Walk overview
Route Overview & Difficulty
Carrauntoohil (1,038m) is Ireland's highest mountain and the central peak of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range in County Kerry. The name means Sickle-Shaped Peak in Irish, and from below it earns that description — a massive quartzite block rising above the Hag's Glen cirque, flanked by two satellite peaks, Beenkeragh (1,010m) and Caher (1,001m). The three together form Ireland's only genuine high mountain ridge. The Devil's Ladder route is the most popular ascent by a significant margin. It's not the most elegant line on the mountain — that would be the north ridge — but it's the most direct, and for walkers new to the Reeks it provides the most reliable route in reasonable conditions. The route starts from Cronin's Yard (5km west of Beaufort), descends into the Hag's Glen, and then climbs the steep scree gully that gives the route its name. Carrauntoohil is also one of Ireland's finest sustainable travel experiences — the mountain wilderness is fragile, and staying at eco-friendly accommodation nearby helps fund the conservation of this landscape.
What awaits at the top is worth the effort. On a clear day the summit panorama takes in Dingle Bay and the Blasket Islands to the west, the Shannon Estuary to the north, Cork harbour to the south, and the entire Iveragh Peninsula stretched out below. The large metal summit cross is visible from Killarney on clear days — 20km distant.
Route guide
Step-by-step route
Start: Cronin's Yard, Beaufort
Cronin's Yard to Hag's Glen
From the Cronin's Yard carpark, follow the track east through the farmyard and along the left (south) bank of the Gaddagh River. The path descends gently into the Hag's Glen — a glacial cirque hemmed in by the Reeks. The two lakes, Lough Gouragh and Lough Callee, come into view. The upper part of the glen becomes increasingly dramatic as the Reeks close in overhead.
Hag's Glen to base of Devil's Ladder
From the second lake, follow the path along the right bank of the stream coming down from the col between Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh. The terrain becomes rougher and steeper. You'll reach the base of the Devil's Ladder — a broad scree gully visible from well below. This is where most groups stop to assess conditions and add layers.
The Devil's Ladder
The climb itself is steep — sustained 35–40 degree scree with sections of fixed rock. The standard approach is to stay on the right-hand side of the gully where the rock is more stable. The scree has been badly eroded by the volume of traffic (thousands of boots per year) and careful footing is essential. In wet conditions the stones become very slippery. Descent on the Ladder requires significantly more care than ascent.
Summit Ridge to Carrauntoohil
From the col at the top of the Ladder, turn left (south) and follow the ridge to the summit cross. The final approach has some easy scrambling on quartzite. The summit plateau is marked by the steel cross erected in 1976 and a large cairn. Sit and take your time — this is the roof of Ireland.
Descent
Descend via the same route — the Devil's Ladder is the standard descent. Take your time on the scree. An alternative descent route for experienced walkers is the Brother O'Shea's Gully (to the right of the Ladder when descending) — shorter but requires scrambling experience. Return along the Hag's Glen track to Cronin's Yard.
What to bring
Essential gear
Getting there
Transport & parking
Cronin's Yard is located on the R568, 5km west of Beaufort village and 20km from Killarney town centre. There is a car park with a small fee (cash only). The yard also has basic refreshments and toilet facilities. No direct public transport — you'll need a car, taxi from Killarney, or one of the organised shuttle services from Killarney town (book ahead in summer).
When to go
Best time to walk
Safety
Safety & conditions
After the walk
Food & drink nearby
Cronin's Yard has basic snacks and hot drinks. The nearest pub meal is at the White Gates Hotel in Beaufort (4km). Killarney town (20km) has a full range of restaurants — Treyvaud's on High Street is the most recommended for a post-walk dinner. Book ahead in summer.
Questions answered
About Carrauntoohil via Devil's Ladder
Is Carrauntoohil suitable for beginners?
What is the best time to climb Carrauntoohil?
How do I get to Cronin's Yard from Killarney?
What if conditions deteriorate on the mountain?
Where to stay in Killarney before or after the climb?
More walks
Other Kerry walks
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