Mangerton Mountain
Mountain Mountain in County Kerry forming part of Killarney
A mountain in County Kerry near Killarney, part of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks area. Walkers climb Mangerton for rugged trails, panoramic views and access to nearby lakes.
Mangerton is a mountain in County Kerry, Munster, Ireland, with a summit at approximately 838 metres. It is a prominent feature west of Killarney and is known for its corrie formations and broad summit plateau.
Walkers use a number of routes to the summit; the mountain provides panoramic views over Killarney National Park and the nearby lakes on clear days. The northeast corrie contains the notable hollow called the Devil’s Punchbowl, a distinctive glacial feature.
Geologically the mountain shows evidence of glacial erosion that shaped the corries and valleys. In recent decades it has been popular with hillwalkers and local outdoor groups, with paths and informal tracks leading to the summit.
Mangerton sits to the west of Killarney town in County Kerry, with approaches commonly made from the Killarney and Muckross areas; the terrain around the mountain is a mix of upland peat, rock and heath.
- Elevation: Summit reaches about 838 metres (2,749 feet), making it one of the higher peaks in County Kerry and a common objective for local hillwalkers.
- Terrain and conditions: Steep corrie slopes and peat-hag terrain can be boggy and eroded; good footwear and navigation skills are recommended for ascents.
What to See #
- Devil's Punchbowl: A deep glacial corrie and lake on the mountain's northeast side, formed by past ice action and visible from many summit routes.
- Summit plateau: The rounded summit plateau offering open, exposed terrain and broad views over Killarney National Park and the surrounding lakes.
How to Get to Mangerton Mountain #
Nearest town is Killarney (about 10-15 km south). From Killarney, drive or take a local taxi to the Moll’s Gap or Killarney Forest area and follow signposted trails. There are informal parking places near trailheads; public transport options to trailheads are limited.
Tips for Visiting Mangerton Mountain #
- Expect boggy sections after rain - gaiters or waterproof boots are useful.
- Start from the Drumcliff or Killarney side depending on weather; local walking maps at Killarney National Park help route choice.
- Check mountain-forecast services; summits on this massif can be cloudbound quickly and visibility drops fast.
Best Time to Visit Mangerton Mountain #
Best in late spring to early autumn for more stable weather and longer daylight; always check local forecasts for wind and fog.
Weather & Climate near Mangerton Mountain #
Mangerton Mountain's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2257 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (265 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (230 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (240 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (263 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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