View source for MacGillycuddy's Reeks

{{short description|Mountain range in Kerry, Ireland}}{{For|the song by Warren Zevon|My Ride's Here}}{{distinguish|McGillycuddy of the Reeks}}

{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Irish English|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name=MacGillycuddy's Reeks
| other_name={{langx|ga|Na Cruacha Dubha}}
| photo=MacGuillycuddy's Reeks.jpg
| photo_caption=
| country=[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| country1=
| location = [[County Kerry]]
| region = [[Munster]]
| region_type = [[Provinces of Ireland]]
| parent=
| border=
| length_km=19 
| length_orientation=East–West
| width_km= 
| width_orientation=
| highest=[[Carrauntoohil]]<ref name="mountainviews1">[https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/ MountainViews: Carrauntoohil]</ref>
| elevation_m=1038.6<ref name="mountainviews1"/> 
| coordinates = {{coord|52.01|N|9.70|W|region:IE|display=inline,title}}<ref name="mountainviews1"/> 
| translation = the black stacks
| language = [[Irish language|Irish]]
| range_coordinates = 
| geology= 
| period=[[Devonian]]<ref name="mountainviews1"/>  
| orogeny =
| map=island of Ireland
| map_caption=Location of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks
| type= Purple sandstone & siltstone<ref name="mountainviews1"/> 
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey of Ireland|OSI]] ''Discovery'' 78
}}
'''MacGillycuddy's Reeks''' ({{lga|Na Cruacha Dubha|the black stacks}}) is a [[sandstone]] and [[siltstone]] [[mountain range]] in the [[Iveragh Peninsula]] in [[County Kerry]], [[Ireland]]. Stretching {{convert|19|km|mi|abbr=off}}, from the [[Gap of Dunloe]] in the east, to [[Glencar, County Kerry|Glencar]] in the west, the Reeks is Ireland's highest mountain range, and includes most of the highest peaks and sharpest ridges in Ireland, and the only peaks on the island over {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=off}} in height.

Near the centre of the range is [[Carrauntoohil]], Ireland's highest mountain at {{convert|1038.6|m|ft}}.  The range was heavily glaciated which carved out deep [[cirque|corries]] (e.g. the Eagle's Nest), [[U-shaped valley]]s (e.g. Lough Coomloughra), and sharp [[arête]]s and ridges (e.g. the [[Beenkeragh Ridge]]).<ref name="jim"/>

The range, part of the [[Reeks District]], is a destination for mountain walkers and climbers and includes some of Ireland's most regarded walking routes such as the 15–kilometre (10 mile) ''[[Coomloughra Horseshoe]]'', and the 26-kilometre (16 mile) ''MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk'' that traverses the full range; it is estimated that over 140,000 people visit the range each year.<ref name=IT5/>  The entire range is in private ownership; however, reasonable access is given for recreational use.<ref name="jim" /><ref name=IT5/>

