Before I start let me share something. When I was in County Kerry, I didn’t plan to visit Torc Falls because I didn’t have much time. However, when I was traveling around the Ring of Kerry, I couldn’t pass it up. So I ended up going there, and the short walk to where you can see the falls well from where I parked my car was really worth it.

Today, I am going to share with you all about this amazing waterfall those I got to see. Stay with me through this article, and I will answer all your questions. Let’s begin.

How to Get to Torc Waterfall

Getting to Torc Falls is easy—it’s just four miles from the city center and you can get there by car, bus, bike, or even on foot.

Car:

I usually rent a car when I travel. In Ireland, driving is the easiest way to explore because you can go anywhere at any time The drive from town to Torc Falls is easy, even if you are not very confident in driving. Just start in Killarney town center and head south on the N71 for about 4 miles. You will pass Mucross House and Gardens, a well-known attraction. Keep going past Old Kenmare Road, and you’ll spot a cozy little parking spot on your left. Then, it’s just a quick 200-meter stroll to the falls. It’s the quickest route, but be aware that snagging parking can be a bit of a challenge when things get busy!

Bike-

You can also cycle there. Take the route through the park instead of the main road. The area has designated bike paths and is mostly flat, making for an easy and enjoyable ride or walk. There is also space to lock up your bike. 

Public transportation:

When you are planning to visit Tork Falls, there are a few ways you can get there using 

Public transport-

1. Take a bus to central Killarney, then a taxi to the falls.
2. Join one of the organized tours that includes a visit to the waterfall. But remember, this tour may be crowded with other tourists.
3. You can try something different and take a horse-drawn carriage from Killarney, but this may cost more than other options.

By Foot –

Some people actually walk the entire 7 kilometers from town to Torc Falls, which is quite impressive. It will take about two hours – a pretty long walk, isn’t it?

Here’s a tip: instead of starting your walk from Killarney town, start from Muckross House. From this old house the waterfall trail starts just two kilometers. The route takes you through beautiful forests and along Muckross Lake, where the views are stunning. It is a much more interesting walk than starting from the city. 

Where Does The Name “Torc Waterfall” Come From?

When I travel, according to my plan,love to learn about the history of the places I visit. So, I was curious about Torc Falls and its fascinating past.

There are two legends about how Torc Falls got its name, both linked to the Gaelic word ‘Torc’, meaning ‘boar’.

The first myth is about a local man who was cursed and turned into a ferocious boar every night. He supposedly lived in a cave under the mountain and roamed the area near the waterfall after dark. But a farmer discovers his secret and angers him, leading to a dramatic ending in which he disappears into the nearby Devil’s Punchbowl. Some say his hidden cave is behind the waterfall, something like an old story.

Another myth involves a brave hero named Fionn MacCumhale, who is said to have defeated a magical boar on Mount Torc using a special golden lance.

The Circular Routes Of TorcRemember how easy it is to get to the main area that I mentioned? Well, around Torque Falls, things are a bit different. There are many parking areas connected by many pathways, which can be confusing if you are not familiar with them.

Let me break it down for you. There are three main paths: the yellow one, the blue one and the red one.

Yellow Path: 

This is called the Torque Waterfall Hike. It takes about 40-45 minutes to walk and covers about 2.7 km. It is quite easy to follow with clear signs along the way.

But here’s the tricky part: parking is limited. There are only 25 spaces and they fill up quickly as everyone wants to stay close to the falls. So, if you want to park here, you need to arrive early.

Luckily, I got a place without any trouble. Once parked I went towards the waterfall. It’s not huge, only 20 meters long, but it’s still beautiful. Lots of people were taking pictures there as it is a popular spot for photography.

But be prepared for crowds at the viewing area. It can be quite busy, so you may not have it to yourself. Still, the Yellow Trail is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

After enjoying the falls, you have two options: return to your car or continue along the trail to finish the circuit.

If you have time, I recommend continuing. Climb the stone steps near the waterfall and follow the path for another 500 meters until you reach a junction. Then, turn right and cross the river over a wooden bridge before returning to where you started by a different path.

Although it may seem confusing, there are signs along the way to help you navigate and enjoy your walk without rushing.

Blue Path:

It takes about an hour and adds about 600 meters to the main trail. If you want to continue walking, turn left at the first intersection, then right after a while, and follow the blue signs. 

