This is the higher of the two Paps, the most distinctive pair of summits in Ireland and a v evocative sight when seen from the window of the Kerry-bound train. It's grassy and heathery with a huge cairn which is neolithic passage tomb. The East and West Paps are on almost an exact E-W line, have very similar shapes when viewed from most angles except south and are only around 4m different in height. Great views of the West Pap and its southern ridge, the Mangerton group, Derrynasaggarts and the plains of N Kerry.

S. Park in the Clydagh Valley at W14446 84029 A. Walk up the track to approx. W14304 85244 B and head W. There are a number of tracks, not totally consistent, that can be found that will take you through the steep, heather-covered lower slopes to the higher ground which has lower vegetation cover. 1.5 hrs

From the same starting point you can also head W along the road to W13762 83687 C. From here take the trail to the N and head into the forest , exiting at W13352 83944 D. You can then follow the stream to the col between the two paps and summit easily from there. 1.5hrs+

NE. Park at W14752 86862 E and walk S on a good trail past Glannafreaghaun Lough to W14304 85244 B and head W as above. 1.5 hrs

N. Park at W13834 88245 F, follow the Duhallow Way to W14304 85244 B and head W as above. 2 hrs

W. Another way of reaching the summit is from the West Pap…it’s a short walk over and back. See its page for access.

Notable tracks incl track/2852, track/1752 and track/4096 Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/116/comment/4876/

The peak of the eastern most Pap looking towards the other Pap and Killarney and Magillycuddys. Taken on 05/06/2019, which was a pleasant and sweaty evening. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/116/comment/20551/

I'm posting this under The Paps East but I can't imagine anyone doing just one Pap; if you go there you really have to do both - it's a short and easy trek from one to the other. We did a loop walk of 9.3 kms taking in the East Pap first and then going on to the West Pap. (I've posted the gpx of the route - it's number 4689.)

There is ample parking by the sign for Shrone Lake. After 1.06 kms on the track we took a fairly obvious left turn and it was then an easy ascent - mainly through heather but with some sheep paths as well - to the East summit cairn. The weather had deteriorated during the ascent and we had to don our wet gear but conditions improved by the time we got to the top which we reached in 1.5 hours.

It was then down into the col between the two Paps and up on to the West one where the clouds had lifted and we were able to exult in the wonderful views in all directions.

From there we made our way back to the road and a 1.5 km walk to the cars. Total time was 4.5 hours. An easy and rewarding hike and highly recommended.

Note: if you are coming from the Cork direction your SatNav may tell you to take the first right turn after the county bounds - the L11182. Do not take that road as it is very narrow. Take the next one instead - the L7058 and signposted for Clonkeen and the Clydagh Valley. Drive to the end of the road where you will see the sign for Shrone Lake. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/116/comment/23577/

Here the Paps are seen from Banard, near Gneeveguilla, about 5 miles to the north. Their name in Irish is An Dá Chích Anann ('the two breasts of Anu', a pagan Irish deity said to be responsible for the fertility of the whole province of Munster). The megalithic cairns on each summit, which enhance the resemblance to the goddess' breasts, have recently been excavated and confirmed to cover passage tombs, which may be as old as the Neolithic era. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/116/comment/756/

A barely surfaced 'road' allows you to drive to the northern tip of Lough Glannafeaghaun where you'll find a gate and space for a couple of cars to park beyond it. From there a track (pictured) leads along the eastern side of the lake past some ruggedly beautiful scenery. From the southern end of the lake you can then ascend to The Paps East over some steep and rough terrain. Taking in Paps West is relatively easy after that, unfortunately though the only route home is to retrace your steps. Unfortunately also the day we chose our view from the tops through a soupy mist was about ten metres. Second pic shows the impressively large Paps East Cairn. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/116/comment/3098/

Surely one of Ireland's iconic mountains and it's easy to see why it cast such a spell on the pre-Christian inhabitants of the area. I took an early start on holidays to tackle the Paps. Went via the route outlined in the book 'Kerry Walks'. Basically, on the Killarney to Ballyvourney road, take the first turn for Clonkeen on the Killarney side. You will pass Clonkeen church and shortly afterwards a road to the left is signed 'Clydagh Valley'. Follow this narrow road for just over 2.5 miles after which you will see a laneway/trail to the left surrounded by some farm buildings and some evergreen trees. There is space here to park your car. Follow this laneway through 2 gates and after the second a firebreak in the trees to the left takes you up onto the open slopes of Paps East. Note that the climb up the firebreak is very steep and extremely wet and slippy in places. Once on the open slopes, pick a pathway up to the summit through the heavy heather where the going can be quite tough. I had one of those 'why the hell am I doing this' moments as I struggled up the hill at 6 in the morning as the rain came down and the mist moved in over the summit. The cairn upon the summit is massive but the heavy mist hid any views across to the second pap or out to the surrounding region. You have the option now to head across to the Paps West or head straight back down. If heading over to the Western Pap, make sure not to stray too close to the cliffs that run down to Lough Nageeha. On your desent, take care descending back down the firebreak as it's quite treacherous in places. Treated to a rainbow over the mountain as I took the trail back to my car and back home to join the rest of the family for breakfast! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/116/comment/4007/