This is my favourite walk in Ireland (I have done it several times, mostly in summer).
On a fine day the views from the summit are second to none. To the NW you can see
the Blasket Islands. To the SW you look across over Caherciveen and Valentia Island
to the Skelligs. To the E you can see the Carrantuohill range. Also fantastic views
of the coastline of the Iveragh peninsula itself (see picture below, taken from the north top).
The walk itself is not too taxing - it can easily be done in less than 4 hours. There
is a track going up the SW ridge which follows stations of the cross all the way to the summit
(this sounds awful but it doesn't spoil the walk too much). If you are feeling like a bit more
walking you can walk to the next summit to the east, Kells mountain (I haven't done this but
my guess is that it would add about 2 hours onto your walk). If not then follow the
ridge around to the north and then decend the NW ridge. The NW ridge doesn't have a
marked track on it so the decent is through some rough heather but it is not difficult.
This ridge brings you down to the pier at Coonana harbour. If the tide is in this is
fantastic place for a swim to round the day off!
Note: Be careful to stick to the path on the SW ridge - we had an unpleasant encounter with a
South Kerry farmer (not generally known for their love of hillwalkers!) on one occasion
when we tried crossing a field to access this ridge.
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