==Geology==

MacGillycuddy's Reeks are composed of sandstone particles of various sizes, which are collectively known as the [[Old Red Sandstone]].  The rocks date from the Upper [[Devonian]] period (310–450 million years ago) when Ireland was in a hot equatorial setting.<ref name="jim">{{cite book | last1 = Ryan | first1 = Jim | title = Carrauntoohil and MacGillycuddy's Reeks: A Walking Guide to Ireland's Highest Mountains | publisher = Collins Press | isbn = 978-1905172337 | year = 2006 | chapter = Chapter One: MacGillycuddy's Reeks - A Profile}}</ref>  During this 60 million year period, Ireland was the site of a major basin, known as the Munster basin, and the counties of [[County Cork|Cork]] and Kerry were effectively a large alluvial floodplain.<ref name="jim"/>  Chemical oxidation stained the material with a purple–reddish colour (and green in places from chlorination), still visible today.<ref name="jim"/>  There are virtually no fossils in Old Red Sandstone.<ref name="jim"/>  The composition of Old Red Sandstone is variable and contains [[quartz|quartz stones]], [[mudstones]], [[siltstones]], and [[sandstone|sandstone particles]] (boulders of [[conglomerate rock]] containing quartz pebbles are visible throughout the range).<ref name="jim"/>  The Reeks were also subject to significant glaciation which led to fracturing of the rock, and resulted in deep [[cirque|corries]] (e.g. the [[Eagle's Nest, Kerry|Eagle's Nest]]), [[U-shaped valley]]s (e.g. Lough Coomloughra), and sharp [[arête]]s and ridges (e.g. the [[Beenkeragh Ridge]]).<ref name="jim"/><ref name="MAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.keepirelandopen.org/Reeks_Report.pdf|title=MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Development Assessment|publisher=South Kerry Development Partnership|date=December 2013|access-date=24 October 2018|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020011519/http://www.keepirelandopen.org/Reeks_Report.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Lough Callee and Cnoc na Péiste (Knocknapeasta) - geograph.org.uk - 1434579.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|View from [[Carrauntoohil]] of the eastern section of the Reeks showing (l-to-r) [[Cruach Mhor]], [[The Big Gun]], [[Cnoc na Peiste]] and [[Maolán Buí]]; including Maolán Buí's large narrow north-west spur, ''[[The Bone]]''.]]

MacGillycuddy's Reeks are variously described as consisting of two main sections, containing all ten of the Reeks that are above 3,000&nbsp;ft:<ref name="dillon"/><ref name="jim"/>
{{anchor|Eastern Reeks}}{{anchor|Coomloughra Reeks}}
{{ordered list|type=lower-roman
| '''Eastern Reeks''', a high ridge connecting (west to east), [[Cnoc an Chuillinn]],  [[Maolán Buí]], [[Cnoc na Péiste]], [[The Big Gun]], and [[Cruach Mhór]]; and
| '''Coomloughra Reeks''', a horseshoe around Lough Coomloughra that connects, [[Caher (West Top)]], [[Caher (mountain)|Caher]], [[Carrauntoohil]], [[The Bones]], and [[Beenkeragh]].
}}

The Eastern Reeks meet the Coomloughea Reeks at the [[col]] of the ''[[Devil's Ladder]]'', a popular ascent route for Carrauntoohil.<ref name="jim"/>

MacGillycuddy's Reeks contains the three peaks in Ireland which are over {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=off}} in height, namely: [[Carrauntoohil]], Ireland's highest mountain at {{convert|1,038.6|m|abbr=on}}, followed by [[Beenkeragh]] at {{convert|1,008|m|ft|abbr=on}} and [[Caher (mountain)|Caher]] at {{convert|1,000|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="collins">{{cite book| author=MountainViews (Simon 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 | pages=85–95, 120–145}}</ref>

