FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
That is for you to gauge once you have first read through our informative website and grading system for Carrauntoohil guided ascents.
It is impossible for us to gauge just from this question in an email without knowing you personally or having any more background information.
Here is a link to that section of our website:
Guided Carrauntoohil Ascents – Kerry Climbing
Carrauntoohil Guiding
Our advice is to be capable of climbing Corrán Tuathail by the most straight forward route ( we still grade it as DIFFICULT ) you need to be active at least 3 times per week for the 6 weeks leading up to the climb. During these active periods you should at the very least be doing a gym session of at least 1 hour / brisk walking or hiking of at least 8km each time / swimming / playing sports. Anything less than this and it is not your time to climb and anything more will mean that you will be more comfortable on the day!
We will send you a kit list with your confirmation email ( along with all the details you will need for the climb ) You can view the kit lists here:
Summer Gear List – Kerry Climbing
Winter Walking Gear List – Kerry Climbing
During Summer time months we start at 10.00am.
( From November on, when daylight hours lessen we change that to 09.30am )
That is the time we start walking ! So you need to be at the meeting point at least 20 mins before so that you are parked up and prepared to start hiking at that time.
Understandably, we are unable to keep others waiting longer than 5-10 mins past the start time, or at all without any notification of your delay.
The majority of ascents start from Cronins Yard but on occasion we may opt to start from a place called Lisliebane so please ensure that you read the information in your confirmation email. It will have all of the details and directions in there.
Both locations are approx. 25mins drive form either Killarney or Killorglin towns.
The Devils Ladder route takes an average time of 7 hours.
O’ Shea’s Gully Route takes an average time of 7.5 hours.
This is average time, subject to change either side due to various factors on the day but it is a good gauge.
The meeting location for our guided hikes are in rural locations. We meet our clients at the start point of each climb and the location is given with directions with your confirmation email. If you do not drive then hiring a taxi is your only option. These locations are not serviced by public transport.
That depends on how far ahead you cancel. No charges outside of a 25% non – refundable deposit will be incurred if we receive notification no less than 10 full days before the date of the activity. If cancellation is received between 9– 6 full days before the activity we will issue a 50% refund of the full price less the 25% deposit. Cancellations within 5 days of any event are not subject to a refund or reschedule.
***ALL COURSES / HOWLING RIDGE ASCENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY REFUND / RESCHEDULE DUE TO THE VERY LIMITED SPACES )
Requesting a reschedule to a future date is also classed as a cancellation and will incur the same cancellation policies / refund options as above.
No shows on the day are not eligible for any refund / reschedule.
It is always the KERRYCLIMBING Guide that will be setting the pace, one we have very finely tuned based on safety first and to suit groups of people with the above stated fitness level to be able to climb Corrán Tuathail. If you are a marathon runner, you will need to slow down your usual pace, you have booked a guided tour as part of a group with lots of information being passed on along the trail. If you like a chilled day walking ( but still have the required fitness level ) you will need to push yourself at times as the pace may be outside of your usual comfort zone.
No, the MacGillycuddys Reeks are privately owned and farmland. There is a STRICT NO DOGS policy.
We recommend that kids are 12yrs and over for joining our guided ascents of Corrán Tuathail. This is due more to the mental challenge of such a long day in the mountains rather than the physical one. We do make exceptions occasionally to this, depending on the kids previous experience. We never recommend that younger kids climb Corrán Tuathail as their first mountain experience!
We follow forecasts very closely and should we deem conditions forecasted to be unsafe then we would cancel the climb. In this case we would offer you a full refund or a reschedule to a future scheduled event whichever you prefer. We strive to make this decision at the earliest time to minimise inconvenience to you but please be aware that due to the location and our proximity to the Atlantic the weather changes very quickly, we may be forced to make such a call within 24 hours of a planned climb.
At times forecasters get it wrong! We may start the climb and conditions may deteriorate during the day. Our guides are professional and vastly experienced and know when conditions require you to just dig deep and keep going or if they indeed need to abort for safety reasons. These decisions are taken, always with safety in mind.
That said, you have booked a guided climb of Ireland’s highest peak and more often than not the weather is “far from ideal” We do still climb when rain is forecast and many of our 5 star reviews are from such days, it is just a different adventure in these conditions and our guides are always supportive and have your safety always forefront. Arrive properly kitted out according to the kit list sent to you and with a sense of adventure and you will have a memorable, safe experience !