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 Mountain at a Glance#
About Mangerton Mountain#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 5° | -3° | 265 mm | overcast | 93% | 10.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 5° | -3° | 199 mm | overcast | 92% | 9.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 204 mm | overcast | 90% | 9.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 7.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Poor | 4° - 11° | 4° | 141 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 122 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 123 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.9h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 157 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 13° | 10° | 181 mm | overcast | 88% | 7.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 230 mm | overcast | 90% | 8.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 240 mm | overcast | 92% | 9.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 263 mm | overcast | 93% | 9.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
