1. The National Park and Loop of Muckross Lake (15km approx.)
To begin this wonderful hike, head straight down the path in front of reception, turn right and within a few minutes you’ll find yourself in Killarney National Park. Follow the path and signs to Muckross Abbey, spend some time exploring the enchanting ruins of the Franciscan friary and wander in the shade of the 500-year-old yew tree that grows through its middle. Then, head through the park to Muckross house and gardens where you can take a tour of the house and/or farms immersing yourself in local history, grab a drink or lunch at the visitor’s centre and then enjoy the house’s beautiful gardens in full bloom. Continue to do the loop of Muckross lake that takes you over Brickeen Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters onto Dinis cottage – a charming old hunting lodge that is now an excellent café. A coffee and cake stop here is a must! Carry on to Torc waterfall to see it’s glorious cascades (add on the cardiac hill loop for great views on the way to the waterfall) before finally making your way back to the hotel. Maps for this walk are available from reception.
2. Torc Mountain (8km approx. from the Upper Torc car park)
There are a few routes up to Torc Mountain and they are all equally stunning. You can choose to either start at the Upper Torc carpark, hike upwards from the Lower Torc waterfall carpark or add on the Cardiac Hill loop if you are feeling energetic (Cardiac Hill, as the name suggests, is quite the climb but the views are worth it!). All starting points are a short drive from the hotel. Whichever way you decide to start your hike you will eventually join the Old Kenmare Road before heading off, up to the right along a spectacular board walk created from old railway sleepers to reach the summit of the mountain. Enjoy the incredible views of The Lake Hotel in the distance and appreciate the magnificent landscapes that Killarney has to offer from above. From the Upper Torc carpark to the summit and back, the hike takes about 3 hours (allow yourself some more time if starting from Torc waterfall or if including the Cardiac loop).
For Torc Mountain route information CLICK HERE
For Cardiac Hill route information CLICK HERE
3. Mangerton and the Devil’s Punchbowl Loop (10km approx)
If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging hike why not head up to Mangerton Mountain and circle the Lake ominously named the Devil’s Punchbowl. The carpark is a short drive from the hotel turning off Muckross Road just after Colgan’s restaurant. Right beside the small car parking area you’ll find the start of the path that leads up to the lake and summit. Be sure to wear long trousers or leggings as the foliage at the start of the hike is the ideal hiding place for ticks. But after about 30 minutes’ walk the foliage clears allowing great views up towards the McGillycuddy Reeks and back over Killarney town. Once you reach the Devil’s Punchbowl follow the path up and around the lake. You can go either direction, but it is advisable to head clockwise as going anticlockwise involves a steep decent which can be hard to navigate with poor visibility or bad weather. The actual summit of Mangerton is off the loop path and marked by a vertical pole. To get there you must make your way across a bog, so it is easier to do in summer when the bog is drier or in winter when it is frozen. From just past the summit you can enjoy views out over the Iveragh Peninsula and you will be able to see Kenmare in the distance before completing the lough loop and heading back down the path to the car park.
For Mangerton Mountain route information CLICK HERE
Be sure to read Mountaineering Ireland's Walk Safely Guidelines before embarking on your hike and for more information on local walks just ask a member of our reception team. We can recommend companies that offer guided walks and hikes, and we can also arrange a packed lunch for you if you give us notice by 8pm the day before to fuel your hiking adventures.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a hike!
CLICK HERE to check availability and to book your stay.
 The Lake Hotel is perfectly situated for lovers of the outdoors. Surrounded by Killarney National Park there are several incredible hikes that start from or nearby the hotel. Here are some of our favourites…){kind=link}