Torc Waterfall Waterfall
Scenic waterfall near Killarney, accessible woodland trails
Downstream from Killarney, Torc Waterfall sits in Killarney National Park's oak woodlands; walkers follow short trails to the cascades, use higher paths for views of Muckross Lake, and spot native holly and birch.
Torc Waterfall at a Glance#
Address: Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland (near Killarney town)
Website: https://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/
Hours: Public access (within Killarney National Park)
Admission: Free (natural waterfall in Killarney National Park)
About Torc Waterfall#
Torc Waterfall is a well-known waterfall in County Kerry, Ireland, located within Killarney National Park and notable for its single-drop cascade and accessibility.
The main fall drops roughly 20 metres into a rocky plunge pool and is set at the base of Torc Mountain. There are defined viewing platforms at the lower fall and a short path that leads to an upper vantage point; linked footpaths connect the site to longer walks in the park.
The falls are natural and not a constructed feature; they form part of the Owengarriff River system and sit where upland streams descend to the Killarney valley. The surrounding paths and forested slopes are used for walking and short hikes rather than technical climbing.
Situated about 7 km west of Killarney town, the waterfall occupies a wooded slope at the foot of Torc Mountain within the boundaries of Killarney National Park, easily reached by car and on marked park trails.
- Height and river: The waterfall drops approximately 20 metres and sits on the Owengarriff (Owengarriff) River, making it an accessible single-tier cascade with a defined plunge pool.
- Access and viewpoints: A short walking route from the nearby car park leads to a lower viewing platform and an upper viewpoint; the walk takes roughly 15-30 minutes depending on the route chosen.
- Location and seasonality: Located inside Killarney National Park, it lies about 7 km west of Killarney town and is frequently visited year-round, with summer being the busiest season.
How to Get to Torc Waterfall#
Torc Waterfall is about 7 km from Killarney town; drive via N71 and follow signposts, or take local buses and short taxi rides. Walking routes from Killarney’s town center are well-marked and popular.
Tips for Visiting Torc Waterfall#
- Arrive early from Killarney town (about 7 km) to secure parking and avoid tour-bus crowds later in the day.
- Combine the waterfall walk with a climb of Torc Mountain for a longer day hike and better panoramic views.
- Use the Old Weir Bridge route for a gentle walk through sylvan woods and to avoid the steeper track from the upper car park.
Best Time to Visit Torc Waterfall#
Best in late spring and summer for easy access and clearer weather; autumn brings dramatic light and fewer tourists.
Weather & Climate near Torc Waterfall#
Torc Waterfall's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1763 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 212 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 156 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 156 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 5.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 109 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 9° - 15° | 12° | 94 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 92 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 119 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 138 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 12° | 6° | 181 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 194 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 213 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
