Overview
Tomies Mountain, known locally by its Irish name An Chathair, stands at 735 m (2,411 ft) as the northern peak of the Purple Mountain Group within Killarney National Park, County Kerry. Built from distinctive Old Red Sandstone, the mountain shares the range’s characteristic purple-red hue. While the summit rewards experienced hillwalkers with expansive views, most visitors experience Tomies through the Tomies Wood Loop Walk, a well-marked 6 km circuit that climbs through ancient oak woodland, skirts the edge of Lough Leane, and passes a dramatic waterfall before returning through the forest. The route is rated easy to moderate, making it a popular choice for families and casual walkers looking to step away from the main tourist trails.
The Walk: Tomies Wood Loop
The loop is primarily a gravel track, meaning navigation is straightforward and the footing is generally reliable. From the new car park near the head of the Gap of Dunloe, the path winds northward through a canopy of mature oaks, many of which are remnants of the primeval woodlands that once stretched across the island. After roughly three kilometres, you’ll reach O’Sullivan’s Cascade, a tiered waterfall that tumbles into a clear pool. Local walkers often argue it outshines the more famous Torc Waterfall when fed by recent rain. The track continues past the cascade, crosses the North Bridge, and follows the shoreline before looping back via the South Bridge. Most walkers complete the circuit in 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how long they linger at the viewpoints.
Route Options & Wayfinding
If you prefer a longer challenge, you can extend the walk by climbing the ridge toward the main Purple Mountain peak, a route that requires careful wayfinding and sturdy boots due to loose scree and narrow spines. For a cultural detour, leave the main loop at the halfway point and follow forest tracks through dense rhododendron to the eastern slopes of Shehy Mountain. This path descends to the shoreline of Lough Leane, where you’ll find the stone ruins of Glena Cottage and the nearby Dinis Cottage, a traditional thatched building that often serves as a quiet resting spot for tea or coffee.
History & Legend
Long before “Purple Mountain” became the common English name in the 19th century, the entire massif was known as Tomies. Irish scholar Paul Tempan traces the name to Tuamaidhe, meaning “two burial cairns on the summit.” Those stone cairns still sit atop the peak today, and local folklore claims they mark the resting place of an ancient chieftain. The surrounding woods are also woven into Ireland’s mythological tapestry, traditionally regarded as the summer hunting grounds of Fionn mac Cumhaill and his band of warrior-hunters, the Fianna. Walking beneath the canopy, the stories of legendary pursuits and ancient burials feel less like footnotes and more like part of the landscape itself.
What to See Along the Trail
- Ancient Oak Woodland – The lower slopes host a protected oak forest with a rich understory of heather, ferns, and rhododendron. The trees provide shelter and a cooler microclimate, especially noticeable in midsummer.
- O’Sullivan’s Cascade – Positioned roughly halfway along the loop, the waterfall is best viewed from the viewing platform near the pool. Bring a rain jacket if you plan to stand close to the spray.
- Summit Cairns – For those who press on past the woodland loop, the ridge walk to the summit offers uninterrupted views east over the Killarney Lakes and west toward the dramatic peaks of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
- Glena Cottage Ruins – Built in the early 1800s by Lord and Lady Kenmare as a retreat for friends and visitors, the cottage gained notoriety after Queen Victoria dined there in 1861. It was burned during the War of Independence in 1922 and never rebuilt, leaving only weathered stone walls reclaimed by the forest.
Practical Information
- Distance & Time – 6 km loop; 1.5–3 hours at a leisurely pace.
- Elevation – Approximately 227 m (750 ft) of total ascent.
- Parking – A dedicated car park with 28 spaces sits at the trailhead. It fills quickly during peak season and weekends, so aim to arrive before 10 am.
- Dogs – Welcome on the trail but must be kept on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds and livestock.
- Accessibility – The main gravel loop is suitable for most walkers and some robust pushchairs, though the surface becomes uneven near the cascade and bridges. Wheelchair users may find the incline and gravel challenging.
- Facilities – No toilets or shops on the trail itself. Water and light refreshments are available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage café (seasonal) and the trailhead car park. Pack snacks and layers, as the ridge can be windy and damp.
- Best Season – Open year-round. Spring brings vibrant rhododendron blooms, while autumn offers golden oak foliage. Winter walkers should carry traction aids for icy patches near the waterfall.
Getting There
From Killarney town, follow the N71 west toward the Gap of Dunloe. Signage directs you to the Tomies Wood car park just past Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Public transport is limited in this section of the park, so most visitors drive or hire a traditional jaunting car from the cottage to reach the trailhead. After finishing the loop, you can easily walk back to the lakeside or continue exploring the wider national park network. Check the ActiveME guide for downloadable GPX files and detailed route maps if you prefer to navigate with a phone or GPS device.