Overview
Tomies Mountain, also known by its Irish name An Chathair, rises to 735 m (2,411 ft) and forms the northern peak of the Purple Mountain Group in Killarney National Park, County Kerry. The mountain is composed of the distinctive Old Red Sandstone that gives the whole range its purple‑reddish hue. From its summit you enjoy sweeping eastward vistas over the main Killarney Lakes, with the dramatic MacGillycuddy’s Reeks visible on the horizon.
The most accessible way to experience Tomies is the Tomies Wood Loop Walk, a well‑marked 6‑km (approximately 7 km according to some guides) circuit that weaves through ancient oak‑filled woodlands, skirts the shore of Lough Leane and passes the spectacular O’Sullivan’s Cascade. The route is rated easy‑to‑moderate and is especially popular with families.
Tomies sits just off the main Ring of Kerry scenic drive, making it an easy side‑trip for motorists exploring the famous loop.
History & Background
Historically the whole massif was referred to as Tomies (or Tomish/Toomish) long before the 19th‑century English name “Purple Mountain” became common. Irish scholar Paul Tempan notes that the name derives from the Irish Tuamaidhe, meaning “two burial cairns on the summit”, a reference to the stone cairns that still crown Tomies today. Legend has it that the cairns mark the burial place of an ancient chieftain, and that the mountain and its surrounding woods were the summer hunting grounds of Fionn McChoumhaill and the Fianna.
What to See & Do
- Tomies Wood – The loop traverses a primeval oak forest that is a remnant of the ancient woodlands that once covered much of Ireland. The under‑storey is a mix of heather, rhododendron and native shrubs.
- O’Sullivan’s Cascade – A picturesque waterfall that many visitors claim rivals the more famous Torc Waterfall when in full flow. The cascade drops into a clear pool and provides an ideal photo stop.
- Cairns on the Summit – At the top of Tomies you will find a large stone cairn that offers a 360° panorama of Lough Leane, the Gap of Dunloe and the Reeks. The cairn is also the focal point of the ancient burial‑cairn legend.
- Alternative Southern Detour – Half‑way through the loop, walkers can leave the main path, enter a dense rhododendron forest and descend the eastern slopes of Shehy Mountain to the ruins of Glena Cottage on the shore of Lough Leane. The cottage, built by Lord and Lady Kenmare in the early 19th century, was visited by Queen Victoria in 1861 before being destroyed in 1922. The ruins are a poignant reminder of Kerry’s aristocratic past.
- Dinis Cottage – After exploring Glena Cottage, the route continues to the historic Dinis Cottage, a cosy spot where many walkers pause for tea before re‑joining the main loop.
Flora & Fauna
The oak canopy on Tomies is interspersed with native heather and a colourful understory of rhododendron, especially vivid in late spring. Birdwatchers may spot the rare red‑billed chough and occasional buzzard soaring above the ridge. Small mammals such as Irish hares and the occasional red squirrel can be glimpsed in the quieter sections of the wood.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring – New heather buds and rhododendron blossoms create a splash of pink and purple along the trail.
- Summer – Longer daylight hours make the full 6 km loop comfortable for families; the cascade is at its strongest after summer showers.
- Autumn – Golden foliage frames the lake views, and the cairns take on a dramatic silhouette against the setting sun.
- Winter – The walk remains open, but icy patches near the cascade can be slippery; sturdy boots are advisable.
Practical Information
Tomies Wood Loop is designed as a marked gravel path, so navigation is straightforward. The loop starts at a new car park near the head of the Gap of Dunloe; the car park provides 28 parking spaces, so arriving early in the high season is advisable.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 6 km (≈ 7 km on some maps) |
| Estimated time | 1.5 – 3 hours (average 1 h 38 min) |
| Elevation gain | 227 m (≈ 750 ft) |
| Parking | 28 spaces, free (first‑come, first‑served) |
| Access point | Kate Kearney’s Cottage (head of the Gap of Dunloe) |
| Alternative transport | Jaunting‑car from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to the Head of the Gap |
| Route highlights | O’Sullivan’s Cascade, Tomies summit cairn, Glena Cottage ruins, Dinis Cottage |
The loop can be started from Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a historic thatched cottage at the southern end of the Gap of Dunloe. From there, follow the marked gravel track northwards through the woods, cross the North Bridge, continue past the cascade, and return via the South Bridge. The southern detour to Glena Cottage is optional but adds a cultural dimension to the walk.
Navigation notes: The main loop is clearly sign‑posted, but the southern detour involves a network of forest tracks; a basic map (OSI Discovery Series No 78) or a GPS app will help keep you on the intended path. The cairns on the summit are easy to spot, and the ridge between Tomies and Purple Mountain is a narrow, rocky spine that can be traversed by more experienced walkers seeking a longer ridge walk.
Facilities: There are no permanent facilities on the loop itself. Water is available at the car park and at Kate Kearney’s Cottage (café open seasonally). Pack a small snack if you plan to linger at the summit or at the cascade.
Dog policy: Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and other walkers. (Please confirm current policy.)
Accessibility: The main loop is suitable for most walkers, though some sections near the cascade can be uneven. Wheelchair users may find the path challenging due to gravel and occasional rocky steps.
Best time to visit: The loop is open year‑round. Spring brings a burst of heather and rhododendron colour, while autumn offers golden foliage over the lake. The waterfall is most impressive after rain, when the flow is strongest.
Safety: The terrain is generally gentle, but some sections near the cascade are slick when wet. The summit cairn area can be windy; a sturdy pair of boots is recommended for the rocky sections.
Getting there: From Killarney town, take the N71 west to the Gap of Dunloe, then follow signs to Kate Kearney’s Cottage (grid reference GR V 88.09 88.78). Public transport is limited; most visitors arrive by car or via a jaunting‑car hired from the cottage.
Nearby attractions: After completing the Tomies loop, consider extending your day with a short walk to Purple Mountain for a higher ridge experience, or a leisurely stroll around Lough Leane to soak in the lake scenery.
For more detailed route maps and downloadable GPX files, see the Tomies Wood Walk page on ActiveME: Tomies Wood Loop Walk.