View source for Carrauntoohil

{{Short description|Highest mountain in Ireland}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Carrauntouhil
| other_name = Carrauntoohill
| native_name ={{native name|ga|Corrán Tuathail}}
| photo = Carrauntoohil 2016.JPG
| photo_caption = Carrauntoohil's east face (l), and north-east face (r, in shadow), as seen from the Hag's Glen
| photo_size = 
| elevation = {{convert|1038.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| elevation_ref = <ref name="mountainviews1"/><ref name="osi mountains">{{cite web |url=https://www.osi.ie/blog/irelands-top-10-most-spectacular-peaks/|title=Ireland's Top 10 Most Spectacular Peaks | website=[[Ordnance Survey Ireland]] |date=20 March 2018|quote=1. Carrauntoohil Height: 1,038m | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/mountaindetails.php?qu=S&rf=20001|title=Carrauntoohil [Corran Tuathail]|publisher=HillBaggingUK [[Database of British and Irish Hills]]|access-date=4 January 2019|quote=Height=1038.6m / 3407ft}}</ref>
| prominence = {{convert|1038.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| prominence_ref = <ref name="mountainviews1"/><ref name="osi mountains"/>
| map = island of Ireland
| map_relief = yes
| map_caption = Location in Ireland
| map_size = 300
| label_position = none
| isolation = {{convert|250|mi|km|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| listing = [[List of countries by highest point|Country high point]], [[List of Irish counties by highest point|County top (Kerry)]], Ribu, [[List of P600 mountains in the British Isles|P600]], [[List of Marilyns in the British Isles|Marilyn]], [[List of Furth mountains in the British Isles|Furth]], [[List of Hewitt mountains in England, Wales and Ireland|Hewitt]], [[Lists of mountains in Ireland#Arderins|Arderin]], [[List of mountains of the British Isles by height|Simm]], [[Lists of mountains in Ireland#Vandeleur-Lynams|Vandeleur-Lynam]]
| translation = Tuathal's sickle
| language = Irish
| location = [[County Kerry]], [[Ireland]]
| range = [[MacGillycuddy's Reeks]]
| coordinates = {{coord|51.999445|N|9.742693|W|type:mountain_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref = <ref name="mountainviews1"/>
| grid_ref_Ireland = V803844
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey of Ireland|OSI]] ''Discovery'' 78<ref name="mountainviews1"/>
| type = Purple sandstone & siltstone, (Ballinskelligs Sandstone Formation)<ref name="mountainviews1">{{cite web | url=https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/ | title=Carrauntoohil | publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]] | access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref>
| easiest_route = Devil's Ladder (via Hag's Glen)<ref name="jimr"/>
| period = [[Devonian]]<ref name="mountainviews1"/>
}}

'''Carrauntoohil''',<ref>{{cite web
	| title = Carrauntoohil
	| access-date = 2024-09-20
	| publisher = Placenames Database of Ireland (Government of Ireland)
	| website = logainm.ie
	| url = https://www.logainm.ie/en/101080
}}</ref> '''Carrauntoohill''' or '''Carrantuohill''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|k|ær|ə|n|ˈ|t|uː|ə|l}} {{respell|KARR|ən|TOO|əl}};{{nbsp}}{{langx|ga|Corrán Tuathail}} {{IPA|ga|ˌkɔɾˠaːn̪ˠ ˈt̪ˠuəhəlʲ|}}, meaning "Tuathal's sickle") is the [[Lists of mountains in Ireland|highest mountain in Ireland]] at {{convert|1038.6|m|ftin|abbr=off}}. It is on the [[Iveragh Peninsula]] in [[County Kerry]], close to the centre of [[Ireland]]'s highest mountain range, [[MacGillycuddy's Reeks]]. Carrauntoohil is composed mainly of [[sandstone]], whose [[glaciation]] produced distinctive features on the mountain such as the Eagle's Nest [[cirque|corrie]] and some deep gullies and sharp [[arête]]s in its east and northeastern faces that are popular with rock and winter climbers.

As Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil is popular with mountain walkers, who most commonly ascend via the Devil's Ladder route; however, Carrauntoohil is also climbed as part of longer mountain walking routes in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range, including the {{convert|15|km|mi|frac=2|adj=on}} Coomloughra Horseshoe or the {{convert|26|km|mi|adj=on}} MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk of the entire mountain range. Carrauntoohil, and most of the range is held in private ownership and is not part of any Irish national park; however, reasonable access is granted to the public for recreational use.