The range contains eleven of the fourteen peaks in Ireland that are over {{convert|3000|ft|abbr=on}} in height, and meet the [[Lists of mountains in Ireland#Vandeleur-Lynams|Vandeleur-Lynam]] classification of a mountain&mdash;peaks with a [[topographical prominence|prominence]] over {{convert|15|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="mvvl">{{cite web|url=https://mountainviews.ie/lists/vandeleur-lynam/?PHPSESSID=6lpes93lcdlq890dprmqqu4dn6|title=Vandeleur-Lynams: Irish mountains of 600+m with a prominence of 15m|publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]]|date=October 2018}}</ref>  All but one of these eleven 3,000&nbsp;ft peaks, namely [[Cnoc an Chuillinn East Top]], are amongst the list of thirteen Irish [[List of Furth mountains in the British Isles|Furths]]&mdash;peaks which meet the [[Scottish Mountaineering Club]]'s criteria for a [[Munro]], and they are therefore also known as ''Irish Munros''.<ref>{{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=23 October 2018|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005153432/https://www.smc.org.uk/hills/hill-lists#furths|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There are 29 peaks in the range above {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}} in height.<ref name="collins"/> The range contains 14 Irish [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Hewitts|Hewitts]] (height above 2,000&nbsp;ft and prominence above 30 metres; 100 feet),<ref name="dobih">{{cite web|url=http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html|title=The Database of British and Irish Hills|date=2018|author1=Chris Cocker|author2=Graham Jackson|publisher=[[Database of British and Irish Hills]]}}</ref><ref name="collins"/> and 16 Irish [[Lists of mountains in Ireland#Arderins|Arderins]] (height above 500 metres; 2000 feet and prominence above 30 metres; 100 feet).<ref name="mva">{{cite web|url=https://mountainviews.ie/lists/arderin/|title=Arderins: Irish mountains of 500+m with a prominence of 30m|publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]]|date=October 2018}}</ref>  The range is also known for its sharp [[arête|arete]]s, including [[The Bones]] arete, more famously known as the ''[[Beenkeragh Ridge]]'', and [[The Big Gun]] arete.<ref name="collins"/>

A feature of the range is the modest [[topographic prominence]], or "drop" between many of its peaks.<ref name="dobih"/><ref name="dillon">{{cite book | last1 = Dillion  | first1 = Paddy | title = The Mountains of Ireland: A Guide to Walking the Summits | publisher = Cicerone | isbn = 978-1852841102 | year = 1993 | chapter=Chapter 41, Chapter 42}}</ref>  Only two of the eleven Reeks over 3,000&nbsp;ft meet the [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Marilyns|Marilyn]] classification of a mountain (a prominence above 150 metres; 500 feet), namely Carrauntoohil and [[Cnoc na Péiste]].<ref name="dobih"/>  The only Reek that meets the [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#P600 (the "Majors")|P600]] classification (a prominence above 600 metres; 2000 feet), is Carrauntoohil itself.<ref name="dobih"/>  The combination of high peaks and low prominence, means the ridges between the peaks are at a sustained height (e.g. why the prominence is so modest), which has contributed to the popularity of ridge walking in the Reeks, particularly, the ''Coomloughra Horseshoe'', and the ''[[MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk]]'', and the term, "Ireland's highest mountain range".<ref name="dillon"/><ref name="collins"/>

==Ownership==
[[File:MacGillycuddy's Reeks as viewed from Churchtown Cemetery, Co Kerry, Ireland.jpg|thumb|left|The Reeks as viewed from Churchtown Cemetery, near [[Beaufort, County Kerry|Beaufort]], in 1990]]
The entire range is held in private ownership, both in individually owned freehold parcels in the lower reaches and in commonly owned, open upland zones ('commonage'). 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, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks are not part of a national park or a trust structure.<ref name="MAS"/><ref name=IT5/>

The private ownership has led to issues around the upkeep of popular paths in the Reeks, most particularly the erosion of the ''Devil's Ladder'' path, which is used to summit Carrauntoohil; and various car-parks and bridges used by climbers.<ref name=IE5/><ref name="MAS"/>  The 2013 MAP report noted the importance of safety in light of the increasing climbers and walkers to the Reeks.  The MAP report stated that Kerry Mountain Rescue ("KMR") logged 17 fatalities on the Reeks between 1966 and 2000, or about one every second year, but since 2000, KMR had been logging approximately 2 fatalities per annum.<ref name="jim" /><ref name=IT5/>

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/>

==Naming==

[[File:The Eagle's Nest (Carrauntoohil, Kerry).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Looking into the deep ''[[Eagle's Nest, Kerry|Eagle's Nest]]'' [[cirque|corrie]] from the Hag's Glen.  The Nest is surrounded by [[Carrauntoohil]] (left), [[The Bones]] (back, centre), and [[Beenkeragh]] (right); Knockbrinea is at the far right.  The ''[[Hag's Tooth, Kerry|Hag's Tooth]]'' is visible at the entrance to the corrie, as is the ''[[Hag's Tooth Ridge]]'' up to the summit of Beenkeragh.]]

