Climb Carrauntoohil with Kerry’s Leading Guiding Company
The MacGillycuddy Reeks are Ireland’s highest mountains and include the only three peaks in Ireland over 1000 metres, Carrauntoohil 1039 metres, Beenkeragh at 1010mtrs and Caher 1001 metres.
Departure time: 9.30am For Carrauntoohil
Climbing Carrauntoohil is a challenging day out with a good choice of routes to the Summit total distance is 12km with 900m ascent. When we meet at the starting point, I discuss the route with you and the team in order to plan the most enjoyable route for your day trip.
We offer local experienced mountain guides. During your climb we will offer you local knowledge and information on this truly spectacular place. We “ let the others rush “ You will be provided with excellent stories and great encouragement and guidance during your ascent of the mountain , Climbing Carrauntoohil requires a good level of fitness as this a return hikes duration of 6/7 hours.You will require suitable footwear and clothing, a packed lunch and be ready for an adventure! All routes will be discussed on the morning of Climb and a decision will be made for best route for you.
Route Options
The Devils Ladder (Difficult/Strenuous):
6 hrs, 12km. The direct ascent route to the summit of Carrauntoohil offers panoramic views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks for your enjoyment.
Brother O’Shea’s Gully (Strenuous):
A Strenuous route – 6/7 hrs and 13km. This scenic and interesting routes takes you through over hanging valleys and mountain lakes. Recommended for more experienced walkers.
Hags Tooth Ridge (Challenging):
A Strenuous graded route – 7/8 hrs 15km. This scrambling route for the adventurous walker takes in Irelands 2 highest peaks –Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh. This route offers a great day out scrambling on airy and adventurous ridge climb.
Price from €30 – €55. Call for Quote.
Do give us a call for rates for your group and itinerary on + 353 87 239 9789
Safety and environmental concerns:
- Caution is advisable on all mountain terrain.
- Walking boots and rain gear are advisable as weather can be unpredictable.
- The walking trail can be wet and slippery after heavy rainfall, caution advised.
- As this is private land and clients must adhere to Country Code, no dogs, no litter.
- We adhere to the “Leave No Trace” anti-litter and environmental protection campaign.
- It is advisable to carry extra layers/clothing for this walk particularly on summit.
- Hats and gloves are advisable all year round. No Jeans
- Water, food and snacks are important.
- Sunscreen!
We are an award winning guiding company and we really want you to enjoy this experience during the duration of your day. You will receive expert knowledge and information on this truly unique mountainous area.
The Ridge of The Reeks Experience
If you have experienced Carrauntoohil, why not try scrambling with us on the Eastern Reeks. This challenging climb is great fun and totally absorbing.
The Eastern Reeks Experience offers a wonderful outing that is mostly enjoyed in splendid isolation by discerning but for experienced hillwalkers.We ascend a long and increasingly steep slope to the summit, known locally the Zig Zag’s heading east along the ridge passing the summits of Cnoc an Toinne(845m), Cnoc an Chullinn (926m) to Maolan Bui (973m) Cnoc na Péiste (973m) The Big Gun (939m), Cruach Mór (932m), on the Eastern Reeks .We start from Cronin’s Yard, which offers cozy tearooms, pods for rent and a campsite.
On this climb we cross to the knife edge ridge that leads from Conc na Peiste to Cruach Mor. It could be regarded as the most difficult to reach of Ireland’s major mountaintops.
This spectacular ridge climb will take us over 6 peaks of the Mac Gillycuddy’s Reeks, and offers an unforgettable 360 degree vista over Kerry’s famous mountains, lakes and Valleys.
Winter Snow Climb Experience
During the Winter months we get some snow fall in the months of Dec/Jan /Feb /March. This is a fun experience. Give us a call for updates on any snow experience ascents.
The Reeks Walk – 11 peaks (long day!)
Height: 6000 feet
Duration: Allow approx 8/12 hours
This amazing hike starts in the Glencar area, taking in 11 peaks with a 6000 ft accent during a long amazing day. With a few knife edge ridges and hands-on scrambling, finishing in the Gap of Dunloe on the door step of the famous Kate Kearney’s Cottage where a well-deserved pint of Guinness or Irish coffee awaits you along with some hearty food.
First leg of the climb is Caher west (970m) then on to Caher Summit (1001m ), Carrauntoohil (1039m), Cnoc na Toinne (845m ), Choc na Chuillinn (958m) , Maolan Bui (973m) , Cnoc na Peista (983m), The Big Gun (939m), Chruach Mhoir (932m ). Cnoc na Phraca (760m ), Strickeen (450m ).
CoomLoughra Horseshoe
Height: 1039 metres
Duration: 6/7 hours
Distance: 15 k
Moderate to difficult, some scrambling
Another amazing day taking in the 3 highest peaks in the Reeks. Caher (1001m), Carrauntoohil (1039m) and Beenkeragh (1010m). This is an amazing horseshoe, one of the finest in Ireland & UK.
