Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

Overview:
A route now used by many as an alternative to the Devil’s Ladder. It takes in some spectacular mountain scenery, including a close-up view of Carrauntoohil’s precipitous NE face. There are a number of short but slightly exposed rocky steps which require easy scrambling. The final summit slope can be dangerous in icy conditions. Allow 6 hours for the round trip.

Maps:
WARNING: THIS ROUTE DESCRIPTION SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ONE OF THESE MAPS:
Harvey 'Superwalker' 1:30,000 "MacGillycuddy's Reeks"
Ordnance Survey Ireland 1:50,000 Discovery Series Sheet 78
Ordnance Survey Ireland 1:25,000 Map “MacGillycuddy's Reeks”

Details:
Start as for the Devil’s Ladder route before branching off rightwards just before the ford at Grid Ref. V821854. Cross an area of flat open ground on a line roughly parallel to the river (no distinct track) before commencing a rising traverse across the slope above Lough Gouragh. There are one or two places where the route is quite exposed and several short rocky steps require some easy scrambling (most can be avoided by minor detours). Shortly afterwards you emerge onto an area of flat ground known as the ‘first level’ (Grid Ref. V809849) from where some spectacular views of Carrauntoohil and the Hag’s Tooth Ridge can be had on either side of you.

Ahead and to the left you will see a track running up the scree slope immediately beneath the NE face of Carrauntoohil towards the ‘second level’, from where a waterfall emerges. On reaching the second level, another badly eroded path leads up a short steep slope to the ‘third level’ where the clear and deep waters of Cummeenoughter Lake (Grid Ref. V803848) can be seen. This lake is reputed to be the highest in Ireland and is coloured a vivid blue by minerals.

From here you bear leftwards up the broad slope of Brother O’Shea’s Gully, hemmed in on your right by the cliffs below the knife-edged Beenkeeragh Ridge. The lower sections of the gully are comprised almost entirely of coarse scree however towards the top the slope is still grassy in places, although now becoming badly eroded. In clear weather you may catch a glimpse of the summit cross on the skyline to your left as you ascend the gully. You will also pass Curved and Central gullies on your left, both of which are steep, loose and not recommended for inexperienced parties.

When you reach the col at the head of the slope you may, if lucky, be greeted with a spectacular view down into Coomloughra with Dingle Bay and the Brandon group to the Northwest. From here you scramble leftwards up broken rock towards the summit. This section can become dangerous when icy, and there is a considerable amount of exposure to your left. You will pass the top of Central and Curved Gullies before emerging onto the summit.

BEWARE! – The summit itself is surrounded by steep ground and extreme caution is required when commencing your descent, especially in poor visibility. Note that there are NO safe descent routes anywhere to the North, Northeast, East or Southeast of the summit. Always carry a map and a compass and have at least one competent navigator in your group (ie. capable of accurate navigation in all conditions, including white-out and darkness).

Initial descent bearings from the summit are as follows:
1) For the Devil’s Ladder, follow a magnetic bearing of 192° until you meet the track, then follow it as it trends SE to the top of the Devil’s Ladder.
2) For Brother O’Shea’s Gully follow a magnetic bearing of 230° for 50m before turning to 308° and descending steeply towards the top of the gully
3) For Caher follow an initial magnetic bearing of 230° for 50m. Next follow 195° for approximately 200m before following the rim of Coomloughra as it veers away to the right.

The initial approach line to Cummeenoughter

Another view of the initial approach to the first level

Two of the short rocky steps encountered on the approach to the first level. These are quite straightforward but can also be avoided if necessary

View of Cummeenoughter showing the upper part of the Brother O'Shea's Gully route.

The final rocky ascent to the summit, which can be hazardous in icy conditions

Disclaimer:
This information is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate. In deciding to use this route description you have agreed that Kerry Mountain Rescue Team or the author of this text cannot be held responsible in any way for the accuracy of the information contained herein, or for any accidents which occur to a person using this route description, howsoever caused.