Torc Waterfall is a highlight of a visit to Killarney National Park in the South West of Ireland. Here are some photos to show why you can’t miss it on a trip to Ireland.
It’s always a fine line between taking too many photos and not living in the moment when visiting new places but sometimes the scenery is just too beautiful not to keep snapping away. As I took way too many photos during my trip to Killarney, far too many to share in a travel post, I thought I’d share some in separate posts.
First up are the Torc Waterfall photos. If you every visit Killarney National Park make sure this is at the top of your list of things to do. Hopefully, the photos below will show you why…
How to get to Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park
Killarney is a town in County Kerry in the south west of Ireland. Surrounded by the Irish countryside, Killarney is full of history, beautiful scenery and super friendly people.
Just outside the town is the Killarney National Park, Irelands oldest national park. Covering 26,000 acres you can easily spend a full day here exploring the landscape.
One of the highlights of the park is Torc Waterfall. Sitting at the base of Torc Mountain, the cascade waterfall is 20 meters high and 110 meters long.
There are a number of ways to reach the waterfall including via some scenic hikes including the Torc Waterfall Walk. However, if that is not your thing there is a car park around 200 meters from the waterfall. It takes about five minutes to reach the waterfall.
Whatever route you take, it is well worth the visit. We parked at a second carpark higher up and had a 10/15 minute gentle walk down to the waterfall.
As we arrived late in the evening we were pretty much the only ones there, just a few other people wandering around, so could really take it all in.
I returned a few days later, this time walking from Muckross House (a 30 minutes or so comfortable walk) and as it was mid morning it was a lot more crowded. So pick your time to visit carefully.
Torc Waterfall in Pictures
These picture are from the walk from the second carpark which reach the waterfall from the opposite direction to the nearest carpark.
Walking along the earthed path under the overhang of the trees it quickly becomes dull and enclosing. Damp from the earlier rain hangs in the air and the temperature seems to drop the closer you get to the waterfall. The sun occasionally burst through the gaps to brighten things up.
At some point the trees clear and one of Killarney’s lakes stretches out into the distance.
As the waterfall comes into sight there a few rugged steps to navigate. If you are lucky to be there after some heavy rain you’ll be able to see the water cascading down at speed and feel the mist in the air. Despite the rush of the water there is a real sense of calm.
The last word on Torc Waterfall, Ireland
So that’s the stunning Torc Waterfall in pictures. It is one of the most beautiful places in Killarney.
Hopefully, that has inspired you to put it on your travel wish list. The whole of the Killarney National Park is well worth a visit when on a trip to the South West of Ireland.
Find out more: Visit the Killarney National Park
Looking for more places to visit in Killarney?
As one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland’s southwest, there are lots of things do in Killarney and the surrounding National Park.
Drive up to Ladies View for scenic views over the park or, if you want an adventure (or more picturesque views), visit The Gap of Dunloe.