The full name of the range in Irish is ''Cruacha Dubha Mhic Giolla Mo Chuda'', meaning "the black stacks of McGillycuddy". This is commonly shortened to ''Na Cruacha Dubha''.<ref name="paul2">{{cite web|url=https://mountainviews.ie/features/names/intnames2/TempanMtnNamesInter2.htm|title=Irish mountain names and their international links|author=Paul Tempan|publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]]|date=2006|quote=Cruach - ‘stack, rick, pile’: Given the original meaning of this word, it is not surprising that most of the mountains with names in cruach show a symmetrical triangular profile, rather like a haystack. This is very evident in the case of na Cruacha Dubha (MacGillycuddy's Reeks) or, to give them their full and rather poetic title, Cruacha Dubha Mhic Giolla Mochuda.}}</ref><ref name="paul">{{cite web|url= https://mountainviews.ie/features/names/RyanReeksReview/JimRyanReeksGuide.htm|title=REVIEW: Jim Ryan - Carrauntoohil & MacGillycuddy's Reeks: A Walking Guide to Ireland's Highest Mountains|author=Paul Tempan|publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]]|date=2006|quote=However, he makes no mention here, or elsewhere in the book, of the MacGillycuddys (a branch of O'Sullivan More), the family most intimately connected with the Reeks, as well as the area to the north, and which gave its name to the range (Cruacha Dubha Mhic Giolla Mo Chuda, usually shortened to just Na Cruacha Dubha, 'the black stacks'). The MacGillycuddy was one of the few Gaelic chieftains to have his lands restored after the Cromwellian confiscations, a circumstance which helps to explain why the name has survived to this day. The MacGillycuddy family tomb is at Kilgobnet, between the mountains and Killorglin.}}</ref> The name is translated into English as "MacGillycuddy's Reeks",<ref name="paul"/> where ''reek'' is a [[Hiberno-English]] form of the word ''[[wikt:rick|rick]]'', denoting a stack.<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|publisher=MountainViews.ie|author=Paul Tempan|date=February 2012|pages=59, 69}}</ref>

The MacGillycuddys ({{lga|Mhic Giolla Mo Chuda}}) were a sept, or branch, of the O'Sullivan Moore clan.  The MacGillycuddy is recorded as being one of a smaller number of Gaelic chieftains whose lands were returned post the [[Cromwellian conquest of Ireland|Cromwellian confiscations]], which explains why the name survives to this day.<ref name="paul"/> The MacGillycuddy family tomb is at [[Kilgobnet, County Kerry]], between the mountains and [[Killorglin]].<ref name="paul"/>  The clan chief, [[McGillycuddy of the Reeks]], owned land in this part of [[Munster]] until the end of the 20th century.

==Recreation==
[[File:The Reeks, Killarney, Ireland, by Fanny Steers, 1857 (18ac54c3-0434-4ac9-b7ba-ed29a7111c1a).jpg|thumb|1857 painting by [[Fanny Steers]] and bought by [[Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]]. It remains on display in the [[Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site|Longfellow House in Cambridge, Massachusetts]].]][[File:The Macgillicuddy Reeks, Killarney. County Kerry, Ireland-LCCN2002717420.tif|thumb|Photochrome print created around 1900 for sale as a souvenir]]
===Visitors===

