Carrantoohil, Killarney: Address, Phone Number, Carrantoohil Reviews: 5/5
Carrantoohil
Carrantoohil
5
About
Ireland's highest peak.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Carrantoohil and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
9 within 10 kms

Gap of Dunloe
3,571
Valleys

The Kerry Way
612
Hiking Trails

Moll's Gap
254
Lookouts

Reenagross Park
74
3.7 kmParks

St. Brigid's Well
75
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

The Caragh Lake Trail and Mountain Spur
12
Hiking Trails

Ogham Stones
11
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Lisleibane Loop
3.7 kmHiking Trails
Mbairdoutdoors
Hiking Trails
Contribute
Popular mentions
5.0
291 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
35
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Anna M
Dublin, Ireland200 contributions
Jul 2021
It might sound like a small hill, but do not underestimate it! As you start pretty low there is a decent elevation before you got to the top.
I would be really afraid to do it without a proper gear as there are loose rocks on a way that would require good walking boots. The weather can change drastically within minutes so tat has to be taken into account. We were quite unlucky with the weather, it rained most of the time and was really really cold and windy on the top!
But the view is worth the hassle!!
I would be really afraid to do it without a proper gear as there are loose rocks on a way that would require good walking boots. The weather can change drastically within minutes so tat has to be taken into account. We were quite unlucky with the weather, it rained most of the time and was really really cold and windy on the top!
But the view is worth the hassle!!
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nuala O
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Friends
We climbed Carrauntoohil recently under the superb guidance of Mossie Walsh (Mountain Adventure Walks).
Mossie’s knowledge of the mountain, it’s routes, flora & fauna, and folklore, is excellent making the journey so enjoyable.
We were fortunate to have good weather. The views were spectacular. Would highly recommend Mossie as a guide.
Mossie’s knowledge of the mountain, it’s routes, flora & fauna, and folklore, is excellent making the journey so enjoyable.
We were fortunate to have good weather. The views were spectacular. Would highly recommend Mossie as a guide.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
isabella1970
Armagh, UK163 contributions
Sep 2020
There is no fresh water supply along this route so be sure to bring sufficient quantities with you.Large parts of it are loose shale rock so footing is very precarious. This is not a climb for an amatuer climber. Some of the route is little more that the width of your feet with hundreds of feet of a sheer drop were you to lose your footing.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lanmad
Belfast, UK3 contributions
Aug 2020
It was a windy and wet day but still was lovely as we had the right type of gear. Bring extra layers as it is cold up on the top.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martin
Antrim, UK8 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Recommended decent using the ZigZag route in Cnoc Na Toinne as Devils Ladder is a tough climb never mind decent.
Overall incredible hike with great views from the top.
Overall incredible hike with great views from the top.
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Louise M
Galway, Ireland29 contributions
Jul 2020
Great mountain climb. We really enjoyed this. Took about 5 hours and the scenery was breathtaking. Great to have toilet facilities open near car parking area.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roger J
11 contributions
Jul 2020
a huge thanks to Kerry Climbing for getting 2 enthusiastic but inexperienced 50 something people to the top!
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wolfhound130
Wicklow, Ireland4 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
Best descision was getting a guide for our climb rather than climbing it ourselves....what an incredible experience. From the initial contact with Catherine in the office who replied to my email late at night within an hour of me hitting send ( impressive ! ) the information pre-hike was very extensive and helpful for our preparations. This has been on our bucket list for quite some time. We researched all those providing guided hikes of Carrauntoohil and chose Kerryclimbing because of their stand out experience and professionalism. They also came highly recommended from local tourist offices and any accommodations we asked for advice. They are very highly regarded locally as the best at what they do. On the morning of the climb Catherine met us at the start of the hike to check us in and introduce us to our guides. Again very professional and everyone was warm and engaging and good fun from the get-go. We were guided on the day by Keith and Pearce, both instilled a sense of being in good hands and we started with a briefing on safety before setting off. During the course of the climb you could see the guides were monitoring us at all times but in a non intrusive way. We heard lots of stories about mountain rescues ( both guides are members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team ) the geology of how the mountains were formed, even how old the rocks are!! Different wild plants spotted and named along the way. Also I found quite fascinating to hear of the clans that lived in the Hags Glen hundreds of years ago. We could even see Dursey Island from the top and Piaras had a lot of knowledge on the history there, its obvious this guy is a bit of a history buff but the way he passes the information on is quite enthralling. Kerryclimbing are up there with the best guides we've ever used. Thanks guys for a day we will never forget and for the great video, nice touch! If you want a safe day in the Irish mountains book Kerryclimbing for a fun informative unforgettable experience. They are quite simply top of their game.
