Minister's Fall (Tomies Wood)

Minister's Fall in Tomies Wood offers one of Ireland's more atmospheric flying settings — a clearing at the far end of the walking track through an ancient oak forest, looking out over Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Launching from the park itself is not permitted under park rules, but flying above the park is fine, and there's a specific launch clearing outside the park boundary that the club uses. This is a committed site: it's a 4 km, roughly 1 hour hike each way, top-landing is essentially the only option (unless you commit to an XC), and the alternative is a lake landing — which has real risks.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is a clear field at the far end of the Tomies Wood walking track. Long walk in (~1 hour, 4 km along a well-maintained off-road track) from the parking. Launch looks out over Lough Leane to the north and east.

Getting there & local rules

From Killarney head to Tomies Wood (near the Gap of Dunloe). Drive as far as possible towards Tomies Wood, park, and walk through the farmyard. The first house belongs to the local landowner — a friendly man; if you meet him, share your intentions and ask permission. Walk from there to the takeoff at the far end of the wood via the lower road; the loop is the same distance whichever way you go. Landing: top-landing is essentially the only option unless you commit to an XC — the shown LZ is the car park itself. Local fields are flat but strung with power lines. If wind picks up, fly south along the edge of the lake and land near a spot known as the 'Meeting of the Waters', close to Dinish Cottage. Landing in the bowl of the big mountains behind is also possible.

Local rules & hazards

Launching FROM Killarney National Park is not permitted under the park's rules — takeoff is from the field outside the park boundary. Flying above the park is allowed. Site sits 200 m INSIDE the Kerry ATC zone (which stretches north). Watch the lake surface for signs of wind increase; wind at the top of the bigger mountain behind is usually 10 km/h stronger than at launch. Do NOT bottom-land in the lake — real risk of drowning. Do NOT take off from the park lands themselves.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Minister's Fall (Tomies Wood), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Minister's Fall (Tomies Wood) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.