MacGillycuddy's Reeks Mountains

MacGillycuddy’s Reeks is the highest mountain range in Ireland, located in County Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula. The range contains Ireland’s tallest peaks and is the principal upland area for serious hillwalking and mountaineering in the country.

The range’s best-known summit is Carrauntoohil (1,038 m); neighbouring peaks Beenkeragh (1,010 m) and Caher (1,001 m) form steep ridges and are commonly traversed together on routes such as the Coomloughra Horseshoe. The terrain includes steep corries, rocky ridges and narrow cols that attract experienced hikers and scramblers.

Historically used for hill farming and seasonal grazing, the Reeks have become established as a recreational mountain area with marked paths, guides and rescue infrastructure. Conservation and safety guidance advise proper equipment and local knowledge for high-level walks.

The range lies in southwest Ireland, within County Kerry, with Killarney and Killorglin the nearest towns providing access, accommodation and services for visitors.

• Hillwalking and exposure: Contains Ireland’s three highest peaks and offers exposed ridge routes and scrambling; weather can change rapidly and some routes involve steep, rocky terrain.

What to See#

• Carrauntoohil (1,038 m): Ireland’s highest summit, Carrauntoohil, at 1,038 metres, which is the principal objective for many ridge and scrambling routes.
• Beenkeragh and Caher: The neighbouring peaks Beenkeragh (1,010 m) and Caher (1,001 m) form the core of the high ridge and are often combined with Carrauntoohil on extended routes.
• Coomloughra Horseshoe: A classic high-level walking route that links the main peaks around the Coomloughra horseshoe and is popular for experienced hillwalkers and scramblers.

MacGillycuddy’s Reeks are a remote mountain range in County Kerry best accessed by road. The usual base towns are Killarney or Killorglin; from Killarney take the N71 and then local R-roads toward the western Reeks-driving time to different trailheads typically ranges from about 30-60 minutes depending on which part of the range you aim for, so allow 20-45 km of driving from Killarney.

Public transport into the hills is limited: take bus or train to Killarney and then a local taxi or guided hill shuttle to trailheads. Once at a trailhead expect to hike in from the roadside car parks (walking distances vary by route).

• Start very early for long ridge routes (e.g., routes to Carrauntoohil via the Hag's Glen/Devil's Ladder) - weather changes quickly and an early start reduces exposure to afternoon fog and to other walkers.
• Treat exposed sections and narrow ridges seriously: many routes include scrambling and loose ground, so consider hiring a locally qualified mountain leader if you lack experience in navigation and Irish mountain weather.
• If you want fewer people on the classic routes, avoid weekends and bank holidays; weekday starts and alternative approaches (less-used spurs rather than the Devil's Ladder) reduce crowding.