Gleninchaquin Park: The Park, The Walks and The Waterfall

Carved out by glaciers over 70,000 years ago, Gleninchaquin Park is a long, narrow valley with roaring waterfalls, mirror-like lakes, and ancient oak woodlands, all backed by the brooding Caha Mountains.

Tucked away on the Beara Peninsula a short spin from Kenmare, this privately owned working farm has been transformed into a paradise for walkers.

Whether you fancy a lazy riverside ramble or a full-day mountain hike, the park’s six well-marked trails offer something for all levels.

Visiting Gleninchaquin Park

Although a visit to Gleninchaquin Park near Kenmare is pretty straightforward, there’s a couple of need-to-knows that’ll make your trip that bit more enjoyable.

1. Admission

The park owners ask for a fee of €7 for adults and €5 for children to enter the park. The remote location means that there are no card facilities available, so you’ll have to remember to take some cash with you to pay. 

2. Opening hours

The park is open each day from 10am until 5pm, although they are usually closed for the colder, winter months until March (make sure to check opening hours in advance of your visit).

3. For anyone with limited mobility

If you have limited mobility, you’ll still be able to view the waterfalls close up. It’s possible to drive further in and park closer to some of the viewing areas where you’ll also find plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the view. There are also toilet facilities for those with mobility issues.

4. Dogs

Dogs are welcome at the park as long as you keep them on a lead at all times. There are grazing livestock roaming around the park, so it’s best to keep your pets close to you during your entire visit.

About Gleninchaquin Park

Gleninchaquin Park is a long narrow valley formed by glaciation about 70, 000 years ago. Little about the geography has changed since, with spectacular waterfalls that feed into lakes, green meadows and woodlands and surrounding rugged mountains.  

The park area is privately owned and still a working farm, except that it’s been open to the public with some incredible walking trails that you’re welcome to explore.

There are six designated walks, with some suitable for people of all ages, while others more ideal for serious hikers. 

There are also refreshments and home baking treats available in the park, as well as toilets, parking and picnic facilities. 

Gleninchaquin Park walks

There are six designated walks in Gleninchaquin Park, ranging from short and easy strolls to long, challenging hikes.

1. The Farm Walk

This 1-hour loop walk starts at the waterfall car park and follows a yellow-marked trail through open fields, past grazing sheep, old sessile oaks, and working farm buildings. Along the way, you’ll spot waterfalls and end at a great spot for a picnic and a dip in the rock pools.

2. The River Walk

The River Walk is a 40-minute loop starting opposite the reception car park. This narrow path follows streams and waterfalls via footbridges and handrails. Keep an eye out for wagtails, dippers, wildflowers, and fungi.

3. The Heritage Trail

This 90-minute loop takes you past the restored 18th-century Famine Cottage, old stone enclosures, and up to a viewpoint over the valley. Ends with a string of waterfalls and pools on the descent.

4. The Waterfall Walk

This 115-minute loop walk is a steeper version of the Heritage Trail, with a climb to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Cummenaloughaun before descending beside the main waterfall via carved rock steps.

5. The Upper Valley Walk

This 9.5km walk follows a route around Lake Cummenaloughaun for experienced hikers. No marked trail around the lake—keep it on your left. Descend beside the waterfall and finish on the River Walk.

6. The Boundaries Walk

This option is a 14.5km, 7-hour loop for seasoned hikers, taking in the park’s outer boundary and the high ridges of the Caha Mountains. Wild, challenging, and unforgettable on a clear day.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of Gleninchaquin Park is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Kerry, like:

• Beara Peninsula: A 130km coastal loop that runs from Kenmare to Glengarriff, offering raw, dramatic scenery and far fewer crowds than the Ring of Kerry
• Healy Pass: A winding mountain road linking Lauragh and Adrigole with hairpin bends and sweeping views
• Dursey Island: A remote island reached by Ireland’s only cable car
• Bonane Heritage Park: A family-friendly 2km loop walk through one of Ireland’s richest archaeological sites