A difficult route in MacGillycuddy Reeks. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Cronin's Yard, Beaufort, County Kerry (52.026592°, -9.695930°)
Terrain: Stony track, kissing gate, stream crossing, footbridge, metal bridge, Lisleibane track, mountain path, grassy slope, uphill path with stream crossing, exposed scramble through Na Teanntaí (serious — hands on rock required), hanging valley, scree path through crags, second scramble section (exposed, extremely steep), O'Shea's Gully (extremely steep, loose scree and rock — serious mountain hazard), rocky summit plateau, ridge path, col above Devil's Ladder, Cnoc na Toinne ridge, Zig Zag descent, Hags Glen path, Gaddagh River crossing, return track to Cronin's Yard
A truly magnificent and unforgettable mountain walk — Carrauntoohil via the Brother O'Shea's Gully route is one of the great mountain experiences in these islands and deserves every bit of its reputation. The approach through Hags Glen sets the scene perfectly, with the brooding atmosphere of the valley, the Hags Teeth overhead and the distant profile of Carrauntoohil drawing you forward. The scramble through Na Teanntaí and the extraordinary hanging valley sequence of Cummeeneighter, Cummeenlour and Cummeenoughter — with the highest lake in Ireland tucked beneath the cliffs — build the drama beautifully before the brutal reality of O'Shea's Gully. It is every bit as steep, loose and demanding as its reputation suggests, but the panorama that greets you on the ridge — from Kenmare Bay to the Dingle Peninsula with the whole MacGillycuddy's Reeks spread out around you — is one of the finest views in Ireland. The summit cross of Carrauntoohil at 1,039m is a genuinely moving sight, busy as it inevitably is. The descent via Cnoc na Toinne and the Zig Zags is well constructed and a pleasure after the severity of the ascent, returning you to Hags Glen for a straightforward walk back to Cronin's Yard. A brilliant, brilliant walk — just make sure your car lights are off before you leave the yard.