With green countryside and many natural wonders, Ireland is a walker’s paradise. Although best known for its hills, the Emerald Isle has more challenging peaks to tempt serious mountaineers.
When it comes to Ireland’s highest peaks, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks range in County Kerry tops them all. All in all, Co. Kerry is home to five of Ireland’s ten tallest mountains, but you can find tall peaks throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland, so lace up your walking shoes and get ready to start hiking as soon as the sun rises.
Just keep in mind: most hiking and mountaineering in Ireland is done at your own risk, and there are usually no rangers on the lookout. Make sure you pack enough supplies and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Ready to walk? Here are the 10 tallest mountains in Ireland and the best routes to hike to the top.
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Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry
Direction
Carrauntoohil, Coomcallee , Co. Kerry , IrlandaGet directions
The star of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Carrauntoohil is the highest peak in Ireland’s highest mountain range, making it the highest mountain in Ireland. Also sometimes known as Corrán Tuathail , the mountain rises to 3,407 feet (1,038 meters). Found in County Kerry, Carrauntoohil is made of sandstone and has steep ridges that can be difficult for all but the most experienced hikers. However, those who reach the summit using the trail known as the “Devil’s Ladder” will find incredible views across the range and a large metal cross that stands at the highest point.
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Knocknapeasta (Knocknapeasta), Co. Kildare Kerry
Direction
Cnoc na Peiste, Derrycarna, Co. Kerry, IrelandGet directions
Standing 3,241 feet (988 meters) tall, Knocknapeasta is the fourth highest peak on MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in County Kerry. The peaks of Benkeragh and Caher exceed a bit more, but the technical definition of a mountain, which requires an elevation change of 330 feet (100 m) from the neighboring mountains, means that these higher peaks are not technically counted in the Las 10 tallest Irish mountains because they’re just too close (and too close) to Carrauntoohil. The name of the mountain in Irish is Cnoc na Péiste , which means ‘hill of the serpent’. The best way to approach the summit is by taking the Hag’s Glen route, starting from the Cronin’s Yard parking lot.
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Monte Brandon, Co. Kerry
Direction
Brandon Mountain, Faha, Co. Kerry, IrelandGet directions
Also located in Co Kerry, at 3,123 feet high (952 meters) Brandon is the highest mountain in Ireland outside of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Located on the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula, the mountain is named after Saint Brendan, who supposedly visited the area in the 5th century. Its association with the saint and its dreamlike location in the far west of Ireland overlooking the horizon have meant that Mount Brandon has been part of a pilgrimage route for hundreds of years. A popular 5.5-mile route to take known as the Pilgrim’s Way begins just outside the town of Cloghane and climbs to the summit along a well-marked trail on the east side of the mountain. However, the easiest way to reach the summit is to take the so-called “Route of the Saints” from Ballybrack in the west.
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Lugnaquilla, Co. Wicklow
Direction
Lugnaquilla, Ballinaskea, Co. Wicklow, IrelandGet directions
Found in Wicklow Mountain National Park, Lugnaquilla is the highest Irish mountain outside of County Kerry. Co. Wicklow Peak rises to 3,035 feet (925 meters) and is Leinster’s highest mountain. The quickest route to the top begins at the Fenton Pub in beautiful Glen of Imaal. The trail is generally referred to as the ‘Tourist Route’, but it requires walking along a military access road and passing along an artillery range, so use caution and common sense. The shortest hike is about 8 miles round trip, but another option is the 9-mile Glenmalure Loop. it goes to the top of the mountain through Fraughan Rock Glen.
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Galtymore, Co. Tipperary y Co. Limerick
Direction
Montaña Galtymore, Drumleagh , Co. Tipperary , IrlandaGet directions
At 3,012 feet (918 meters) tall, Galtymore on the border of Limerick and Tipperary counties is Ireland’s fifth highest mountain. Galtymore is the highest peak in the Galty Range (sometimes spelled “Galtee”), stretching nearly 20 miles from east to west. The grassy sandstone mountains create a beautiful walking hill in Munster. The most common path to the summit is known as the Black Trail Route and the first neighboring peaks to Galtybeg (2,621 feet) before continuing to Galtymore. The round trip hike is about 5.5 miles total.
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Baurtregaum, Co Kerry
Direction
Baurtregaum, Derrymore East , Co. Kerry , IrlandaGet directions
Head back to County Kerry to the eastern tip of the Dingle Peninsula to climb Baurtregaum, Ireland’s sixth highest mountain. Baurtregaum comes from the Irish Barr Trí gCom , which means “the top of the three holes”, which probably refers to the three pretty valleys that are carved into the mountainside. The 2,792-foot (851-meter) mountain is the highest peak in the Slieve Mish Mountains, and the most popular but most challenging hike takes Baurtegaum and neighboring Caherconree on the same 7-8 hour loop. The Curraheen Derrymore Loop begins a short drive from Tralee.
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Slieve Donard, Co. Abajo
Direction
Slieve Donard, Newcastle BT33 0GR , Reino UnidoGet directions
The seventh highest mountain on the Emerald Isle is located in Northern Ireland. Slieve Donard is the highest peak in Ulster, stretching to 2,790 feet (850 meters). Part of Morne Mountain, it sits at the north-eastern end of the range, overlooking the Irish Sea just outside the County Down town of Newcastle. The mountain is named after Saint Donard, a follower of Saint Patrick, who is said to have sought solitude at the top to study and pray. These days, the mountain is best known for the Morne Wall and the ancient burial tombs that you can find near the summit. Starting from Donard Park, the most popular trail runs along the Glen River. It’s around 5.5 miles round trip, and while it does get steep in places it’s well marked and well suited for people of all abilities.
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Mullaghcleevaun, Co. Wicklow
Direction
Mullaghcleevaun, Ballynultagh , Co. Wicklow , IrlandaGet directions
After Lugnaquilla, Mullaghcleevaun is the second highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains and the eighth highest overall in Ireland. The summit of Mullaghcleevaun stands at 2,785 feet (849 meters). Starting in the town of Lacken, you can hike to the top via the Black Hill route. Near the summit, you will find Lough Cleevaun, a small lake sitting in a small excavated area. This depression at the top is probably where the name of the mountain comes from, in Irish Mullach Cliabháin means “top of the cradle”.
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Mangerton, Co. Kerry
Direction
Mangerton Mountain, Ferta, Co. Kerry, IrelandGet directions
Found near Killarney on the edge of Killarney National Park, Mangerton is the highest peak in a range of mountains with the same name. The summit has an elevation of 2,749 feet (838 meters) and is covered in swampy and wild landscapes. The best route to the top is known as the “Devil’s Punchbowl Route” on the northwestern face of the mountain. The 6-mile hike is best in good weather given the mountain’s swampy nature that is made worse by rain and fog.
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Caherconree, Co Kerry
Direction
Caherconree, Commons , Co. Kerry , IrlandaGet directions
With a maximum elevation of 2,740 feet (835 meters), Caherconree in the Slieve Mish range rounds out the list of the 10 tallest mountains in Ireland. Situated in the beautiful green landscape of Dingle in Co Kerry, the mountain is often hiked at the same time as its slightly higher neighbor, Baurtregaum (# 6 on this list). The mountainous area has long been associated with Irish folklore and myths, and there is an ancient fort on the southeast face of the mountain, which gives the peak its name.
