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Carrauntoohil Tallest Mountain In Ireland
Tallest Mountain In Ireland
Carrauntoohil is the highest peak in Ireland, standing tall at 1,038 meters. Located in County Kerry, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, Carrauntoohil is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. The mountain has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. In more recent times, Carrauntoohil has been a popular site for hikers visiting Ireland, to climb the countries tallest mountain Carrauntoohil.
Flights To Carrauntoohil
Visit the link above to find the best flights to get and airports to go to for hiking Carruntoohil. The nearest airports to Carrauntoohil are Kerry Airport (30 mins), Cork Airport (1.5h) and Shannon Airport (2h). From these airports there are plenty of different types of transport to the nearest towns and villages to start climbing Carrauntoohil. Killarney, Beaufort and Killorglin.
Find the perfect car rental for you from Kerry, Cork or Shannon airport to reach Carrauntoohil in the most reliable way. Visit this Link to find your ideal car rental.
Places To Stay Near Carrauntoohil
Killarney
Killarney is a charming town located in County Kerry, Ireland. It is known for its stunning beauty, including the famous Killarney National Park and the picturesque lakes of Killarney. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, as hiking, cycling, and fishing, as well as explore the town's rich history and culture. With its friendly locals and welcoming, Killarney is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ireland
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Killarney is ideally located just north east of Carrauntoohil with many different accomodation types for those looking to hike to the top of Irelands tallest mountain.
Killorglin
Killorglin is a stunning town located in County Kerry, Ireland. With its picturesque streets, friendly locals, and stunning natural surroundings, it's no wonder that Killorglin is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who come to Ireland to explore the area and hike Carrauntoohil. Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, learning about local history and culture, or simply relaxing and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, Killorglin has something for everyone.
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Killorglin is located just north of Irelands tallest mountain Carrauntoohil. Killorglin has many different accommodation options in which you can stay before attempting to make it to the summit of Carrauntoohil.
Hiking Carrauntoohil
Hiking Carrauntoohil is an unforgettable experience that will challenge you physically and mentally. As the highest peak in Ireland, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and across to Killarney national park, There is a sense of accomplishment once you reach the summit. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, Carrauntoohil is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
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There are 3 main routes up to the summit of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's tallest mountain. These routes all vary in length, total ascent and difficultly. All these route stats are based on the full route to the summit and back to start point.
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1 - Devils Ladder route (Medium)
2 - Brother O'sheas gully route (Easy)
3 - Caher (Coolmloughra) route (Medium)
1. Devils Ladder Route
The Devils ladder route up to the Carrauntoohil summit and is a 13km round trip which starts at Cronins yard. Follow the ovious track towards Carrauntoohil until you reach the Hags Glen track shortly after crossing the Gaddagh river about 1.2km into the hike.
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Contiune following this track for 1.5km then bare left slightly taking the path that heads inbetween Lough Callee and Lough Gouragh. After 1.7km and having reached the end of the two Loughs the steep ascent of the Devils Ladder will begin.
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The Devils Ladder is a steep gully with scree and loose boulders so be aware when climbing up the gully, the Devils ladder is under 1km in length with a steep 250m climb. Once you have reached the top of the Devils ladder turn right towards the summit which is only 1km away. There are different paths all leading up to the summit from this point.
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Once you have reached the summit of Carrauntoohil you can return the same way or go down the alternative way crossing the heavenly gates route to join the brothers O Sheas gully back to the start point.
2. Brother O Shea's Gully (Cummeenoughter) Route
The Brother O Shea's gully route start from Lisleibane and is a 11km route in total to the summit of Carrauntoohil and back to the start point. Start by following the obvious Hags Glen track. After 1km you will be joined by people starting at Cronin's yard.
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Continue following this track for 1.3km then bare right to follow the path around the right hand side of Lough Gouragh. The path that follows above the right hand side of Lough Gouragh has eroded in some places and can be quite dangerous. From where the track split to reaching the bottom of Brother O Shea's gully is a 2.3km hike, you will be greeted at this point with the highest lake in Ireland Lough Cummeenoughter.
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Brother O Shea's gully is less than a kilometre long and climbs less than 200m however at the beginning of the gully there is a lot of loose scree. The route does get better as you get further up the Gully. From the top of the Gully you are greeted with tremendous views and only a short 400m hike to the summit of Carrauntoohil.
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Once you have reached the summit of Carrauntoohil you can return the same way or go down the alternative way crossing the heavenly gates route to join the brothers O Sheas gully back to the start point.
3. Caher (Coolmloughra) Route
The Caher horseshoe route is 12.5km hike that takes in all 3 of Irelands highest peaks including Carrauntoohil and the sharp exposed Beenkeeragh Ridge. The Caher route starts at the Hydro Car park, follow the ovious track towards Carrauntoohil, the first part of this route is fairly steep until 2km when you reach the base of Lough Eighter.
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The route becomes less steep from here as you take the path to the right and begin to gradually climb along the right hand side of all three loughs, Lough Eighter, Coomlougha Lough and Lough Eagher towards the summit of Caher. This section of the route is just under 3km and gradually gets steeper as you head nearer the summit of Caher the 3rd highest peak in Ireland.
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From the summit of Caher it is only a 1.4km walk to the summit of the tallest mountain in Ireland Carrauntoohil. Once at the top of Carrauntoohil can return to the start point the way you came up or cross the Beenkeeragh Ridge to the 2nd highest mountain in Ireland Beenkeragh. The Beenkeeragh ridge is just over a kilometre long and is very exposed.
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From Beenkeeragh summit you follow the skyline across 3 more smaller peaks Stumpa Barr na Habhann, Skregmore and Cnoc Iochtair back to the base of Lough Eighter this section from Beenkeeragh to the Lough Eighter is only 3.2km in length. From here follow track back to start.