Climb Carrauntoohil
Guided Carrauntoohil Ascents
The MacGillycuddy Reeks of Kerry are Ireland’s highest mountains and include the only three peaks in Ireland over 1000 metres, Corrán Tuathail at a lofty 1039 metres, Binn Chaorach at 1010mtrs and Caher standing at 1001 metres.
We are the leading provider of guided ascents of Carrauntoohil (translated from the Gaelic “Corrán Tuathail” meaning: “Inverted Sickle” or “Tuathails Serated Sickle”) and of the other numerous routes in the magnificent MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
On the day of your climb we will provide you with a qualified & highly experienced mountain guide who will share a wealth of information on the history, geology, flora and fauna, along with lots of entertaining & interesting tales from these mountains, gained through many years spent climbing their slopes along with all important local knowledge. You will be given assistance, encouragement and guidance and will never have to worry about navigation or route finding. Any ascent of Ireland’s highest mountain is a tough challenge requiring a good level of fitness enabling you to hike in mountainous terrain for 6 hours+.
All that’s required is for you to arrive with suitable footwear and clothing, a packed lunch and sense of humour and adventure, ready and up for the challenge and the rest we will look after!!!
We’re ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor out of ALL outdoor activities in Killarney and surrounds for the last 7 years running, AND A “Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil with KerryClimbing.ie” has just been Ranked in SECOND PLACE in the Top Overall Experiences in Ireland in 2022 AND in SIXTEENTH PLACE in the Top Overall Experiences in Europe by TripAdvisor !!!!
You can be assured you are booking with the very BEST!!!
Carrauntoohil Route Options
Difficult
The Devils Ladder
Difficult grade route – 6+ hrs, 11km. Though the most direct and straight forward ascent route of Corrán Tuathail it is still an extremely tough arduous route and very often underestimated by the ill-prepared. It is the most popular way to the top and ideal for the less regular walker or those with little experience but still requiring a good basic level of fitness gained from a daily active life or regular exercise.
Strenuous
Brother O'Shea's Gully
A Strenuous graded route – 6.5 hrs+ and 14km. This is one of the more scenic and interesting routes and only recommended for the more regular hill walker or those with a good level of fitness and comfortable on extremely steep rocky ground. Involves sections of occasional scrambling over steep and airy ground and constantly challenging terrain.
Challenging
Stumpa an tSaimh (Hags Tooth) Ridge
A Strenuous graded route – 6.5 hrs + and 14km. This is a scrambling route for the more regular hill walker/scrambler and takes in Irelands 2 highest mountains – Corrán Tuathail and Binn Chaorach. A high level of fitness is required gained from daily exercise. Being extremely competent, confident & comfortable with heights, sheer drops and being prepared to use your hands is essential as this route involves well over 1.5km of a steep airy jagged rock ridge.
Challenging
Coomloughra Horseshoe
A Challenging graded route – 7+ hrs and 12km. Most definitely NOT to be underestimated and quite often is!!! Requires a high degree of fitness gained from regular exercise/gym work. Arguably one of the finest walks in Ireland, this 12km trek takes in 3 of Ireland’s highest mountains, Corrán Tuathail 1039m, Beenkeragh 1010m and Caher 1001m. This trek truly provides you with what The McGillycuddys Reeks has to offer in terms of breathtaking views and exciting challenges. Being comfortable with heights, sheer drops and being prepared to use your hands is essential as this route involves scrambling over extremely steep rocky ground with no trails.
Some other great treks we guide in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks:
Cummeenapeasta Ridge
An extremely Challenging graded route – 7+ hrs and 10km. Situated on the eastern side of Com Caillí/Hags Glen, these impressive jagged peaks are all just shy of the airy 1000 metre mark and possess a much wilder (and quieter) feel, away from the crowds and much busier well worn trails of Carrauntoohil.
This route affords breath-taking views of all of The Reeks and into The Black Valley and takes you along a spectacular knife edge ridge – a truly thrilling route! Requires a very good level of fitness, confidence on sheer rocky terrain and being comfortable with heights. Previous scrambling experience is recommended.
Purple Mountain & The Gap of Dunloe
A stunning high trek above the Gap of Dunloe of 6+hrs and 12km. Affording spectacular views to the lakes of Killarney to the north, the stunning Black Valley to the south and the magnificent high jagged peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to the west. Beginning and finishing at the world renowned Kate Kearneys Cottage traditional Irish pub and topping off the day with a well deserved cold pint and basket of delicious hot chips!
What you'll need
Any ascent of Corrán Tuathail is a tough challenge and requires a good mental attitude along with at least a good basic level of fitness gained from regular exercise. Sure if it was easy they’d all be doing it!
If taking on Ireland’s highest Mountain as one of your first introductions to hill walking then some prior training is recommended.
Weather conditions can change very rapidly in the mountains and conditions on the mountain tops will be very different to that in the valleys and this quite often adds even further to the challenge. You will be sent an equipment list and full itinerary on booking.
Prices:
Difficult Route: €65pp
Strenuous Route: €75pp
Challenging Route: €85pp
Special Rates Available for Group Bookings
