Tomies Wood: A Mythical Woodland Escape

Discover ancient oak woodlands, cascading waterfalls, and mythical legends in the heart of Killarney National Park at Tomies Wood.

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Tomies Wood

Tomies Wood, nestled on the slopes of Tomies Mountain along Lough Leane's shore, offers a tranquil escape into ancient oak woodlands. With trails leading to the stunning O'Sullivan's Cascade, it's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a touch of Irish mythology.

A brief summary to Tomies Wood

Tomies Wood, Co. Kerry, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tomies Wood.

Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the car park has limited spaces and fills up quickly.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, as the trails are unsurfaced and can be slippery, especially after rain.
Bring a raincoat, as the weather in Kerry can be unpredictable.
Keep dogs on a leash, as Tomies Wood is part of Killarney National Park.
Take all rubbish with you, as there are no bins in Tomies Wood.

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Getting There

Driving

From Killarney, take the N72 towards Killorglin. After passing Fossa village, turn left onto the L4040, signposted for the Gap of Dunloe. Continue for 2.5 km, crossing the River Laune, then turn left at the T-junction. Follow this road until you reach the Tomies Wood car park on the right, just before a small bridge. Parking is free, but spaces are limited. The car park is open from 08:00 to 18:00. Note that the car park can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Limited parking may be available near the barrier.
Public Transport

The 279A bus route stops near Tomies Wood. Check the Moovit app for the latest bus schedules and fare information. From the bus stop, follow the road to the Tomies Wood car park.
Walking

If you are staying locally, you can walk to Tomies Wood. For example, it is approximately a 40-minute walk from Inveraray Farm B&B. From the B&B, walk past the Dunloe Ogham Stones to reach the access point for Tomies Wood.

Discover more about Tomies Wood

Tomies Wood, part of Killarney National Park, is a captivating woodland steeped in history and legend. Located at the base of Tomies Mountain on the southern shore of Lough Leane, it provides a scenic escape into nature.The wood primarily features oak and holly trees, with a section of pine trees higher up the trail. The forest floor is covered in moss, and various streams and small waterfalls flow from the mountain into the lake. Keep an eye out for sika and red deer, red squirrels, and pine martens. The diverse birdlife includes blue tits, wrens, chaffinches, and robins.Tomies Wood is intertwined with Irish mythology, said to have been the summer hunting grounds of Fionn MacCumhaill and his warriors, the Fianna. Legend says that the cairns on Tomies Mountain mark the burial place of an ancient Irish chieftain. O'Sullivan's Cascade is named after the last O'Sullivan Mór, who died at Tomies House in 1762.The highlight of Tomies Wood is O'Sullivan's Cascade, a stunning waterfall. Legend has it that the cascade once flowed with whiskey for Fionn MacCumhaill.Visitors can enjoy two main trails: a looped walk (6 km, 1.5-3 hours) and a shorter out-and-back trail to O'Sullivan's Cascade (3 km, 45 minutes - 1.5 hours). The trails are family-friendly, with the loop offering views of Lough Leane, Ross Castle, and the surrounding mountains.