Blue Pool Woods

As a child I was often taken for rambles through Killarney’s Blue Pool Woods. So in a moment of nostalgia I veered off course from my normal Sunday runs and headed instead for this hidden gem. Located 3 kilometers out the main Muckross Road turn right just after Molly Darcy’s Pub and the wood's entrance is found on the left hand side of this road along with limited parking space.

On entering the woods we were completely cocooned by the rooftop canopy keeping the autumn showers at bay. The circular paths take you across wooden bridges up small inclines, into green glens and through un-managed forestry. Those that can manage to keep quiet enough may even catch glimpses of the local wildlife such as ducks, badgers, kingfishers and deer. The wood gets it name from a small pool off the beaten track that appears to be blue due to the minerals in its waters. The walks in here are short and probably suited as more of a filler to an adventure packed calendar. My day was finished off with a meal in Kayne’s Bistro at the Dromhall Hotel, highly recommend the Early Bird Menu at €25 for 4 courses it’s a steal!

Linda Cussen
Randles Hotels