Let's Discover MacGillycuddy's Reeks

MacGillycuddy's Reeks (Na Cruacha Dubha) are a mountain range in the Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland, forming part of the Armorican Highlands on the eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula. The name means "The Black Stacks".  The name dates from the eighteenth century.  The Clan MacGillicuddy (or McGillicuddy) owned land in this part of Munster for a long time, and continued to do so until the end of the twentieth century.
 

This magnificent range of ancient glacial-carved red sandstone hills stretches a little more than 19 km and includes Ireland's three highest peaks, Carrantuohill (1,038m), Beenkeragh (994m) and Caher (960m) and over 100 other Hewitts (peaks of over 2,000 ft).   They offer good climbing and from the two highest peaks there are far ranging views over Dingle Bay to the northwest, as well as the Killarney lakes and the South Kerry Hills.

Carrauntoohil (Irish: Corrán Tuathail - GPS: 51.999 North, -9.735 West ) is the highest peak in Ireland.  The name means "Tuathal's sickle". The River Gaddagh has its source here (GPS: 52.083 North, 9.700 West). The hill can be approached either as a horseshoe scramble from the west over Skregmore and Beenkeragh and returning over Caher or via "The devil's ladder", approaching along the Gaddagh River. The majority of people seem to favour parking at Mealis (2 euros) and tackling the eroded "ladder".

Beenkeragh (Irish: Béarla ? - GPS: 52.006 North. -9.746 West) is a hard climb best left to experienced climbers. It is pretty exposed in places and so is probably best avoided in poor weather conditions.

Caher (GPS: 51.995 North, -9.764 West) means "stone fort" and is also a general term used for any Irish ringfort. This peak is sometimes called Cathair na Féinne which translates to "stone fort of the Fianna".  From here there is a breathtaking view down into Coomloughra Glen.  There is a ridge leading up to Caher from Carrauntoohil. 

The Gap of Dunloe (Irish: Bearna an Choimín) is a narrow, 11 km pass between MacGillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountains offering magical views of the Black Valley. It is arguably one of the most beautiful glaciated valleys in the whole of Western Europe. Travelling through the Gap from Kate Kearney's Cottage you will pass by five small lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. These lakes are connected by the River Loe from which the gap gets its name. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the "Wishing Bridge".  A day trip from Killarney through the gap and returning by boat through the lakes of Killarney and back to Ross Castle can be booked at Dero Tours.

Kate Kearney's Cottage, originally a coaching inn, has now become a tourist magnet with its excellent bar and restaurant. 

The Climbers' Inn at Glencar prides itself in being the "Centre for Walking and Climbing in Ireland's Highlands & Lake District".  Indeed it is well sited for the MacGillycuddy's Reeks horseshoe route, which will no doubt find the favour of the skilled scrambler/walker. The Inn has bar, camping facilities, drying room, rooms from bunkhouse style to en-suite, petrol pump and a shop and post office. A simple but nourishing evening meal is available in the bar.

See all my MacGillycuddy's Reeks photos

See all my Irish photos

See Also

Recommended Reading

Recommended Music

Other Useful Websites

Get more traffic to your website