Jim Ryan's 2006 book on the Reeks, ''Carrauntoohil and MacGillycuddy's Reeks: A Walking Guide to Ireland's Highest Mountains'', stated that there were 25,000 annual visitors to the Reeks.<ref name="jim"/>  The 2013 MAP report quoted Ryan's figures, which were cited in the MAP's ''Terms of Reference'', but stated that: "The Reeks are accessed by at least 25,000 recreational users per annum. It is highly likely that the numbers are a factor of 4 times higher based on observation of the year-round level of usage – but data is required to ascertain the visitor numbers."<ref name="MAS"/> It was estimated that 125,000 visitors entered the range in 2017 from footfall at three main access points,<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]] | quote=The attraction of being Ireland's highest mountain range draws a horde of visitors year-round, with 125,000 recreation seekers entering on to the Reeks from the three main access points during 2017.}}</ref> and that 140,000 entered in 2018 by recording footfall at four main access points.<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? | author=John G O'Dwyer | date=22 June 2020 |access-date=25 March 2020 | newspaper=[[Irish Times]] | quote=In 2018, 140,000 recreation seekers entered on to the area from the four main access points.}}</ref> The Reeks are a popular subject for artists and photographers, with souvenir prints offered for sale among "Views of Ireland."<ref name="LOC_print">{{cite web |title=The Macgillicuddy Reeks, Killarney County Kerry, Ireland |url=https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=2002717420&searchType=1&permalink=y |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date=16 January 2024 |quote=Title from the Detroit Publishing Co., catalogue J--foreign section. Detroit, Mich. : Detroit Photographic Company, 1905.. Print no. "12000". Forms part of: Views of Ireland in the Photochrom print collection.}}</ref><ref name="PhPrints">{{cite web |title=Photochrom Prints |date=13 May 1890 |url=https://loc.gov/pictures/collection/pgz/ |publisher=Library of Congress |quote=Like postcards, the photochroms feature subjects that appeal to travelers, including landscapes, architecture, street scenes, and daily life and culture. The prints were sold as souvenirs and often collected in albums or framed for display.}}</ref>

===Hill walking===

[[File:Coomloughra Lough (MacGillycuddy's Reeks).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|The ''[[Coomloughra Horseshoe]]'' around the Lough Coomloughra, with [[Caher East Top]] and [[Caher West Top]] on the right, [[Carrauntoohil]] back left, and the ''[[Beenkeragh Ridge]]'' on the far left.]]

The most common reason for visiting the Reeks is to climb Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil.  The popular route starts from Cronin's Yard ({{gbm4ibx|V837873}}) and enters the Hag's Glen to climb the ''Devil's Ladder'' (the col between [[Carrauntoohil]] and [[Cnoc na Toinne]]), from which the summit is accessed.<ref name="dillon"/> A more challenging route is via the ''[[Hag's Tooth Ridge]]'' which circles the ''Eagle's Nest'', and takes in Beenkeragh, and the ''Beenkeragh Ridge''.<ref name="jim"/>

MacGillycuddy's Reeks is particularly regarded for the quality of its ridge walking routes,<ref name="dillon"/> with the 6–8 hour {{convert|15|km|mi}} ''Coomloughra Horseshoe'', that circles Lough Coomloughra, considered "one of Ireland's classic ridge walks", which takes in all three of Ireland's {{convert|1000|m|ft}} peaks, namely, Carrauntoohil, Beenkeragh, and Caher (East Top and West Top), as well as the famous ''[[Beenkeragh Ridge]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/our-finest-mountain-route-1.788946|title=Our Nation's Finest Mountain Route|publisher=[[Irish Times]]|author=John 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 birds-eye panorama over some of Killarney's renowned lakes and fells.}}</ref><ref name="kmr">{{cite web|url=http://kerrymountainrescue.ie/carrauntoohil-route-descriptions/|title=Route Descriptions|publisher=Kerry Mountain Rescue Teams|date=2018}}</ref><ref name="dillon"/><ref name="jim"/>

