Coomloughra Horseshoe

Date: 01/08/2010
Area: MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Kerry, IrelandMaps used: OSI Sheet 78
Weather: Warm, cloudy, light drizzle at times. No winds. Complete whiteout (less than 50m visibility) above 600m. Clearer towards the end of the route.

Route Description: This is one of my favorite routes in Ireland. It passes over the 3 highest peaks in the island, and the Beenkeragh ridge is probably one of the most exposed in Ireland. I've followed the route description in the "Carrauntoohil & MacGillycuddy's Reeks" guide from Jim Ryan. I parked at V772871, right at the bend from where the Hydro Road track starts. From there it's a steep climb to Lough Eighter. People follow different routes at this point, I have simply climbed northeast along the spur that leads to Skregmore. From there it's a straightforward route to the top of Beenkeragh (1,010m). This is where the fun starts then. The knife-edge ridge between Beenkeragh and Carrauntoohil is about 1km long, with some great views into the gullies on the north side and the lakes to the southwest. Pray for a clear day - otherwise think twice whether you should proceed. From the top of Carrauntoohil (1,040m) I descended to the southwest and then climbed up the ridge towards Caher (1,001m). Then it's all downhill northwest aiming at arriving back at Lough Eighter, and back down via the same route.

Duration: 5.5 hours
Distance: 12km
Total Ascent: 1,200m

Tomies Rock

Date: 26/07/2009

Area: Tomies Rock, Gap of Dunloe, Kerry, Ireland

Maps used: OSI Sheet 78

Weather: Cool and windy, rainy at times

Route Description: Started from Kate Kearney's Cottage. Walked to the bridge before Black Lake. Then headed straight east towards Tomies Rock via the steep scree slope. After reaching the summit (568m), descended north initially and then started an anti-clockwise route back towards the bridge and then on the road back to the starting point.

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 6km
Total Ascent: 528m

Beenreagh

Date: 01/03/2009

Area: Beenreagh, Kerry, Ireland

Maps used: OSI Sheet 78

Weather: Cold and clear, rainy at times

Route Description: Started at a fork in the road at V677864. Walked down the main road direction southwest until the road ends among a couple of houses. Headed uphill more or less in the same direction until reaching the stream and then veered slightly to the right heading for the 408m point in the col between Macklaun and Beenreagh. Once on the col turned right (north) and headed towards Beenreagh (495m). After going through all the tops reached the 467m point and then headed southeast until reaching a fence. Proceeded down until reaching the road and then back to the starting point.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 5.5km
Total Ascent: 335m