Kerry Mountains Experience

Ireland's Highest Peaks Are In The Kerry Mountains

With 9 Kerry Mountains in the top 15 list of Ireland's Highest summits, Sneem is perfect for experiencing fantastic walking and hiking. If you like the exhilerating idea of climbing one of Ireland's and Kerry's tallest mountains, why not do it. In fact you can see many of the highest summits from Sneem or at least on the approach to Sneem village. So what are you waiting for?

The Kerry Mountain Ranges

The main Kerry mountain ranges are split across the three peninsulas on Dingle, Iveragh (Ring of Kerry) and Beara. The Ring of Kerry ranges include the Macgillycuddy Reeks, the Dunkerron Mountains and the Caherciveen Horsehoe. Each of these three ranges has a peak with a height of over 750m.

Located halfway along the Ring of Kerry, Sneem is the ideal base for exploring all three of the Iveragh ranges. Of course you need to be an experienced mountain walker to tackle mountains here. You either require good map and compass navigational skills or you can join me, Fergal Harrington owner of Álaind Walking Holidays in Sneem and qualified Mountain leader, on a guided tour.

Conquering Carrauntoohil Mountain

Climbing Carrauntoohil, the most popular Kerry mountain, is an exhilarating experience with serious bragging rights earned by those who conquer it. The good news, however, is that qualified mountain leaders, myself included, can guide you safely to the summit and back. A mountain leader typically charges upwards of €70 per person to guide a group to the highest point in Ireland. What a sense of achievement you get when reaching the summit of Carrauntoohil at 1,032.

Mastering Mullaghanattin Mountain

If you look westward while on Carrauntoohil's summit, you'll see Mullaghanattin, one of the highest mountains (773m) in the Dunkerrons. Known as Ireland's Matterhorn, it's part of Sneem's mountainous backdrop and another great challenging and memorable climb. Experienced hillwalkers can consider completing the fantastic Mullaghanattin Mountain horseshoe walk.

Foothills of the Kerry Mountains

Sneem Loop Walking Trails

If you want to walk but prefer to leave the heights of Carrauntoohil and Mullaghanattin for another holiday or occasion, consider their foothills instead. The looped walking trails in and around Sneem might fit the bill and I recommend any and all of the following:

• The Lomanagh Loop
• Fermoyle Loop
• Derrynane Mass Path Loop will take you off the beaten track to amazing places.

The Kerry Way

Also worth considering are short sections of the Kerry Way Walking Trail. Depending on your route, however, you may need to organise transport for the end of the walk. The fully way-marked Kerry Way carves its way through the lower heights of the main Kerry Mountain ranges. Each Kerry Way section is graded in terms of difficulty, so a little research will help you choose a suitable route.

At Álaind Lodges we can advise you on walking trails and organise walking pole rental, packed lunches and route maps. I recommend doing some research if you're contemplating a hike or mountain walk challenge. Don't forget your waterproof footwear and some warm spare layers if you're planning a trail or mountain walk in Kerry.

If you're searching for a walking holiday in Ireland, why not base yourself at Álaind Lodges B&B in Sneem, Co. Kerry. If you book your B&B break with us directly, you'll get the best available rates.

You can also learn about upcoming Guided Walking Holidays or book a self-guided package via our Álaind Walking Sneem website.  When booked with us, we'll provide all the support you'll need to enjoy yourself.