==Geology==
{{Main|MacGillycuddy's Reeks#Geology}}

Carrauntoohil is composed of sandstone particles of various sizes which are collectively known as [[Old Red Sandstone]].<ref name="jimr"/> Old Red Sandstone has a purple-reddish colour (stained green in places), and has virtually no [[fossil]]s; it dates from the [[Devonian]] period (410 to 350 million years ago) when Ireland was in a hot [[equatorial climate]].<ref name="jimr"/><ref name="MAS"/> The [[sedimentary rocks]] of the [[Iveragh Peninsula]] are composed of three layers that are up to {{convert|7|km|mi|frac=2}} thick (in ascending order): Lough Acoose Formation, Chloritic Sandstone Formation, and the Ballinskelligs Sandstone Formation.<ref name="jimr"/>

Carrauntoohil was later subject to significant glaciation during the [[Last Glacial Period|last ice age]], the result of which is deep fracturing of the rock, and the surrounding of Carrauntoohil by [[U-shaped valley]]s, sharp [[arête]]s, and deep [[cirque|corries]].<ref name="jimr"/>

==Geography==
[[File:Carrauntoohil Group from Cruach Mhor.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|Looking directly at Carrauntoohil's Eagle's Nest corrie (in shade), surrounded by Carrauntoohil (left), [[The Bones]] and the [[Beenkeragh Ridge]] (centre, back), [[Beenkeragh]] (right), and the [[Hag's Tooth, Kerry|Hag's Tooth]], and the [[Hag's Tooth Ridge]] up to Beenkeragh (right). The three levels of the Eagle's Nest corrie can be clearly seen.]]

Carrauntoohil is the central peak of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range, and has three major ridges.<ref name="collins">{{cite book| first=Simon | last=Stewart | year=2013 | title=A Guide to Ireland's Mountain Summits: The Vandeleur-Lynams & the Arderins |publisher=Collins Books | isbn=978-1-84889-164-7}}</ref> A narrow rocky ridge, or arête, to the north, known as the [[Beenkeragh Ridge]], contains the summit of [[The Bones]] (''Na Cnámha''), and leads to Ireland's second-highest peak, [[Beenkeragh]] (''Binn Chaorach'') at {{convert|1,008|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The ridge westward, called the [[Caher Ridge]], also an arête, leads to Ireland's third-highest peak, [[Caher (mountain)|Caher]] at {{convert|1,000|m|ft|abbr=on}}. A third and much wider unnamed south-easterly ridge, or [[Spur (topography)|spur]], leads down to a col where sits the top of the Devil's Ladder (the classic access route for Carrauntoohil from the Hag's Glen), but then rises back up to [[Cnoc na Toinne]] {{convert|845|m|ft|abbr=on}}, from which the long easterly ridge section of MacGillycuddy's Reeks is accessed.<ref name="jimr">{{cite book | last1 = Ryan | first1 = Jim | title = Carrauntoohil and MacGillycuddy's Reeks: A Walking Guide to Ireland's Highest Mountains | publisher = Collins Press | isbn = 978-1-905172-33-7 | year = 2006 }}</ref><ref name="dillon">{{cite book | last1 = Dillion | first1 = Paddy | title = The Mountains of Ireland: A Guide to Walking the Summits | publisher = Cicerone | isbn = 978-1-85284-110-2 | year = 1993}}</ref>

Carrauntoohil overlooks three U-shaped valleys, each of which containing their own lakes. To the east of Carrauntoohil is the Hag's Glen ({{Langx|ga|Com Caillí||hollow of the [[Cailleach]]|links=no}}), to the west is Coomloughra ({{Langx|ga|Chom Luachra | translation=hollow of the rushes|links=no}}), and to the south is Curragh More ({{Langx|ga|Currach Mór|translation=great marsh|links=no}}).<ref name="jimr"/><ref name="dillon"/>

