Caragh Lake Forest

Killorglin, County Kerry

A forest trail located near Killorglin, County Kerry

Located on a steep hillside overlooking Caragh Lake this site offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, Dingle Bay and the Atlantic ocean. The approach road is through a tunnel of oak, beech, Scots pine and holly running adjacent to the lake shore with its hotels and country houses. On entering the wood you travel up through a crop of mature Scots pine with an under storey of holly and birch. On arrival at the car park the entire vista of the lake opens up with Seefin mountain in the background and the Caragh river as it makes its way to the sea at Caragh creek. Back 100 meters from the car park a forest road to the left brings one up the hill through a recently restocked area. At the end of the road a narrow trail continues up the hill, where it forks, take the one to the right which leads to the forest boundary. From here the whole panorama of the Magillycuddys Reeks comes into view, with Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain (1039 m) staring you in the face. Back to the fork on the trail, continue to another fork and for the more adventurous take the trail to the right which leads to the hill top and a 365 degree vista. To the north west lies the Dingle peninsula and Dingle Bay with the Slieve Mish mountains reaching towards the sea.To the east lies the Laune valley stretching right back to Killarney. Looking south one can see the entire Magillycuddys Reeks and to the west is the broad Atlantic with Caragh lake in the foreground. On your decent from the hill top continue along the trail and you will end back in the car park. Total length of this looped trail is 1.8 km, it is rated as moderate and takes about 45 mins. to complete. As well as the looped trail there is a further 1km of forest road to walk and enjoy. On the lower slopes of this hillside the tree species consist of Scots pine, oak, ash, birch and holly. As one ascends the species turns to Sitka spruce, Lodgepole pine Japanese larch and some birch. All the regular forest inhabitants are to be found here including some Sika deer.

Directions to Caragh Lake Forest - Killorglin

Located 13 km south west of Killorglin overlooking Caragh Lake. Take the N 70 ( ring of Kerry road ) south west from Killorglin for 8 km, pass the "Red Fox Inn", take a left at sign for Caragh Lake, travel 4 km and take a right, travel 1 km to forest entr

Sat Nav: 52.063248,-9.842291

See all the forest trails in County Kerry

Killorglin Accommodation Listings

Riverside Holiday Homes , Holiday Home

Riverside Holiday Homes are situated in Killorglin Town, on the banks of the beautiful River Laune, along the scenic Ring of Kerry. Killorglin is home to the annual world famous Puck Fair, one of Irelands oldest and most unusual festivals

Season: All Year Occupancy: Self Catering

Canberra House, B&B

Canberra House is a family run business which was established in 1953 and remains a thriving Irish Pub with plenty of Guest Accommodation. Your hosts Catherine & Stephen O'Grady are always on hand to lend a hand.We offer a full bar service and all of our

Season: April - September Occupancy: Bed and Breakfast