Book this walk
Gap of Dunloe & Purple Mountains
Duration: 4/5 Hrs
Height: 832 metres
Any walking holiday in Ireland must include a trek up the Purple Mountain (832m). One of Kerry’s best walking trails this guided walk promises to make an impression. Beginning with a steep climb up from the Head of the Gap in the Famous Gap of Dunloe where you will be greeted by a spectacular views from the summit of Purple From there we climb to the summit of Tomies at 735m with views of the Killarney Lakes and valley where we decide our descent to the famous Gap of Dunloe and Kate Kearneys Cottage for the Coffee !!
Brandon Mountain Range
Duration: 4/6 hrs
Height: 952 metres
Another beautiful area in the Dingle Peninsula. Again there are several different routes to the summit of Mount Brandon. Fabulous views of the Dingle Area & the Maherees.
Book this walk
Mangerton Mountain
Height: 839 metres
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: Moderate
At a height of 839m (2753ft ) it is the tallest of the Margerton range. Its western slopes are within the Killarney National Park.
Enclosed within the massif is a deep u-shaped valley called Glencappul or Horses Glen. A short distance from the summit to the north is the Devils Punchbowl. An oval shaped hollow with a lock in the Middle . This is a fabulous walk with amazing views of Killarney town and Lakes.
Book this walk
Torc Mountain
Height: 525 metres
Duration: 2-3 hours
Grade: Moderate
An extremely popular and scenic 2/3 hour, 5/8km walking route to the summit which is 525 metres high with amazing views of Killarney National Park, Killarney Lakes, Killarney town, Muckross house and Mcgillycuddy Reeks mountain range. This walk can start at Torc Waterfall or the upper car park. Torc is 8km from Killarney town.
Gap of Dunloe Hike & Boat Trip
The Gap of Dunloe is a magnificent Hike running four miles between the McGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple mountain to the Black Valley At the entrance to the gap is a famous cottage, named after a woman called Kate Kearney
Having arrived at the cottage we then commence the seven mile journey through the Gap to Lord Brandon’s cottage on foot, where a light lunch can be obtained. There is lots of evidence of glacial action in the Gap, Start Time 9.30am
The towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple and Tomies mountains, the silence and solitude of the rugged glen – all combine to make an unforgettable impression upon the visitor. The boats depart from Brandon Cottage approx 1.45pm and arrive later in the afternoon at Ross Castle having come through the three lakes of Killarney. On this section of the tour you will be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. Email us for more info Cost etc
C47 Crash site in The Reeks
On December 16th 1943, five airmen of the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) took off from Port Lyautey, Morocco, bound for St Mawgan in the United Kingdom. They were the first of 12 aircraft from the flight to depart. Over nine and a half hours later, 11 aircraft had reached England. One aircraft, was however missing.
And so things remained until 3rd February 1944, when a local farmer from the Meallis Beaufort area of Kerry reported to Gardai, that he had found human remains on the mountains. A search was immediately mounted and a team of military drawn from the 15th Infantry Battalion went up the mountain and found the sad remains of an aircraft and five men. From papers found on the bodies and among the wreckage, five names were identified and these were reported back to the Army superiors. These in turn then were reported to the US legation in Dublin who immediately wired the information to the USAAF.
This Hike to crash site and see remaining engine & location of the Wing in the nearby lake
Walk with Thomas O Sullivan, Local Historian
Book a walk with Thomas on The Old Bog Road to Strickeen in the famous Gap of Dunloe. Thomas is a self-taught musician. He plays the Uilleann Pipes, Bodhrán & Percussion, Piano and Strings.
Learn the skills of Bodhrán, Bones and/or Spoons – Ireland’s traditional percussion instruments.
Thomas has a vast knowledge of Local History, Legends, Stories, Songs and Music of the Magillicuddy Reeks – Na Cruacha Dubha.
Ireland’s Ultimate Bucket List Adventure
The Reeks District Big Five is a selection of the biggest, best and most thrilling adventures Ireland has to offer.
The Reeks District is where Ireland’s highest mountains meet the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, providing an awesome backdrop for you to climb, paddle, bike, surf and SUP as you take on this action-packed adventure.
Guided Walks & Hikes in Kerry
We have a range of guided walks, climbs and hikes in the Kerry mountains. Choose from any of the following routes to suit all levels of fitness and experience or get in touch here so we can customise a walk for you.
Gift vouchers available
Click on the image on the right to enquire about our gift vouchers!
How much does it cost?
Our prices range from €30 to €55 per person. Special prices for family days out or small to medium groups.Please contact us for a free quote.
All Day Trips will include a Photo CD with images of our trip.
