Elevation
3,407 ft / 1,038 m
Region
Most climbed route
Highlights
- At just 3,406 feet, this peak, the highest in Ireland, seems much grander than its elevation.
- Steep sided and rugged, Carrauntoohil and the rest of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks have a unique beauty -- rocky and grassy with lots of sheep.
- The MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Traverse is a great challenge; hitting all 11 3,000+ ft peaks in one day is a famous achievement.
Routes
1 climb • 13.4 km • 1,028 m gain • 5 hr 40 min
1 climb • 17.3 km • 1,509 m gain • 6 hr 18 min
1 climb • 17.5 km • 895 m gain • 6 hr 17 min
1 climb • 16.8 km • 1,250 m gain • 8 hr 5 min
Latest climbs

"Myself and group of friends decided to climb the biggest mountain in Ireland . With an orange weather warning in place it was advised not to hike that day (Kerry Search & Rescue) but we did . The conditions were atrocious Rain , High winds , Hail . We made our way to the devil's Ladder & It was tough nut was only the beginning of a great Battle to the summit . Would definitely do it again , Just make sure to have hiking boots & plenty of water . " — Mark-Mountain-Sheehan • Aug 23, 2021

"It was the first of the three major peaks we were hitting up in the UK. As in typical Irish fashion, we had rain. However, the wind and cold is what really made us almost call it. The bogs are muddy and got our feet wet. Waterproof boots and poncho's would come in handy. Poles are extremely helpful through the bog. We took the Carrauntoohil Loop, coming down the Devil's Ladder, which was fun! I'd hate to go up that way, mostly because I'm short. It was foggy at the top, so we didn't get much in the way of a view. None the less, it's still a beautiful hike and lots of fun. We downloaded a gpx and had gps up, especially at the top where the trail was nonexistent and it was hard to see.
First time I've ever seen pink and blue sheep :)" — colleenmarie512 • Sep 2, 2019

"This was one of the times I climbed Carrauntoohil. This time I did it with my hiking club on a beautiful and warm day in July. We ascended via O'Shea's gully and came down via the Heavenly Gate. The route was 13 km with 1150 metres of ascent. " — hannahaapio • Jul 13, 2019

"Solo climb of Carrauntoohil via the Coomloughra Horseshoe. The climb took 5.5 hours car to car (4:30am - 10am). A small bit of rain early in the climb but mostly clear views of the route early on. Spent about 20 minutes on the summit trying to find the descent route towards Caher due to heavy fog. Good thing I had a compass with me and some directional notes!
" — MichaelDyck • Jun 21, 2017

"Pretty nice day except the last bit to the summit. We stayed at the top long enough to catch a few glimpses of sun and blue skies though. Devils ladder was a fun little scramble. " — scottheaney • Sep 5, 2015

"Fantastic Weather the whole holiday and especially on this day, so lucky.
Unfortunately, when we were at the peak it was covered in cloud, but after it cleared up so at least we had a good view of the mountain on the descent.
Tried to make our descent via the Zig Zags, but the Mrs couldn't get across the ridge (fear), so we had to go down the Devils ladder again." — Rich-MUC • Jun 29, 2014

"A round of the Coomloughra Glen ridges, taking in Beenkeragh and Caher as well. The day began in murk and mist, but by the time we reached Beenkeragh it cleared to an afternoon and evening of fine sunshine. A memorable day with JK, NP and KM." — marktrengove • Sep 23, 2005

"Solo. From Carrauntoohil Youth Hostel. Macgillycuddy's Reeks. After following the ridge between Cruach Mhor and Cnoc an Toine descended to the col at the top of 'The Ladder'. I ascended Caher (3259'), a subsidiary top of Caher (3200'), then went back over the main summit and on to Carrauntoohil (3414' - the highest peak in Eire). Continued to Beenkeragh before descending to the youth hostel. Time: 7hr 50min. The weather was good. It was misty on and off on the summits." — peter43 • Jun 14, 1987