{{anchor|MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk}}

The most challenging route is the full ''MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk'', a 12- to 14-hour, {{convert|26|km|mi|adj=on}} traverse of the entire range.<ref name="jim"/>  The route normally starts at the eastern end from ''Kate Kearney's Cottage'' in the [[Gap of Dunloe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hiddenirelandtours.com/day-excursions/day-walks-and-hikes/corran-tuathail-and-the-mcgillycuddy-reeks/|title=The Ridge of the Reeks|publisher=Hidden Ireland Tours|author=Con Moriarty|date=2018|quote=Simply, the finest mountain traverse in Ireland with 7 summits over 3000 ft. From Kate Kearney's Cottage, in the Gap of Dunloe, to Doire na Féinne and Loch a’ Chúis}}</ref>  The route takes in Stickeen Mountain ({{convert|440|m|ft}}) and Cnoc an Bhráca ({{convert|731|m|ft}}) before reaching the ridge proper at [[Cruach Mhór]] ({{convert|932|m|ft}}).  From there it continues along the narrow arete of [[The Big Gun]] ({{convert|939|m|ft}}) to [[Cnoc na Péiste]] ({{convert|988|m|ft}}), and continuing along the chain of [[Maolán Buí]] ({{convert|923|m|ft}}), [[Cnoc an Chuillinn]] ({{convert|958|m|ft}}), [[Cnoc na Toinne]] ({{convert|845|m|ft}}) to the summit of [[Carrauntoohil]] ({{convert|1038|m|ft}}).

From Carrauntoohil, a number of variations are possible, the main one being a detour to [[Beenkeragh]] ({{convert|1008|m|ft}}) before returning along the same route to get to [[Caher (mountain)|Caher]] ({{convert|1000|m|ft}}) and then on to [[Caher West Top]] ({{convert|975|m|ft}}) before descending to the ''Hydro-Track'' ({{gbm4ibx|V772871}}) car park near [[Lough Acoose]], Glencar.

An alternative variation is to continue from Beenkeragh on the northern side of the ''Coomloughra Horseshoe'' to the peaks or Skregmore ({{convert|848|m|ft}}) and Cnoc Íochtair ({{convert|747|m|ft}}) before descending to the ''Hydro-Track'' car park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.activeme.ie/guides/macgillycuddys-reeks-carrauntoohil-entire-mountain-range-walk-kerry-ireland/|title=MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Carrauntoohil, Entire Mountain Range Walk|publisher=activeme.ie|date=2017}}</ref><ref name="dillon"/><ref name="jim"/>

===Rock and winter climbing===

[[File:Eagle's Nest (Lough Cummeenoughter) in Carrauntoohil in winter.jpg|thumb|Carruntoohil's northeastern corrie (''Eagle's Nest''), a winter climbing area.]]

MacGillycuddy's Reeks are not especially known for their rock-climbing routes, unlike [[Ailladie]] in Clare or [[Fair Head]] in Antrim. The {{convert|450|m|ft}} [[Grade (climbing)|rock climbing grade]] Very Difficult (V-Diff), ''[[Carrauntoohil#Howling Ridge|Howling Ridge]]'' up the central arete between the east and north-east faces of Carrauntoohil is notable.<ref>{{cite book | title=Rock Climbing In Ireland | date=November 2014 | author=David Flanagan | isbn=978-0956787422 | chapter= Section 10: Carrauntoohil (Howling Ridge)| publisher=Three Rock Books }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerryclimbing.ie/howling-ridge/|title=Howling Ridge|publisher=KerryClimbing|date=2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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|publisher=[[Irish Independent]]|date=23 March 2018}}</ref>  The north-east face of Carrauntoohil (e.g. the ''[[Eagle's Nest, Kerry|Eagle's Nest]]'' area), is better known for its winter climbing, conditions permitting, offering 80 routes with 7 up to winter Grade V.<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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerryclimbing.ie/rock-climbing-guides-ireland/|title=Rock and Winder Guide: Carrauntoohil|publisher=KerryClimbing.ie|date=2017}}</ref>

==List of peaks==
{{Main|Lists of mountains in Ireland}}

The following is a download from the ''[[MountainViews Online Database]]'', which lists 29 identifiable Reeks with an elevation, or height, above {{convert|100|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/ | title=MacGillycuddy's Reeks | website=[[MountainViews Online Database]] | access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>

