Carrauntoohil
Mountain Ireland's highest mountain, part of MacGillycuddy's Reeks
Ireland’s highest mountain at 1,039 metres, Carrauntoohil rises in MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Hillwalkers and scramblers use established routes from the Hag’s Glen and the Caher Valley to reach the summit.
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in the island of Ireland at 1,038 metres and forms the centerpiece of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in County Kerry. It is the country’s primary mountaineering objective for hikers seeking Ireland’s tallest summit.
Routes range from steep day-hikes to longer ridge traverses; the Hag’s Glen approach with the so-called Devil’s Ladder is the most common line to the summit. The mountain sits within a rugged ridge system with rocky cols and adjoining peaks often climbed in combination.
The massif is a product of deep geological processes and glacial sculpting; it has featured in local hillwalking and mountaineering for more than a century as recreational access to the high country expanded. The area is managed for outdoor use with established paths and some informal route markers.
Carrauntoohil stands in County Kerry within the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, accessible from towns such as Killarney and Killorglin in southwest Ireland.
- Main route: The most frequently used ascent follows Hag's Glen and the marked path to the Devil's Ladder - a steep, sometimes loose scree route that leads toward the summit ridge.
What to See #
- Beenkeragh: A nearby summit in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks ridge that reaches just over 1,000 metres and is linked to Carrauntoohil by high ridgelines and cols.
- Caher: A neighbouring peak on the main Reeks ridge standing around 1,000 metres, often climbed together with Carrauntoohil as part of a ridge traverse.
How to Get to Carrauntoohil #
Carrauntoohil is the highest peak in MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, County Kerry. The usual approach is by car to one of the valley trailheads in the Reeks (common start points include parking in the Hag’s Glen/Cronin’s Yard area or other marked trailhead car parks); these are reached via local regional roads from the nearby towns of Killarney or Killorglin. From the trailhead expect a multi-hour hike to the summit (steep and rough underfoot).
Public buses and tours run to Killarney from regional hubs; from Killarney you will need a taxi or local transfer to the Reeks trailheads. Check local signage and weather before attempting the ascent.
Tips for Visiting Carrauntoohil #
- Start early in the day for Carrauntoohil-being Ireland's highest peak, weather can change quickly and mornings often offer the most stable conditions and best visibility.
- The most direct and commonly used ascent is via Hag's Glen and the Devil's Ladder; note the Devil's Ladder is very exposed and becomes slippery and eroded when wet, so avoid it in poor conditions.
- If you want a longer ridge experience and fewer steep steps, consider the Coomloughra Horseshoe route instead of the direct ascent; common parking/start points for Hag's Glen routes include Cronin's Yard/Glencar area-allow plenty of daylight and check local mountain weather and advice before setting out.
Best Time to Visit Carrauntoohil #
Best climbed in summer or the shoulder seasons when routes are safest and daylight is longest.
Weather & Climate near Carrauntoohil #
Carrauntoohil's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2496 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (289 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (217 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (224 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (201 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (257 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (265 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (284 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
_and_Caher_Ridge_(Caher_East_Top,_Caher_West_Top).jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
