Coomloughra Horseshoe up Carrauntoohil: route map, distance and time
1,039 m · Macgillycuddy's Reeks · OS grid V803844
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland, the centrepiece of Macgillycuddy's Reeks in County Kerry, with a large cross on its summit.
A climb past Coomloughra Lough leads onto Skregmore and Beenkeragh, then an exposed rocky ridge crosses to Carrauntoohil before the return over Caher.
Coomloughra Horseshoe at a glance
| Distance | 7.9 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 982 m |
| Time up | 3h 15m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 4h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Scramble |
| Start | Near Lough Acoose (Coomloughra start) |
| Summit grid reference | V803844 |
Coomloughra Horseshoe map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long the Coomloughra Horseshoe takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 40m | 3h 55m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 3h 15m | 4h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 55m | 5h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 08:09, sunset 18:39. Start by 12:49 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:10, sunset 18:36. Start by 12:46 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Carrauntoohil summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Mainly clear, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -5°C, summit wind 11 mph gusting 17 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 08:09, sunset 18:39.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Mostly dry, up to 4°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 25 mph gusting 31 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:10, sunset 18:36.
Best day of the next seven for the Coomloughra Horseshoe: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 17 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 7% (Low), best around 05:00.
Hour-by-hour Carrauntoohil forecast
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -5°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Carrauntoohil
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland, the centrepiece of Macgillycuddy's Reeks in County Kerry, with a large cross on its summit. More about Carrauntoohil, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Furth, Hewitt, Marilyn, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Na Cnamha (957 m), 0.4 km north-west
- Beenkeragh (1,008 m), 0.9 km north
- Hag's Tooth (662 m), 0.9 km north-east
- Caher (1,000 m), 1.2 km south-west
- Cnoc na Toinne (844 m), 1.3 km south-east
- Caher West Top (973 m), 1.4 km west
Challenges that include Carrauntoohil
Other routes up Carrauntoohil
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cronin's Yard via the Devil's Ladder | 6.3 km one way | 915 m | 2h 45m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location, what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Coomloughra Horseshoe: questions and answers
How far is the Coomloughra Horseshoe?
The Coomloughra Horseshoe is 7.9 km one way to the summit of Carrauntoohil, with 982 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 15.8 km.
How long does the Coomloughra Horseshoe take?
About 3h 15m to the summit of Carrauntoohil and 4h 50m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 5h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Coomloughra Horseshoe?
The Coomloughra Horseshoe starts from Near Lough Acoose (Coomloughra start).
Is the Coomloughra Horseshoe suitable for beginners?
No. It is a scramble: you use your hands on rock, often with big drops below. Go with someone experienced, on a dry and calm day.
What time should I start the Coomloughra Horseshoe today?
By 12:49 at the latest. Sunset on Carrauntoohil today is 18:39, The Coomloughra Horseshoe takes about 4h 50m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Coomloughra Horseshoe?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).