The Torc (in old Irish meaning “Wild Boar”) Waterfall, at the base of Torc Mountain (1.5 miles from Muckross House) in Killarney National Park, is approximately 70 feet tall . It was formed by the Owengarriff river as it flows from the “Devil’s Punchbowl” in Corrie Lake (on Mangerton Mountain), The area had been associated with several legends concerning wild boars (Torc) . One such myth involves a man who was cursed by the Devil to spend each night transformed into a wild boar. When his secret was revealed by a local farmer, the cursed man burst into flames and disappeared into the Devil’s Punchbowl above the falls. To the left of the falls are a series of steps (100 in total) that take visitors up to a spectacular view of Killarney’s lakes.
Twelve miles from the center of Killarney, along Moll’s Gap, is one of the best views over the city. It is called “Ladies View” after Queen Victoria ‘s Ladies-in-waiting fell in love with what they saw from here during their 1861 visit. This scenic viewpoint along the Ring of Kerry is one of the most photographed sites in Ireland. It is located at one of the highest points overlooking Killarney and its lakes.
Approximately 7.5 miles from Killarney center is the Gap of Dunloe ( meaning “Fort at the River Loe - which runs through the Gap). The Gap, itself, was formed 25,000 years ago during Ireland’s last Ice Age. It runs North-to-South, splitting the MacGillycudfy Reeks Mountain (to the East) and the Purple Mountain range (to the West). Contained within the Gap are five lakes (i.e.Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnoually Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough) - all connected by the River Loe. Between Coosaun Lough and Black Lake is the “Wishing Bridge” on which legend states that wishes made while upon it are “...destined to come true.” This seven mile long Gap of Dunloe is a favorite for climbers and walkers traveling along the Ring of Kerry.