Devil's Punch Bowl, County Kerry Travel Guide

5 (3)

Discover the mystical beauty of the Devil's Punch Bowl, a glacial lake steeped in Irish legend, offering breathtaking views and invigorating hikes.

Home
Travel Guides
Ireland
County Kerry
Devil's Punch Bowl

The Devil's Punch Bowl is a stunning glacial lake nestled in a corrie on Mangerton Mountain in County Kerry, Ireland. Its dramatic scenery and mythical associations make it a captivating destination for hikers and nature lovers.

A brief summary to Devil's Punch Bowl

Devils Punch Bowl, Ferta, Co. Kerry, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Devil's Punch Bowl.

Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for the best light and fewer crowds.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails can be steep and rocky.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and surrounding wildlife.
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning natural scenery.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Blennerville Windmill

Muckross Abbey

The Kerry Bog Village Museum

Carrigafoyle Castle

Visit Innisfallen Island

Explore Devil's Punch Bowl on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Devil's Punch Bowl, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are in Ferta, the closest village to the Devil's Punch Bowl, you can walk to the attraction. Follow the local road signs towards the Devil's Punch Bowl. The walk is approximately 3 kilometers and offers scenic views of the countryside.
Car

If driving from Killarney, head southwest on the N71 towards Kenmare. Continue for about 30 kilometers until the junction with the N70. Turn left onto the N70 and follow signs for Sneem. After approximately 18 kilometers, turn right onto the R568 towards Ferta. The Devil's Punch Bowl is about 5 kilometers down this road. Look for a small parking area near the site. Parking is free.
Public Transport

To reach the Devil's Punch Bowl via public transport, take a bus from Killarney to Kenmare. From Kenmare, you can take a taxi or local shuttle service to Ferta. Confirm the availability of these services in advance. A taxi from Kenmare to the Devil's Punch Bowl will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Taxi fares may vary.

Discover more about Devil's Punch Bowl

High in the mountains of County Kerry, near Killarney, lies the enigmatically named Devil's Punch Bowl. This corrie lake, a remnant of the Ice Age, sits on the north side of Mangerton Mountain, approximately 700 meters above sea level. The lake's depth and steep sides give it a dramatic, bowl-like appearance.Local legend says the lake's name comes from a tale of the Devil and the Chief of the O'Donoghue clan. They say the two shared drinks by the lake, argued, and the Devil threw a chunk of the mountain at O'Donoghue, forming Devil's Island in Muckross Lake. Others suggest the name derives from 'Poll an Ifrinn' (Hole of Hell).The Devil's Punch Bowl is the source of the Owengarriff River, which flows down Mangerton Mountain and over Torc Mountain, creating the beautiful Torc Waterfall. The area offers various trails for hikers of all levels, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From the summit, you can see the Lakes of Killarney and the Magillicuddy's Reeks. The vibrant landscape changes with the seasons, offering new experiences throughout the year.