Derrycunnihy Wood and Falls Walk

This walk explores Derrycunnihy Wood and Derrycunnihy Falls in Killarney National Park, following forest paths through one of the park’s quieter woodland areas close to the Upper Lake. The route runs through native woodland typical of the south-west, where oak, birch, holly and yew grow in a sheltered, humid environment shaped by high rainfall.
The woodland is notable for its Atlantic character, with moss-covered boulders, ferns and lichens abundant along the paths.... Sections of the trail run beside the Derrycunnihy River as it flows through a narrow valley, with the sound of moving water guiding the approach towards the falls. The setting is enclosed and shaded, giving the walk a distinctly tranquil atmosphere.
Derrycunnihy Falls is formed where the river descends over a series of rocky steps rather than a single vertical drop, creating a broad cascade framed by dense vegetation. Viewing points along the path allow clear views of the water as it moves through the gorge, particularly after periods of rain when the flow is strongest. The surrounding woodland supports typical woodland birds and invertebrates associated with wet Atlantic forests.
The wood is also grazed by two kinds of deer; all year round by the Japanese Sika Deer introduced in the 19th century and in winter by the native Red Deer from the open hills.
The area forms part of the wider protected landscape of Killarney National Park, recognised for its native woodland and freshwater habitats. This short woodland walk combines shaded forest paths, river scenery and a waterfall feature within a quiet section of the park. You can continue your walking by heading west to visit Ladies View.

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Nearby Routes

Ladies View Killarney Walk Muckross Lake Lough Leane And Ross Castle Walk Torc Waterfall Torc Mountain Gap of Dunloe Lough Guitane Lough Leane And Ross Castle Carrauntoohil Killarney to Kenmare Old Road Walk Devil's Punchbowl Mangerton Walk Governor’s Rock Killarney Walk Tomies Wood Walk Barley Lake Glengarriff Derrycunnihy Wood and Falls Walk

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Black Valley church. This church used to serve the whole of the Black Valley, an area of sparse population, with people walking up to 7 miles each way to attend. In recent years it has been closed and boarded up and a newer facility built in the valley itself.

Ring of Kerry

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