'''Carrauntoohil''' is the highest mountain in Ireland. Although it reaches just 1041 meters into the sky, it is a real mountain, and a very nice climb.

Understand

There are three peaks in Ireland above 1000 meters, and all three are reachable from the west. The tree-line in the region is very low, there are barely trees at all, and from the very start of the climb, it gives a true feeling of mountaineering.

The route starts from the west, where Carrauntoohil is in the bottom of a valley. Looking in the valley, to the right is the third highest summit, and to the left are many smaller summits, with the second highest as the crown. You may walk across them all.

The tourist office in Killarney, characterized the following route as "extremely dangerous", with the explanation that there were no paths and that it went through steep terrain. Both are partly true, and this should be appreciated before trying. In good weather, the route is very easy to see, and for a skilled mountaineer and navigator, paths should be superfluous.

Get in

It is possible to ascend the mountain from different angles. The standard route is up '''Devils Ladder''', up the east face. Another option is to try and visit the whole range in one go, something which is possible to do in one very long day. Finally, it is possible with some good scrambling to approach from the west and visit the three highest peaks. The latter is the focus of this description.

Stay safe

If you are not a skilled navigator, the '''Devil's Ladder''' route may be preferable.

As for steepness, there are ridges that are fairly narrow, but at most places, there are paths when this occurs. There is, however, a narrow passage about half-way between the highest point and the second highest point, which requires scrambling, and which is rather exposed. A fall could be fatal.

Make sure you are prepared for '''bad weather '''also when the weather is beautiful. The mountain is exposed to high winds and the weather in Ireland changes rapidly.

A good '''pair of boots''' or walking shoes are mandatory, as well as warm clothing and raingear. It is also strongly recommended to buy a '''map''' and carry a '''compass''', and know how to use it.