{{anchor|Eagle's Nest}}Carrauntoohil has a deep corrie, known as the Eagle's Nest, at its north-east face,<ref name="jimr"/> which is accessed from the Hag's Glen, and rises up through three levels. At the top, the third level, is Lough Cummeenoughter, Ireland's highest lake.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland/fancy-a-swim-in-ireland-s-highest-lake-halfway-up-carrauntoohil-1.3538867 | title=Fancy a swim in Ireland's highest lake, halfway up Carrauntoohil? | newspaper=[[Irish Times]] | first=Helen | last=Fairborn | date=30 June 2018 | quote=Located at an elevation of 707m, Lough Cummeenoughter in Co Kerry is a unique swimming spot. Not only is this the highest lake in Ireland, it's also one of the most dramatic. Nestled at the base of a natural amphitheatre with the country's two tallest peaks towering on either side, Irish swimming doesn't come any wilder than this. The lake itself is surprisingly hospitable; it has a sandy bed and becomes deep quickly enough to dive into. | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> The Eagle's Nest gives views of the gullies on Carrauntoohil's north-east face: Curved Gully, Central Gully, and Brother O'Shea's Gully.<ref name="kmr2">{{cite web|url=http://kerrymountainrescue.ie/carrauntoohil-route-descriptions/|title=Carrauntoohil Route Descriptions: Brother O'Shea's Gully (Lough Cummeenoughter) Route|website=Kerry Mountain Rescue Team|date=2018|access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> Sometimes the term Eagle's Nest is used to refer to the small stone Mountain Rescue Hut that sits on the first level of the corrie, where the [[Carrauntoohil#Heavenly Gates|Heavenly Gates]] descent gully meets the Eagle's Nest corrie.<ref name="jimr"/>

Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland on all [[Lists of mountains in Ireland|classification scales]].<ref name="collins"/><ref name="dobih"/> It is the [[List of mountains of the British Isles by height|133rd-highest mountain, and 4th most prominent mountain]], in Britain and Ireland, on the [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Simms|Simms]] classification.<ref name="dobih">{{cite web|url=http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html|title=The Database of British and Irish Hills|date=2018|first1=Chris|last1= Cocker|first2=Graham|last2= Jackson|publisher=[[Database of British and Irish Hills]]|access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> Carrauntoohil is regarded by the [[Scottish Mountaineering Club]] (SMC) as one of 34 [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Furths|Furths]], which are defined as mountains above {{convert|3000|ft|m|1}} in elevation and meeting the SMC criteria for a [[Munro]] (i.e. "sufficient separation"), and which are outside (or ''furth''), of Scotland;<ref name=SMC2/> this is why Carrauntoohil is also referred to as one of the thirteen [[Irish Munro]]s.<ref name=SMC2>{{cite web|url=https://www.smc.org.uk/hills/hill-lists#furths|title=Hill Lists: Furths|quote=The list of peaks of 3000ft or more within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland outside (furth) of Scotland. There are currently 34 Furths.|publisher=[[Scottish Mountaineering Club]]|access-date=12 April 2020|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005153432/https://www.smc.org.uk/hills/hill-lists#furths}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.irelandsown.ie/irelands-munros/|title=Ireland's Munros|date=26 June 2018|access-date=12 April 2020|magazine=[[Ireland's Own]]|last=Redmond|first=Paula|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010213635/https://www.irelandsown.ie/irelands-munros/}}</ref>

Carrauntoohil's larger prominence qualifies it to meet the [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#P600 (the "Majors")|P600]] classification and the Britain and Ireland [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Marilyns|Marilyn]] classification.<ref name="dobih"/> Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in the [[MountainViews Online Database]], ''[[Lists of mountains in Ireland#100 Highest|100 Highest Irish Mountains]]''.<ref name="collins"/><ref name="mountain">{{cite web |url=https://mountainviews.ie/lists/highest/|title=Irish Highest 100: The highest 100 Irish mountains with a prominence of +100m|publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]]|date=September 2018|access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref>

==Summit==
[[File:The summit of Carrauntoohil - geograph.org.uk - 331996.jpg|thumb|left|The summit of Carrauntoohil]]

