Cardiac Steps

KillarneyGuide.ie: Cardiac Steps Torc Mountain Killarney


There’s never a dull moment on any trip up the steps of Cardiac Hill in Killarney. For those not familiar with this trail, it is a not-so-gentle ascent up the slopes of Torc Mountain, just a few kilometres outside of Killarney town. The steep rise up through hundreds of steps brings great rewards to the walker or trail runner with panoramic vistas throughout the trail. If you need a break en route, you can take your pick of the great views of the Lakes of Killarney, McGillycuddy Reeks and the rest of Killarney National Park.

How to Get There

There are a number of different options for ascending Torc and this particular trail will not bring you to the top if it’s a summit route you’re after. However, it is a relatively short route that will give you a great return on your investment up those famous steps. Warning! the steps of Cardiac Hill are not for the faint hearted and will have you huffing and puffing in no time so bear that in mind before you set out.

My favourite approach to this trail is to start from the small car park on the N71 (see map) just beyond the main car park at Torc mountain.

Cross the road and follow the trail to the right. Continue along this rolling pathway for about 5 minutes and watch out for the sign on the left which marks the start of the steps.
View Cardiac Hill Killarney National ParkBeware of some distractions like this on the way…. you may miss the sign!

An alternative starting point at the Dinis Car Park will bring you to the steps earlier if you want to get straight to it! For those more interested in going for a run on a flatter route, check out some of the best 5k runs of Killarney National Park.

So off we go up the steps. The talking will stop pretty quickly after this! It’s a slow steady ascent but there’s a lovely character to the steps that makes it an interesting climb rather than a tedious slog.

KillarneyGuide.ie: Steps of Cardiac Hil, Killarney National Park

Soon after, the steps are joined by a rope and pole banister for the rest of the journey. Well weathered at this stage, the rope melts into the trail and is a welcome addition at certain junctions.

There are a number of dark, cool sections of the trail – a stark reminder of the presence of the rhododendron plants on the hillside. The constant battle to rid the park of these plants is evident throughout the trail with the felled plants laid to rest on the paths edges. As you ascend the trail, it is hard to resist the urge to look over your shoulder. Try not to. Ah go on so…


What Goes Up, Must Come Down

Once the steps are over, the trail levels out nicely and you now begin to traverse the northern  face of Torc.
KillarneyGuide.ie: Torc Mountain Shelter Killarney National ParkThe lakes and the town to your left, the steep slopes to the summit to your right. Peppered along the way are some stunning lookout posts and even a nice shelter if needed.

The steps now lead you gently back down through the forest giving the knees a new set of instructions to follow for a change. Before long, you emerge into a wider forest trail and leave the steps behind you.

Woodland Trail Torc Mountain Killarney National Park

At this point, you will reach a junction where you can head to Torc waterfall and descend to the main car park or you can take a left and descend via a gravel path to where we parked at the start. If you do descend via the waterfall, you can still return to your start point but it will add a little bit to your journey.  If you want to try out some easier walks around Killarney (without the hundreds of ascending steps….), check out 5 easy walks under 5km.

Well worth the huff and puff, Cardiac Hill pays you back in spades for the sweaty investment at the start of the trail. You get a view like this just after you finish the steps. Nice!

View from Cardiac Hill, Torc Killarney


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