drive, you will most likely need to prepare for a full day's adventure.
Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
Where to Stay
The small town of Killarney is a perfect place to base yourself for exploring Killarney National Park and sites within the park, such as Torc Waterfall.
There are plenty of different types of accommodations in the town, just don't expect to find many budget options there.
It also makes sense to book your hotel early, as the prices skyrocket during the peak season.
Here are our tips on the best hotels in Killarney.
Budget | Murphys of Killarney - With its superb central location and great hospitality, this hotel is always a safe option when in Killarney. Murphys is a traditional hotel with stylish rooms, an even more traditional Irish pub (with live music during the summer season), and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-range | The Lake Hotel - Sitting on the shores of the Loch Lein, the family-friendly Lake Hotel features en suite rooms with mountain views, free private parking, an on-site restaurant serving Irish cuisine, an outdoor hot tub, and free parking.
Luxury | Muckross Park Hotel and Spa - Situated in Killarney National Park, this luxurious 5-star hotel is a perfect place for travelers who want to relax and unwind. Muckross Park Hotel and Spa feature individually designed and spacious rooms, a quiet location, free private parking, an on-site restaurant and bar, and an award-winning spa.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