We will be back to do O Shea's Gully and will most definitely be booking Kerryclimbing again!
We will be back to do O Shea's Gully and will most definitely be booking Kerryclimbing again!
Written 23 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve W
Westcliffe, CO220 contributions
Oct 2018
I have climbed this peak three times using three different routes. The most recent time with my son, his friend and my grandson, we used the standard trail from the car park diverting to the Zig Zag Trail on the way up. We descended the Devils Stairway as there was just no one around except our party which lessened the chance of rockfall. I believe that the Devil's Stairway is best avoided if there are crowds. The danger of rockfall is considerable. The summit was clear this time but it is very often covered in clouds. Without clouds the views are spectacular. Don't underrate this climb. It is a rocky trail, there is some boggy ground (you can usually finesse it with sneakers) and it can be very cold especially at the top. High winds can add greatly to the difficulty. Be sure to take proper footwear and clothing, enough water and snacks and, of course, rain gear. Finding the summit in the clouds is not a problem (follow the trails uphill !) but it can be difficult to remember which way is the correct way down after a stop at the summit. You must avoid wandering to the north of the summit as there is a dangerous cliff that has caused fatalities. A compass would be handy as would a map or guidebook.
Written 18 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ann Marie O
County Kerry, Ireland46 contributions
Oct 2018
I am not very fit but I did this in around 8 hours. The weather really can change from one extreme to the other. bring proper clothing and footwear. Bring energy food/ snacks and drinks. Have a great day. If in any doubt about conditions turn back and be glad you got as far as you did.
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rebelreder
Cork, Ireland39 contributions
I haven't trained for this climb, I am a frequent cyclist but no cross country walking climbing experience.
I don't have climbing/hiking boots either.
For my fitness level is it advisable to do the full route?
Hi, tripadvisor tells me that "How do I get there using public transportation?" is a typical asked question, but I can't find any answer... We'll be in Killarney in early august, how can we get to Cronin's Yard without a car ?
Ciaran O
Glanmire, Ireland618 contributions
It's about 18km to cronins yard from Killarney, without a car honestly your best option is to call a taxi to take ye there or depending on how large your group is you could always thumb it from Killarney, it won't take long as loads of people head there every weekend for hiking. I'll be doing it in August sometime aswell if our dates coincide I would be more than happy to pick you up in Killarney. Safe travels
foxground
sydney22 contributions
I want to walk in the scenic areas ( maybe ascend highest mountain in Ireland with a guide
And or see the best parts into the mountains and I am staying in Aghadaoe
I have a car
Any suggestions for a private guide ? This 19 June
Ciaran O
Glanmire, Ireland618 contributions
You don't necessarily need a guide as the path takes you past some beautiful lakes and waterfalls before you start to climb bit of you would prefer a guide I would highly recommend pat Falvey. You ha book a guide on his webpage. Enjoy
Magdalena K
Killarney, Ireland1 contribution
how is horseshoe loop walk? . does anyone do that trail.
How do I get to Cronins Yard ? What road? Near Killarney?
Usia1983
Limerick, Ireland798 contributions
It is about 18 km from Killarney towards Killorglin. After 7km road N72 behind Killarney turn left in the direction of Gap of Dunloe (Gap Rd.) At the end of the turn in the direction of Carrantoohil narrow road to the car park at the Cronins Yard. Parking free or a symbolic fee.
KLMFly
Albany, NY4 contributions
Is there anyone who offers tours in Feb midweek (16th or 17th)? It seems most places are closed for the off-season.
kayak35
Rennes, France76 contributions
Bonjour,
Je vois peu de commentaires en Français et suis à la recherche d'expériences. Nous comptons le faire sans guide avec une carte de rando. Nous hésitons aussi entre le Carrantuohill et l'autre sommet le Devil's Punchbowl.Quelle est la plus belle randonnée?
Merci de votre aide.
jmstroh3
Saint Louis, MO17 contributions
Are visitors able to climb without a guide?
Aitch22
Chichester, UK193 contributions
"Yes...BUT" - it is a rocky, harsh and steep environment. Don't travel alone, take several layers of clothing, sufficient energy snacks and water (min 2L per person). A torch/lamp, mobile phone (with spare charged battery) and compass/map (or smartphone equivalents) also essential. As with any mountain, the temperature will drop 1oC for every 100m you ascend, and the weather can change very rapidly. Lastly: Don't wear jeans - as they won't dry (and won't keep in any heat), once wet.
hutchamdc
Brisbane, Australia21 contributions
Hi, we are travelling to Killarney in July and this looks like a great hike. How long is it to the top. Thanks
Aitch22
Chichester, UK193 contributions
It took us approx 4 hours of actually hiking (5 hrs elapsed) to reach the summit, from Cronin's Yard, via Devil's Ladder. See my review for complete route timings. We are very unfit though! ;-)
Frequently Asked Questions about Carrantoohil
- We recommend booking Carrantoohil tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Carrantoohil tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Carrantoohil:
- (13.07 km) Loch Lein Country House
- (12.20 km) Kingston's Bar & Townhouse
- (14.37 km) Killeen House Hotel & Rozzers Restaurant
- (9.51 km) Ard Na Sidhe Country House
- (10.31 km) The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
- Restaurants near Carrantoohil:
- (14.42 km) Rozzers Restaurant
- (10.18 km) The Strawberry Field
- (12.18 km) Kingdom 1795
- (12.16 km) 10 Bridge Street
- (12.15 km) The Bianconi