Locations we cover
We cover most locations in southern Ireland
The area we cover, the Province of Munster, possesses some of the very finest wild mountain landscapes and spectacular scenery in Ireland. Marvellous peaks, wild and remote mountain valleys, high lonely coums and memorable rugged sea cliffs.
The entire area is steeped in fascinating human and geological history as well as having a wide and varied wildlife. Carrauntoohil and the McGillycuddy’s Reeks of Kerry are our speciality but we also guide in all the other mountainous and wild places of Southern Ireland.
The nearest train stations to the region are Killarney and Cork, which have links to Dublin. The nearest airports are Farranfore, (between Killarney and Tralee) and Shannon and Cork. Bus Eireann runs various local and Express services all over the province. Check their website for details – www.buseireann.ie
Wrapped in some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery, the McGillycuddy’s Reeks area on the south-west coast is a stone’s throw from Kerry Airport. The region was recently chosen by Rough Guides as one of its Best Places to Visit in 2019 – an annual list of the holiday hotspots that most excite the esteemed travel guides’ authors for the coming year. It also features as number three in the list’s ‘6 Regions on our Radar’.
Stretching from Ireland’s highest peak Carrauntoohil (1,039m) to the Blue Flag beaches of Castlemaine Harbour, encompassing the unspoiled beauty of Glencar the “Highlands of Kerry” this region provides an awesome backdrop and has been dubbed Ireland’s Adventure Playground. The area offers the chance to take part in an abundance of outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking and surfing all in close proximity to each other.
There are plenty of other things to do in the region, including horse riding on golden beaches, golf, unique festivals, markets and heritage attractions.
After a day taking the sights, visitors will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of restaurants, pubs and accommodation in a selection of fabulous B&B’s, manor houses or boutique hotels & self-catering that this spectacular region has to offer, all while retaining a traditional Irish welcome, just enquire with us for recommendations or have a look at our Hike Eat Sleep Packages!
Where is the meeting point?
The majority of our guided mountain ascents depart from Cronin’s Yard which is a twenty minute drive west of Killarney. For over 300 years Cronin’s Yard has been used as the traditional starting point for ascents of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Situated at the entrance to the Hag’s Glen at Mealis, Beaufort, this is the gateway to the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding peaks.
Directions to Cronin's Yard
From Killarney: Take the N72 (Ring of Kerry road) towards Killorglin. After Fossa Village, turn left for the Gap of Dunloe. Continue on this road for approximately 8km until you come to Kissane’s Shop and Service Station. Go over a small bridge and take the next left (signposted for Cronin’s Yard and Tea Room, Carrauntoohil). Proceed to the end of this road, approximately 3km to Cronin’s Yard.
From Killorglin: Take the Annadale road (signposted for Beaufort, Glencar) for 10.5km, at the grotto onto church road, continue for 500 meters. Then take the right at the junction to soon pass, Cullina National School. Continue on this road for 2km. Look out for a sweeping left bend to take a left turn that will have you pass the obvious farm on your left. Continue on this road for 1.5km until you come to Kissanes Food store at a crossroad. Take a right turn over a small bridge and take the next left (signposted for Cronin’s Yard and Tea Room, Carrauntoohil). Proceed to the end of the road, (approx 3km)
Eircode: V93 HK71
Google Maps Pin: Click pin on below map or click this link: GOOGLE PIN
Sat Nav Coordinates: Lat: 52° 1’35.74″N / Long: 9°41’46.41″
Grid reference: IV 837 87