After a while upstream, you will reach the Owengariff River. From there, you need to take the N71 road and go back to where you parked. This extension makes your trip more exciting. It is not too difficult, so people of all ages can give it a go. Just make sure you are in decent shape and wear good shoes.

Red Path:

If you’re in the mood for a more adventurous hike, try the 5-kilometer Crimson Circuit Trail. It takes about 2.5 hours and combines sections of the red and yellow trails giving you some amazing views. 

Known as the Cardiac Ascent, this route is somewhat difficult but totally worth it. Starting from the parking area, it takes you along a rugged path with great views of Lake Macross. Summary? Reaching the top of Torque Peak, the views are breathtaking. 

You’ll return to Torc Falls using the stairs, but be careful, especially if it’s wet — the steps can be slippery.

How To Solve The Parking Issues?

Be aware that there is not enough parking at Torc Falls. Trying to find a parking spot is a real challenge, especially when so many tourists come to visit. To avoid this hassle, you should either get there early, like around 7:30 AM, or later in the day when there are fewer people.

If the main parking area is full, don’t worry! There are other options here. You can also try the Upper Torc carpark, which you can reach by driving down a narrow road about 350 meters south of Muckross House.

Another option is to park at Mucross House and walk to the falls. This parking lot is large, so it’s a good place to start your exploration.

If you are facing west, there is further parking about 500 meters down the road. This place is great if you plan to hike the yellow or red torque loops, since the trail starts here.

Finally, there are about 60 parking spaces for those brave enough to tackle Cardiac Hill. But remember, parking fills up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead and arrive early to snag a spot.

Things I Liked

My trip to Torc Falls was amazing! There were so many great things to see like the huge waterfall and all the people enjoying nature. But let me quickly point out a few things for you.

When I first touch the top of the hill, the view was incredible. Although the park was busy, it was peaceful there. The hike up wasn’t too difficult, so it’s a good choice for those who love nature walks. Take some pictures, enjoy the tranquility and create memories you will never forget.

Secondly, the park is really well managed. There are signs everywhere to help you find your way easily.

I won’t talk for long. Just go and see it for yourself – it’s definitely worth it!

Things To Know Before You Go

What Is Nearby?

Torc Falls in Kerry is a great place to visit, and there are many other great things to see nearby. Just a short drive away, you will run into many memorable things to see here.

If you like old fancy houses and beautiful gardens, you can take a 15 minute drive to Muckross House and Gardens. There, you can walk around the grand old palace and gardens and even see some working farms.

If you’re into old ruins, you can drive 20 minutes to Mucross Abbey. It is a magnificent old building dating back to 1445.

Do you really want to see an old castle? 25 minutes drive to Ross Castle. It is a large tower house by a lake and looks great. And if you love great views, drive 25 minutes to Ladies View. It is a famous place where you can see really far and it is amazing.

There are so many things to see near Torc Falls, you won’t get bored.

Is It Safe (Family-Friendly)? When is the perfect time to visit Torc Waterfall?

Going on the trail might make some people nervous, but Torc Falls is great for families. The paths there are easy to walk on foot, whether they are paved or dirt. And it’s easy to get. If you park in the main parking area, it only takes five minutes to walk to where you can see the falls. So, there is no problem if you want to bring along kids or elderly people.

When is the perfect time to visit Torc WaterFall?

Actually Torc water Falls is open all day and night, but if you want to get the best experience, try to go at the right time, like early morning or late afternoon. This way, you can also avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful good time. 

Also, after heavy rains, the waterfall looks more amazingly beautiful as more water flows over it. 

And visiting in the fall or winter, when there are fewer tourists, can also be a good idea.

I visited Torc Falls in May, and while parts were quiet, the falls area itself was quite busy, even in the morning.

What is the expected cost?

Fortunately, there is no fee to visit Torc Falls. You can enjoy this natural wonder without spending any money. But if you plan to visit other attractions near Torc Falls, they may have fees, so it’s best to budget for them.

What to pack? 

For the short hike to the falls, good hiking shoes and a rain jacket are essential. These are the only two things you really need.

But remember, Torc Falls is a part of Killarney National Park and a stop along the Ring of Kerry. Whether you walk or drive, be prepared for a full day of adventure.

In conclusion, is Torc Falls spectacular? Of course yes. Just go and see for yourself!