In the 1950s, a wooden [[Christian cross|cross]] was erected on the summit, a privately owned [[Common land|commonage]], by the local community.<ref name="examiner dec 2014"/> In 1976, the wooden cross was replaced by a {{convert|5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} steel cross. In 2014, the cross was cut down by unknown persons,<ref>{{cite web |title=Vandals cut down iconic Cross on Ireland's highest mountain |website=BreakingNews.ie |date=22 November 2014 |url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/vandals-cut-down-iconic-cross-on-irelands-highest-mountain-652017.html |access-date=22 November 2014}}</ref> who filmed the felling and said it was in protest against the [[Catholic Church in Ireland|Catholic Church]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Video of the Carrauntoohil Cross being cut down sent to journalists | newspaper=[[TheJournal.ie]] |date=2 December 2014 |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/carrauntoohil-cross-3-1810988-Dec2014/ |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> It was re-erected shortly after.<ref name="examiner dec 2014">{{cite news |title=Carrauntoohil cross restored in dawn mission |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |date=1 December 2014|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/carrauntoohil-cross-restored-in-dawn-mission-300265.html |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>

Because of the dangers of the steep north-eastern and eastern faces of Carrauntoohil, the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) have placed danger signs on the summit, and particularly above the Howling Ridge sector (the ridge between the north-east and east faces), whose initial section can be mistaken for a hill-walkers descent route.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland/chaos-on-carrauntoohil-too-few-guides-too-late-starting-1.3401951|title=Chaos on Carrauntoohil: Too few guides, too late starting|newspaper=[[Irish Times]] | first=Lorna | last=Siggins | date=24 February 2018 |access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/hillwalkers-at-risk-by-ignoring-danger-sign-223761.html | title=Hillwalkers at risk by ignoring danger sign | date=26 February 2013 | newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] | quote=Hillwalkers ignoring a sign warning them to stay away from potentially dangerous paths near the summit of Ireland's highest mountain are putting themselves in serious danger. The KMRT is concerned about a rising number of accidents and rescues on the northern and eastern sides of Carrantuohill. The warning sign, with a skull and crossbones, is on the summit of the mountain.|first=Donal | last=Hickey |access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref>

==Naming==

''Carrauntoohil'' is the most common and official spelling of the name, being the only version in use by [[Ordnance Survey Ireland]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osi.ie/?s=Carrauntoohil | title=Carrauntoohil | access-date=6 April 2020 | website=[[Ordnance Survey Ireland]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title=Kerry (Discovery Series) | author=Ordnance Survey Ireland | author-link=Ordnance Survey Ireland | isbn=978-1-908852-32-8 | date=2001 }}</ref> the [[Placenames Database of Ireland]],<ref name="pdi">{{cite web |url=https://www.logainm.ie/101080.aspx |title=Carrauntoohil | website=[[logainm.ie|Placenames Database of Ireland]] | access-date=28 January 2010}}</ref> and by Irish academic Paul Tempan, compiler of the ''Irish Hill and Mountain Names'' database (2010).<ref name="peak">{{cite web |url= http://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/Paul%20Tempan%20Irish%20Mountain%20Placenames%20-%20Feb%202012.pdf|title=Irish Hill and Mountain Names|website=MountainViews.ie|first=Paul |last=Tempan|date=February 2012 |access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> ''Carrauntoohill'' has also been used in the past, for example by Irish historian [[Patrick Weston Joyce]] in 1870.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.libraryireland.com/IrishPlaceNames/Carrantuohill.php | title=Carrauntoohill – Irish Placenames | website=Library Ireland | access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref name=PWJ>{{cite book | title=The Origin and History of Irish Names of Places | isbn=978-1-113-85930-3 | author=Patrick Weston Joyce | author-link=Patrick Weston Joyce | date=1870 | page=6 | volume=3}}</ref> Other less common spelling variations have included ''Carrantoohil'', ''Carrantouhil'', ''Carrauntouhil'' and ''Carrantuohill''; all of which are [[anglicisation]]s of the same [[Irish language|Irish-language]] name.<ref name=PWJ/>

Paul Tempan's ''Irish Hill and Mountain Names'' notes that Carrauntoohil's Irish name "is shrouded in uncertainty", and that "Unlike some lesser peaks, such as [[Mangerton Mountain|Mangerton]] or [[Croagh Patrick]], it is not mentioned in any surviving [[Early Irish literature|early Irish texts]]".<ref name="peak"/> The official Irish name is {{lang|ga|Corrán Tuathail}}, which Tempan notes is interpreted as "Tuathal's sickle", [[Túathal (disambiguation)|Tuathal]] being a male first name.<ref name="peak"/> Patrick Weston Joyce previously interpreted it as "inverted sickle",<ref name="peak"/> translating from the Irish language term {{lang|ga|tuathail}} meaning left-handed but according to PWJ, "is applied to everything reversed from its proper direction".<ref name=PWJ/> From yet another perspective, one of the earliest written accounts of the mountain by [[Isaac Weld]] in 1812, calls it ''Gheraun-Tuel'',<ref name="peak"/> and [[Samuel Lewis (publisher)|Samuel Lewis's]] ''Topographical Dictionary of Ireland'' (1837) calls it ''Garran Tual'';<ref>{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=Samuel | date=1837 | url=https://www.libraryireland.com/topog/K/Knockane-Dunkerron-Kerry.php | quote=Knockane | title=A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland | publisher=Library Ireland | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> suggesting the first element was {{lang|ga|géarán}} ('fang')—which is found in the names of other Kerry mountains—and that the earlier name may have been {{lang|ga|Géarán Tuathail}} ('Tuathal's fang').<ref name="peak"/><ref>{{cite book | last=Hendroff | first= Adrian | title=From High Places: A Journey Through Ireland's Great Mountains | publisher=History Press Ireland | date=2012 | page=220 | isbn=978-1-84588-989-0 }}</ref>

==Ownership==
[[File:Carrauntoohil, Co Kerry, Ireland. ascent of Carrauntoohil.jpg|thumb|A group ascending the mountain, August 1994]]
The climber and author Jim Ryan noted in his 2006 book ''Carrauntoohil and MacGillycuddy's Reeks'' that the actual mountain of Carrauntoohil, including most of the Hag's Glen, is in private ownership.<ref name="jimr"/> The freehold is owned by four families: Donal Doona, John O'Shea, John B. Doona, and James Sullivan. Their great-grandfathers bought the land from the [[Irish Land Commission]], "paying the sum of eleven shillings and two pence (€0.70 in today's money), twice a year for many decades".<ref name="jimr"/> Ryan's book commended the owners for providing access over the years,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/praise-for-carrauntoohil-owners-in-walkers-guide-18775.html|title=Praise for Carrauntoohil owners in walkers' guide|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=21 November 2006|first=Eoin|last=English|quote=He praised landowners Donal Doona, John O'Shea, John B Doona, James Sullivan and Michael O'Sullivan for allowing public access to their lands on and around Carrauntoohil and the Macgillycuddy's Reeks over the years. "They are amongst the most welcoming people in the country," he said. He met the men, their families and recorded their history and association with the lands for the book.| access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref> despite damage to their farms.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/dogs-banned-from-carrantuohill-238367.html|title=Dogs banned from Carrauntoohil|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=31 July 2013|first=Donal | last=Hickey|quote=Carrantuohill is actually owned by private landowners and some people don't realise that. The owners mainly earn their livelihoods from the land through farming.| access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>

A state-sponsored report into access for the range in December 2013 titled ''MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Development Assessment'' (also called the Mountain Access Project, or MAP), mapped the complex network of land titles.<ref name="MAS"/> Unlike many other national mountain ranges, MacGillycuddy's Reeks are not part of a national park or a trust structure, and are instead completely privately owned.<ref name="MAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.keepirelandopen.org/Reeks_Report.pdf|title=MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Development Assessment|author=South Kerry Development Partnership|website=KeepIrelandOpen.org|date=December 2013|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020011519/http://www.keepirelandopen.org/Reeks_Report.pdf}}</ref>

The ownership situation has raised concerns in light of the material rise in visitors to Carrauntoohil (and the range in general), and the erosion and lack of infrastructure that other state-owned sites have been able to address.<ref name=IE5>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/specialreports/managing-visitor-impact-on-the-macgillycuddys-reeks-is-still-quite-a-hill-to-climb-884701.html | title=Managing visitor impact on The MacGillycuddy's Reeks is still quite a hill to climb | date=12 November 2018 | access-date=25 March 2020 | newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] }}</ref> In 2019 the ''[[Irish Times]]'' reported that the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum, a cross-body group of landowners, commercial users and public access and walking groups set up in 2014 with the aim of "protecting, managing and sustainably developing the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, while halting and reversing the obvious and worsening path erosion", had achieved some success laying down new pathways in the Hag's Glen approach to Carrauntoohil; however, the ''Irish Times'' still wondered, "Should the Kerry reeks be a national park?"<ref name=IT5>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland/should-the-kerry-reeks-be-a-national-park-1.3929581 | title=Should the Kerry reeks be a national park? | first=John G. |last=O'Dwyer | date=22 June 2020 |access-date=25 March 2020 | newspaper=[[Irish Times]] }}</ref>

==Recreation==

===Visitors===

Separate statistics do not exist for visitors or ascensions of the stand-alone peak of Carrauntoohil; however, it was recorded that over 125,000 accessed the range in 2017, and 140,000 accessed the range in 2018, the majority of which are related to Carrauntoohil.<ref name=IE5/><ref name=IT5/> The attraction of the mountain has led to many accidents and fatalities over the years, and by the 50th anniversary of the KMRT in 2017, they recorded having attended more than 40 fatalities in the range, noting that many were "in the immediate Carrauntoohil area".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kerrymountainrescue.ie/archive/ | title=History of KMRT | date=2017 | access-date=6 April 2020 | website=Kerry Mountain Rescue Team}}</ref> Accidents on the mountain have been attributed to bad weather, late departures combined with darkness on the way down and falling rocks in eroded areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kerrymountainrescue.ie/mountain-safety/ | title=Mountain Safety advice by Kerry Mountain Rescue | website=Kerry Mountain Rescue Team | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref>

===Mountain walking===

[[File:Carrantuohill.jpg|thumb|Carrauntoohil (r) from Hag's Glen, with the Devil's Ladder path to the [[col]] between Carrauntoohil (r) and Cnoc na Toinne (l) visible in the distance]]

{{anchor|Devil's Ladder}}{{anchor|Devils Ladder}}The straightforward route is via the Devil's Ladder,{{efn|It is not clear whether the term ''Devil's Ladder'' is linked to the Irish proverb: "Go ndeine an diabhal dréimire de cnámh do dhroma ag piocadh úll i ngairdín Ifrinn." (May the devil make a ladder of your backbone [and] pluck apples in the garden of hell).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daltai.com/proverbs/relationships-dealing-with-others/go-ndeine-an-diabhal-dreimire-de-cnamh-do-dhroma-ag-piocadh-ull-i-ngairdin-/|title=May the devil make a ladder of your backbone [and] pluck apples in the garden of hell.|website=Daltaí na Gaeilge|access-date=12 December 2018|quote=Go ndeine an diabhal dréimire de cnámh do dhroma ag piocadh úll i ngairdín Ifrinn / May the devil make a ladder of your backbone [and] pluck apples in the garden of hell.|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215022115/http://www.daltai.com/proverbs/relationships-dealing-with-others/go-ndeine-an-diabhal-dreimire-de-cnamh-do-dhroma-ag-piocadh-ull-i-ngairdin-/}}</ref>}} which starts at Cronin's Yard ({{gbm4ibx|V837873}}) in the north-east, moves into the Hag's Glen, continues along between Lough Gouragh and Lough Calee, until the Devil's Ladder, a worn path from the glen to the col between Carrauntoohil and Cnoc na Toinne {{convert|845|m|ft|abbr=on}} is visible.<ref name="jimr"/> No special climbing equipment is needed, but caution is advised as the Devil's Ladder has become unstable with overuse; alternatives to the ladder include the Bothar na Gige Zig Zag track (the north-east spur of Cnoc na Toinne {{cvt|845|m|ft|disp=sqbr}}).<ref name="jimr"/><ref name=IT5/> The full route back to Cronin's Yard is {{convert|12|km|mi|frac=2|abbr=on}} and takes 4–5 hours.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://outsider.ie/ireland/hiking-carrauntoohil-essential-information/ | title=Hiking Carrauntoohil: Everything you Need to Know | website=Outsider.ie | date=2018 | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="kmr">{{cite web|url=http://kerrymountainrescue.ie/carrauntoohil-route-descriptions/|title=Route Descriptions|website=Kerry Mountain Rescue Team|date=2018 | access-date = 11 December 2018}}</ref>

Other popular, but more serious, routes to Carrauntoohil from the Hag's Glen are via the [[Hag's Tooth Ridge]] up to Beenkeragh, and then across the Beenkeragh Ridge to Carrauntoohil; or via the Eagle's Nest route to Lough Cummeenoughter, Ireland's highest lake, and up to the summit via Brother O'Shea's Gully or Curved Gully.<ref name="jimr"/><ref name="kmr2"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/go-walk-curved-gully-carrauntoohil-co-kerry-1.1314431|title=Go walk: Curved Gully, Carrauntoohil, Co Kerry|date=23 February 2013|newspaper=[[Irish Times]]|first=John G. | last=O'Dwyer | access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Heavenly Gates (Carrauntoohil Mountain, Kerry, Ireland).jpg|thumb|Heavenly Gates on the east face. The {{convert|450|m}} Howling Ridge rock-climb starts at the Heavenly Gates.]]

{{anchor|Heavenly Gates}}Instead of descending via the Devil's Ladder, some climbers use a route known as the Heavenly Gates, which starts above the col of the Devil's Ladder but takes a small stone path that cuts across the east-face of Carrauntoohil, through a narrow gap, known as the Heavenly Gates (see photo), and then heads diagonally down a deep gully to the base of the first level of the Eagle's Nest corrie, where the Mountain Rescue Hut is situated.<ref name="jimr"/> This route, however, is hazardous, difficult to find as it is not marked, and particularly dangerous in poor visibility; it has been the source of several serious accidents on Carrauntoohil.<ref name="jimr"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kerry-mountain-volunteers-risked-lives-to-retrieve-body-439908.html|title=Kerry mountain volunteers risked lives to retrieve body|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |date=20 January 2017 | access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/man-dies-in-fall-on-reeks-34915015.html|title=Man dies in fall on Reeks|newspaper=[[The Kerryman]]|date=30 July 2016|quote=Gardaí in Killarney said the man was alone when the accident happened at a section known as the Heavenly Gates. [..] Mr Wallace also said the area where the man fell is not normally frequented by walkers as it is a very steep rock face, adding the number of recorded incidents in the past 10 to 15 years at this section tended to be of a serious nature.| access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Carrauntoohil by Brother O'Shea's Gully.jpg|thumb|Climbing up Brother O'Shea's Gully with the Eagle's Nest (third level), and Lough Cummeenoughter below.]]

{{anchor|Coomloughra Horseshoe}}A strenuous undertaking is the {{convert|15|km|mi|frac=2|adj=on}} Coomloughra Horseshoe, which takes 6–8 hours and is described as "one of Ireland's classic ridge walks".<ref name="kmr"/><ref name=JOD>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/our-finest-mountain-route-1.788946|title=Our Nation's Finest Mountain Route|newspaper=[[Irish Times]]|first=John G. |last=O'Dwyer|date=20 June 2009|quote=There are a few candidates for this honour; Dingle's Brandon Ridge, Connemara's Glencoaghan Horseshoe and Mayo's Mweelrea Circuit immediately spring to mind. But nearly all hillwalkers now agree that one route stands out above even such splendour. Kerry's Coomloughra Horseshoe is virtually impossible to match in an Irish context, as it takes in our three highest summits and offers an adrenalin–filled crossing of a memorable mountain ridge, great long-range coastal views and a bird's-eye panorama over some of Killarney's renowned lakes and fells.| access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref> It starts from the north-west up the Hydro-Track ({{gbm4ibx|V772871}}), and is usually done clockwise, first climbing Skregmore {{convert|848|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and then to Beenkeragh {{convert|1008|m|ft|abbr=on}}, across the famous Beenkeragh Ridge, at the centre of which is The Bones {{convert|956|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and on to the summit of Carrauntoohil itself. The horseshoe is completed by continuing to Caher {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}}, [[Caher West Top]] {{convert|973|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and descending to the starting point.<ref name="kmr"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.corkbackpackers.ie/irelands-iconic-mountains/|title=Ireland's Iconic Hillwalks – The Coomloughra Horseshoe|website=Cork Hill Walkers Club|date=2017| access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mountaintrails.ie/the-coomloughra-horseshoe-the-best-mountain-ridge-walk-in-ireland/|title=The Coomloughra Horseshoe – the best mountain ridge walk in Ireland?|website=Mountaintrails.ie|date=23 June 2014 | access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref> Carrauntoohil is also climbed as part of the full [[MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk]], a 12- to 14-hour, {{convert|26|km|mi|adj=on}} traverse of the entire Reeks range.<ref name="jimr"/>

===Rock and winter climbing===

[[File:Eagle's Nest (Lough Cummeenoughter) in Carrauntoohil in winter.jpg|thumb|Eagle's Nest and Lough Cummenoughter in winter]]

{{anchor|Howling Ridge}}Although the Reeks are not particularly known for their advanced rock climbing (e.g. unlike [[Ailladie]] in Clare, or [[Fair Head]] in Antrim), the east face of Carrauntoohil, looking into the Hag's Glen, and the north-east face, looking into Brothers O'Shea's Gully, have a number of multi-pitch, mixed route, rock climbing routes.<ref name=DF/> The most well-known is the {{convert|450|m|ft|adj=on}} Howling Ridge ([[Grade (climbing)|climbing grade]] Very Difficult, or V-Diff), which starts at the base of the gap of Heavenly Gates, and takes the arête between Carrauntoohil's east and north-east faces.<ref name=DF>{{cite book | title=Rock Climbing In Ireland | date=November 2014 | first=David | last=Flanagan | isbn=978-0-9567874-2-2 | quote=Carrauntoohil: Howling Ridge}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerryclimbing.ie/howling-ridge/ | title=Howling Ridge | website=KerryClimbing.ie |date=2017 | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-tv/watch-the-incredible-howling-ridge-climb-on-irelands-highest-peak-36735648.html|title=Watch the incredible Howling Ridge climb on Ireland's highest peak|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=23 March 2018 | access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>

These same east and north-east faces are also used for winter climbing, conditions permitting, and seven routes of climbing grade V are marked amongst almost eighty routes in total.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=2023#guidebooks|title=Carrauntoohil Winter Climbs|publisher=UKClimbing.com|date=12 August 2018 | access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Winter_Climbing_around_Carrauntoohil|title=Winter Climbing around Carrauntoohil|website=IrishClimbingWiki | access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerryclimbing.ie/rock-climbing-guides-ireland/|title=Rock and Winder Guide: Carrauntoohil|website=KerryClimbing.ie|date=2017| access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of highest points of European countries]]
*[[List of P600 mountains in the British Isles]]
*[[List of tallest structures in Ireland]]
*[[Lists of long-distance trails in the Republic of Ireland]]

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book | last1 = Dillon | first1 = Paddy | title = The Mountains of Ireland: A Guide to Walking the Summits | publisher = Cicerone | isbn = 978-1-85284-110-2 | year = 1993 }}
*{{cite book | last1 = Fairbairn | first1 = Helen | title = Ireland's Best Walks: A Walking Guide | publisher = Collins Press | isbn = 978-1-84889-211-8 | year = 2014 }}
*{{cite book | last= Kelly | first=Piaras | year=2016| title=MacGillycuddy's Reeks – Winter Climbs |publisher = Piaras Kelly | isbn=978-1-5262-0666-4}}
*{{cite book | last1 = Ryan | first1 = Jim | title = Carrauntoohil and MacGillycuddy's Reeks: A Walking Guide to Ireland's Highest Mountains | publisher = Collins Press | isbn = 978-1-905172-33-7 | year = 2006 }}
*{{cite book| first=Simon | last=Stewart | year=2013 | title=A Guide to Ireland's Mountain Summits: The Vandeleur-Lynams & the Arderins |publisher=Collins Books | isbn=978-1-84889-164-7}}
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Carrauntoohil}}

*[https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/ MountainViews: The Irish Mountain Website], Carrauntoohil
*[http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html The Database of British and Irish Hills ], the largest database of British Isles mountains ("[[DoBIH]]")
*[http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/ Hill Bagging UK & Ireland], the searchable interface for the DoBIH

{{P600 mountains in Britain and Ireland}}
{{Irish provinces highest mountains|}}
{{Mountains and hills of Munster}}
{{Highest points of Europe}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Marilyns of Ireland]]
[[Category:Hewitts of Ireland]]
[[Category:Mountains and hills of County Kerry]]
[[Category:Highest points of Irish counties]]
[[Category:Furths]]
[[Category:One-thousanders of Ireland]]
[[Category:Iveragh Peninsula]]
[[Category:Highest points of countries]]
[[Category:Mountains and hills of Ireland]]