Ireland's highest mountain range in County Kerry offers ridge walking, peak-bagging, and scrambling on Carrauntoohil (1039m). The Coomloughra Horseshoe circuit tackles three peaks over 900m in a dramatic glacial valley setting.
The MacGillycuddy's Reeks in County Kerry are Ireland's highest mountain range, centred on Carrauntoohil at 1,039 metres, and offer ridge walking, peak-bagging, and scrambling across a compact but rugged glacial landscape. The Coomloughra Horseshoe, taking in three peaks over 900 metres including Carrauntoohil, is the range's classic circuit and requires good fitness, sure-footedness on loose scree, and comfort with exposed scrambling sections; it is not suitable for inexperienced walkers without a guide, particularly in poor visibility. There is no minimum age, but the terrain and distance make it unsuitable for young children. Walkers need their own hiking boots, waterproofs, map and compass or GPS, and hillwalking poles; guided days typically include route-finding expertise and safety equipment such as a group first-aid kit and emergency shelter rather than personal clothing. Guides operating in the Reeks generally hold Mountaineering Ireland Hillwalking Leader or Mountain Skills qualifications, and a pre-walk safety briefing covers the day's escape routes, weather forecast, and the procedure for contacting Kerry Mountain Rescue in an emergency, since mobile coverage is unreliable on the ridge. The main walking season runs April to October; the range sees full winter conditions with ice, snow, and short daylight from November to March, when the horseshoe becomes a mountaineering rather than hillwalking undertaking and should only be attempted with winter skills and equipment.
Activity facts
- Where
- MacGillycuddy's Reeks, County Kerry
Highlights
- Coomloughra Horseshoe linking three peaks over 900m including Carrauntoohil
- Ireland's highest summit at 1,039m with panoramic Kerry views
- Ridge walking and scrambling in a dramatic glacial valley setting
- Mountaineering Ireland-qualified guides available for the full horseshoe route
Tips for visiting
- Check the mountain weather forecast the morning of the walk, not the night before
- Carry a map, compass and fully charged phone since signal is unreliable on the ridge
- Start early to allow enough daylight for the full Coomloughra Horseshoe
- Hire a qualified guide for a first attempt, especially outside peak summer months
When to visit
April to October offers the most reliable hillwalking conditions; November to March brings full winter mountain conditions requiring specialist skills.
Accessibility
The rugged, uneven mountain terrain with scrambling sections is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Is a guide necessary for Carrauntoohil?
It is not compulsory but strongly recommended for the Coomloughra Horseshoe and for anyone unfamiliar with the terrain, given the exposed scrambling and unpredictable weather.
What should be brought on the walk?
Sturdy hiking boots, full waterproofs, map and compass or GPS, extra layers, food and water are essential even in summer.
Can the Reeks be walked in winter?
Winter conditions bring ice, snow and short daylight, turning the horseshoe into a mountaineering route that requires winter skills and equipment rather than standard hillwalking gear.