Torc Waterfall Yellow Trail

Torc Waterfall Yellow Trail is the short marked loop around the Owengarriff valley in Killarney National Park. From the car park at Cloghereen Upper on the N71, allow 1–1½ hours for about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round trip and roughly 150 m of climbing. Yellow marks the compact circuit among the longer Blue and Red walks. If you want Torc Falls without a summit hike, this is a good middle ground between the quick waterfall approach and the bigger hill routes. Dogs are welcome on a lead in the park.

The loop climbs and drops through forest, down toward the river valley and back up toward the access. It crosses the N71 between wooded sections, so check for traffic there. Though under two miles, it gains about 150 m, so it feels more like a proper woodland hike than an easy stroll. The waterfall-side path has steps and uneven rocks; take care there when the tread is damp. Stay with the Yellow markers if you want the short circuit rather than a longer colored route.

Torc is a tiered cascade about 18 m high on the Owengarriff River. The loop brings you to the falls, where water drops over dark boulders into a stream beneath dense woodland. For a photo, include the lower rocks and the run of water as well as the main drop; that shows the cascade’s several levels.

Torc is linked to the Irish word for “wild boar.” Local folklore tells of a cursed man who lived as a boar beneath the mountain and vanished in flame, releasing the waterfall. It is a story attached to the place, not a geological explanation.