Conquering Carrauntoohil: The Summit of Ireland's Tallest Peak
Hiking the heights of County Kerry? Then strap on your boots and prepare to tackle Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil, standin' tall at 1038 meters!
But don't get too comfy, mate, as this ain't just any walk in the park. This bad boy is part of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range and is full of challenges for the daring soul.
Now, if you're lookin' for a grueling yet gratifying adventure, you can take the Coomloughra Horseshoe Loop – Ireland's best ridge walk and one that checks off all three of the country's highest peaks in one go. Or ya know, go for the crowd-pleaser, the Devil's Ladder trail – it's the most straightforward, but where's the fun in that?
No matter the route you pick, here's a breakdown of how to conquer the summit of Carrauntoohil like a true, fearless Irie adventurer!
Carrauntoohil Hiking Routes
Lookin' to conquer the beast? Here are the main routes up Carrauntoohil, ye ol' Sickle, for ya to tackle:
1. Brother O'Shea's Gully Trail
- Length: 6.8 miles
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Starting Point: Cronin's Yard This is the easy route, chuckleheads! Start from Cronin's Yard, just like the Devil's Ladder hike. Hike through "Hags Glen," take a right at the fork, then gradually climb a series of slopes with some exposed sections. Carrauntoohil awaits, haven't ya heard?
2. Devil's Ladder Trail
- Length: 7.1 miles
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Starting Point: Cronin's Yard To the tourist trail it is, ye old Devil's Ladder. Begin from Cronin's Yard, cross a small stream, and climb the steep gully filled with loose scree. Once ya're all tuckered out, release that breath as you'll finally be standing on top of Carrauntoohil. On the bright side, you hike back the same way.
3. The Caher Trail
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Starting Point: Hydro Track Parking Lot Fancy a trip to Ireland’s third highest peak, ya craichead? This route takes you up Caher, then across a ridge to Carrauntoohil. Begin at the parking lot, start up a steep tractor road, then switch to a hiking path next to Lough Eighter. Take the trail on the right of the lake up to Caher Mountain, then hit Carrauntoohil and take the same route back.
4. Coomloughra Horseshoe Loop
- Length: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Starting Point: Hydro Track Parking Lot Ready to really put your hiking skills to the test? Take the Coomloughra Horseshoe Loop, tackling all three of Ireland's highest peaks around a horseshoe shape. Beenkeragh, Carrauntoohil, and Caher await.
Hiking The Coomloughra Horseshoe Loop
Leavin' your rental car at the trailhead parking lot, traverse over a locked gate, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey. Spend the dark hours creepin' up the steep concrete track, hop over another livestock gate, and watch as the sun rises, painting the world in warm hues.
But that ain't all! Tread carefully as the clouds gather on the high peaks, and keep those fingers crossed for clear skies at the summit. Luck be a lady, the views from the top will surely blow ya mind.
Scrambling Over Beenkeragh Ridge
Now that ya've conquered Beenkeragh, Ireland's 2nd highest peak, watch the clouds scatter like a flock of confused geese. Don't fool yourself, though; the real challenge lies ahead – the Beenkeragh Ridge.
Warning! Steep drop-offs, rocky obstacles, and narrow paths make this traverse a nail-biter in bad weather. Keep a safe distance from the edge and focus on the stunning natural beauty surroundin' ya.
Reachin' the Summit
It's time to stand face-to-face with Carrauntoohil, the top peak in the country. From Beenkeragh, you'll spot a giant steel cross anxiously waitin' for ye at the top.
With heart poundin' in your chest, make the final ascent into the clouds and listen to the wind sing a song of victory. The dangerous weather in Ireland can sneak up on you without warning, so tread carefully and always be prepared for sudden storms or fog.
Pluck out your lunch and enjoy a delicious mountain snack while soakin' in the panoramic view of the Irish countryside far below ya' legs. Then, take your last steps to Caher, the third and final peak of the day.
Gettin' to Carrauntoohil
Carrauntoohil can be found in the sou' of Ireland, in County Kerry. It's part of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range, and Killarney is the nearest town. A rental car will be your best bet, and Discover Cars offers the best deals to help you save a pretty penny.
Will ya be drivin', or would ya rather let someone else steer the ship? Public transport is limited, and unless you hire a private taxi, you'll need to join a guided hike that includes transportation for a smoother journey.
Packin' for Carrauntoohil
Like any challenging outdoor adventure, it's important to be well-equipped. Check out my ultimate backpacking checklist for tips on what to bring along:
Clothes
Wear layers, my friend! Start with rugged hiking pants or quick-dry versions, a t-shirt, a lightweight fleece sweatshirt, and a shell jacket. You might also want to pack gloves and a buff to keep ya' paws warm.
Footwear
Waterproof, reliable footwear is a must! Choose trail runners or backpacking boots, my dear.
Equipment
Ditch your giant backpack for a decent daypack and make sure it's sturdy enough to hold all your gear. Check out my article on choosing a travel backpack for more tips. Hiking poles can also be helpful on tricky trails.
Food & Water
Sustenance is key for survival! Bring healthy snacks like Pemmican Bars, homemade trail mix, or other high-calorie treats. You may also want to bring a small backpacking stove to whip up some mountain coffee and a filtered water bottle to stay hydrated.
Enjoy conquering the peaks of Carrauntoohil! And don’t hesitate to share your adventure on social media – it's time to show off those epic views! #Carrauntoohil #IrelandAdventures #HikingGoals
Cheerio, mate! May your journey be as beautiful as the Irish landscape and your challenges worthy of a true adventurer. Hurry, don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Here are two sentences containing the words 'lifestyle' and 'travel' in the context of the given text:
- After conquering Carrauntoohil, one's lifestyle will forever be enriched by the memories of a grueling yet gratifying adventure, blending travel and thrilling outdoor experiences.
- Embracing the spirit of adventure and living a lifestyle that values challenging hikes, the intrepid traveler can immerse themselves in the stunning Irish landscapes and bag the country's highest peak, Carrauntoohil.