{{legend|#cfc|[[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Furths|Furth]] (or ''Irish Munro''): Height over {{convert|3000|ft|0}}, and on the [[Scottish Mountaineering Club|SMC]] Furth list.}}
{{legend|#cff|[[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Marilyns|Marilyn]]: Any height, and prominence over {{convert|150|m|0}}.}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left"
|+ style="text-align: left;" |Peaks of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks (''[[MountainViews Online Database]]'', October 2018)
|-
!style="text-align:left"|[[Elevation|Height]]<br>Rank
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic prominence|Prominence]]<br>Rank
!style="text-align:left"|Name
!style="text-align:left"|[[Summit|Height]]<br>(m)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic prominence|Prominence]]<br>(m)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Summit|Height]]<br>(ft)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic prominence|Prominence]]<br>(ft)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic map|Topo<br>Map]]
!style="text-align:left"|[[Ordnance Survey Ireland|OSI Grid<br>Reference]]
|-
| 1 || 1 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Carrauntoohil]]|| 1,039 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|1,039 || 3,407 || 3,407 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V804844}}
|-
| 2 || 8 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Beenkeragh]]|| 1,008 || 91 || 3,308 || 298 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V801852}}
|-
| 3 || 5 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Caher (mountain)|Caher]]|| 1,000 || 100 || 3,281 || 327 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V793839}}
|-
| 4 || 2 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Cnoc na Péiste]]|| 988 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|253 || 3,241 || 830 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V836842}}
|-
| 5 || 25 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Caher West Top]]|| 973 || 24 || 3,194 || 79 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V790840}}
|-
| 6 || 20 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Maolán Buí]]|| 973 || 38 || 3,192 || 125 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V832838}}
|-
| 7 || 15 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Cnoc an Chuillinn]]|| 958 || 53 || 3,143 || 174 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V823833}}
|-
| 8 || 21 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[The Bones]]|| 957 || 37 || 3,138 || 122 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V801847}}
|-
| 9 || 12 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[The Big Gun]]|| 939 || 74 || 3,081 || 243 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V840845}}
|-
| 10 || 22 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Cruach Mhór]]|| 932 || 34 || 3,058 || 112 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V841848}}
|-
| 11 || 28 ||[[Cnoc an Chuillinn East Top]]|| 926 || 21 || 3,038 || 69 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V828834}}
|-
| 12 || 23 ||[[Knockbrinnea (W)]]|| 854 || 29 || 2,802 || 95 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V807858}}
|-
| 13 || 26 ||[[Stumpa Bharr na hAbhann]]|| 852 || 23 || 2,796 || 76 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V797858}}
|-
| 14 || 16 ||[[Skregmore]]|| 848 || 50 || 2,781 || 164 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V792860}}
|-
| 15 || 27 ||[[Knockbrinnea (E)]]|| 847 || 22 || 2,779 || 72 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V810857}}
|-
| 16 || 9 ||[[Cnoc na Toinne]]|| 845 || 80 || 2,772 || 262 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V811833}}
|-
| 17 || 19 ||[[Cnoc Íochtair]]|| 746 || 44 || 2,448 || 144 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V785860}}
|-
| 18 || 7 ||[[Cnoc an Bhráca]]|| 731 || 96 || 2,398 || 315 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V858854}}
|-
| 19 || 14 ||[[Cnoc na dTarbh]]|| 655 || 60 || 2,149 || 197 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V862850}}
|-
| 20 || 29 ||[[Hag's Tooth, Kerry|Hag's Tooth]]|| 650 || 15 || 2,133 || 49 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V809850}}
|-
| 21 || 17 ||[[Brassel Mountain]]|| 575 || 50 || 1,886 || 164 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V830823}}
|-
| 22 || 10 ||[[Screig Bheag]]|| 573 || 78 || 1,880 || 256 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V787874}}
|-
| 23 || 6 ||Binn Bhán|| 460 || 96 || 1,508 || 315 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V756828}}
|-
| 24 || 24 ||Binn Dubh|| 452 || 27 || 1,483 || 89 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V749829}}
|-
| 25 || 11 ||[[Binn Dhearg]]|| 450 || 76 || 1,475 || 249 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V762820}}
|-
| 26 || 18 ||[[Struicín]]|| 440 || 45 || 1,444 || 148 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V866882}}
|-
| 27 || 13 ||[[Cnoc Breac]]|| 425 || 70 || 1,394 || 230 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V757868}}
|-
| 28 || 3 ||[[Knocknabrone Hill]]|| 353 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|188 || 1,158 || 617 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V801881}}
|-
| 29 || 4 ||[[Gortnagan]]|| 298 || 122 || 978 || 400 ||78||{{gbm4ibx|V721885}}
|}

