Cardiac Hill: Map, Parking + Trail Guide

Cardiac Hill in Killarney is a tough, 4.5km looped trail that takes 1 – 1.5 hours to complete.

You can start the walk from one of several car parks, but I find that the one plotted on the map below is the safest, as it doesn’t require you to walk along the N71 road.

The big challenge with this trail is provided by the Cardiac Hill steps (there are hundreds of them) and how slippy the trail gets in places. Full guide below!

Some quick need-to-knows about the Cardiac Hill walk

It’s important that you take 30 seconds or so familiarising yourself with the parking situation and the trailhead. You’ll get the lay of the land from our Cardiac Hill map above.

1. Location

‘Cardiac Hill’ is a nickname for Killarney’s Huntsman’s Hill. It’s located a 10-minute drive outside Killarney Town. If you’re wondering where it gets the name, it’s from the ‘Cardiac steps’ which require plenty of huffing-and-puffing to conquer!

2. Parking

There’s a couple of places to park for this walk, but I’d strongly recommend parking in the spot shown on the map above here. The reason for this is that you’ll only have to cross the busy N71 (Ring of Kerry route). If you park in the car park across from the trail head, you’ll have to walk along the N71, which isn’t safe.

3. How long it takes

If you follow the 4.5km Red Trail up Cardiac Hill and take the route on the map above, it’ll take you between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on pace.

4. Difficulty 

The Cardiac Steps are tough going. They also get slippy after rainfall, which adds to the difficulty. A good level of fitness is required for this as well as decent walking shoes. If you’d prefer an easier trail, see our Killarney walks guide.

An overview of the Cardiac Steps trail

I’ve broken up the different sections of the trail below, to hopefully make it a little easier for you. Pay particular care when crossing the road to/from the car park, as cars fly here.

Also, hopefully it’ll go without saying that decent footwear, a bottle of water and some snacks, if you fancy, are all necessary. 

Section 1: The start of the trail

Once you’ve parked up (or locked up your bike!), you’ll want to make your way across the N71 road to the start of the trail.

If you refer back to our Cardiac Hill map above, you’ll see the where the trail begins (keep an eye out for the red arrows!).

You need to follow the trail that moves parallel to the N71 road. This part of the trail is approx. 1.4km and takes around 20 minutes to walk.

Section 2: The start of the climb

Keep on going and you’ll eventually reach a left turn that takes you through some dense foliage that surrounds you on both sides.

You’ll soon reach the start of the steps. There are hundreds of them to conquer, but there’s a rope-style handrail there that you can use if needed.

The climb is only about 450 metres, but the incline makes it taxing. Expect this section to take you around 30 minutes.

Section 3: Level ground and Torc Waterfall

After leaving the steps behind, you’ll have some nice level, gravely path to saunter along, which will give the legs a welcome break.

Keep an eye out for gaps in the trees as you stroll, as you can soak up some views of the surrounding area from this section of the walk.

Now, you’ll be presented with an opportunity to deviate off of the red trail and walk to the summit of Torc Mountain. For the purpose of this guide, we’re going to stick to Cardiac Hill.

Continue on and you will start to descend (you can’t miss the steps). You’ll then head down towards Torc Waterfall and back across the N71 to the car park.

Things to do near the Cardiac trail

If you fancy a post Cardiac Steps feed, there are some great restaurants in Killarney to nip into (The Mad Monk, Porterhouse and Bricín are three great options).

If you want to continue exploring, here are some suggestions:

1. Killarney National Park (7-minute drive): Home to Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and Muckross House
2. Ladies View (13-minute drive): A mountain pass that offers views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks
3. Moll’s Gap (21-minute drive): A mountain pass that offers views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks
4. The Gap of Dunloe (26-minute drive): A famous mountain pass between Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddys
5. The Black Valley (48-minute drive): A famous mountain pass between Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddys