- Grade: A+
- Length: 12 km
- Duration: 7 hours
- Height gain: 900 m
- Extension Option@n/a
Start Point: point/Start: Lislebane GR: V827 873
From Lislebane, follow the well-worn track heading southwest toward Hag’s Glen. Before
crossing the Gaddagh river a path skirting the northern side of Lough Gouragh is taken.
A couple of ‘steps’ have to be negotiated to reach Loch Coimín Uachtair at 705m the highest
lake in Ireland. Brother O’Shea’s Gully is just ahead of us. The gully is narrower and less
eroded than the Devils ladder route and offers a more direct, interesting line to the summit
plateau
On entering the gully there is a steep climb on loose scree, rock, and grass.
The gully tops out near the summit plateau to the east of the summit.
A final approach of 300 m distance brings us to the summit cross of Carrauntoohil the
highest point in Ireland. On a clear day, views stretch across Kerry, Cork, and far beyond.
From the summit, head south-west across the plateau toward the top of the Heavenly
Gates—a steep, rocky break in the cliffs dropping back into Hag’s Glen.
At the base of the Heavenly Gates, turn north-west onto The Balcony, a spectacular narrow
ledge that traverses above Hag’s Glen beneath the cliffs.
The path is generally clear but exposed in places, with steep drops below.
The Balcony gradually descends and leads us back into Hag’s Glen. From here, we retrace
our outward route past Lough Gouragh and back along the track to Lislebane.point/Start: Lislebane GR: V827 873