==See also==
{{commons category|MacGillycuddy's Reeks}}
*[[Lists of mountains in Ireland]]
*[[List of Irish counties by highest point]]
*[[List of mountains of the British Isles by height]]
*[[List of P600 mountains in the British Isles]]
*[[List of Furth mountains in the British Isles]]
*[[List of highest points of European countries]]
*[[List of countries by highest point]]

==References==
{{reflist }}

===Further reading===

*{{cite book
  | last1 = Dillion
  | first1 = Paddy
  | title = The Mountains of Ireland: A Guide to Walking the Summits
  | publisher = Cicerone
  | isbn = 978-1852841102
  | year = 1993
   }}

*{{cite book
  | last1 = Fairbairn
  | first1 = Helen
  | title = Ireland's Best Walks: A Walking Guide
  | publisher = Collins Press
  | isbn = 978-1848892118
  | year = 2014
   }}

*{{cite book| first1=Piaras |last1=Kelly |year=2016| title=MacGillycuddy's Reeks – Winter Climbs |publisher = Piaras Kelly | isbn=978-1-5262-0666-4}}
*{{cite book
  | last1 = O'Sullivan
  | first1 = Valerie
  | title = The MacGillycuddy's Reeks: People and Places of Ireland's Highest Mountain Range 
  | publisher = Collins Press
  | isbn =  978-1848892941
  | year = 2017
   }}

*{{cite book | last1 = Ryan | first1 = Jim | title = Carrauntoohil and MacGillycuddy's Reeks: A Walking Guide to Ireland's Highest Mountains | publisher = Collins Press | isbn = 978-1905172337 | year = 2006 }}
*{{cite book| last1=Stewart | first1=Simon |year=2013 | title=A Guide to Ireland's Mountain Summits: The Vandeleur-Lynams & the Arderins |publisher=Collins Books | isbn=978-1-84889-164-7}}

==External links==
*[https://mountainviews.ie/summit/858/ MountainViews: The Irish Mountain Website]
*[http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/ Hill Bagging UK & Ireland], the searchable interface for the [[DoBIH]]
*[http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Winter_Climbing_around_Carrauntoohil Winter Climbing around Carrauntoohil], The Irish Climbing Wiki
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120829114800/http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,591271,743300,0 Ordnance Survey Ireland ("OSI") Online Map Viewer]
*[https://www.macgillycuddyreekskerry.com/ MacGillycuddy's Reeks Mountain Access Forum], group tasked with developing the range
*[https://www.activeme.ie/guides/carrauntoohil-via-osheas-gully-and-zig-zags-kerry/ Hag's Glen, MacGillycuddy's Reeks], aerial photograph of the central Reeks.

{{Mountains of Great Britain and Ireland|}}
{{Irish provinces highest mountains|}}
{{Mountains and hills of Munster}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Mountains and hills of County Kerry]]
[[Category:Iveragh Peninsula]]