Purple Mt. is named for the colour of the rocks that adorn the W face which itself overlooks the Gap of Dunloe. On this side there is some fairly steep ground so be careful when navigating off the summit in bad weather. It can catch a lot of wind too so take care. Great views in all direction – of the E Reeks, Torc, Mangerton, Stumpa Dulaigh and beyond to S Kerry and Cork.
SW. This is by far the most direct and busiest route. Park on the roadside at V87116 83707 A, room for 5 cars, and follow the track E and then N passing Glas Lough before heading E and following a steep, unstable track up onto the main S ridge. Cross over to the E side of the ridge, try to pick up zig-zig path that leads eventually to V88405 85040 B, the col between SH 793 and the summit. Now it’s a short walk up over loose rocks to the summit cairn, the 4th of 5 you will meet. [90 mins]
N. Park in the ample CP beside Kate Kearney’s pub. Walk N along road to V88163 89217 C. Turn right here up the lane, passing a couple of gates on to the ridge at V88802 89200 D. Head S along a narrow track that will eventually lead to Tomies N Top and on to Tomies. From here it’s a fine walk due S to Purple NE Top and then SW to P itself. [3hrs+]
The E side of the massif is not too hospitable so, without local knowledge, it’s probably best not to do too much plotting from here. Dinis to Shehy by way of Eagle’s Nest is possible but a very rough, boggy route.
Notable tracks incl. track/2138 and the long but excellent track/4371. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/27/comment/4787/

"Nil Satharn sa Bhliain na go spalpann an ghrian"
(Theres no Saturday in the year that the sun doesn't shine)
This was certainly the case when I climbed Purple Mountain.
Just before the photo was taken I had spent an hour walking in a thunderous downpour,
following a murky morning walk through the Gap of Dunloe.
The Gap itself calls to mind the Siq through which you pass to enter the ancient city of Petra
"the rose red city half as old as time"( if you can imagine it without the rain, ok that may be a tenuous link).
Think Indiana Jones in a flood and watch out for the large rolling rock falling from the Madmans seat! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/27/comment/2627/

Had to change our plans due to a bad turn in the fabulous christmas weather but it turned into an opportunity for a first for us all. Our guide!'s first time up Purple in the cloud meaning attention to navigation and our first on top. Started at the top of the gap and Yes it was a long drag up by the Glas Lough and the camera wishing it would clear. Windy on top but able to shelter and then back down to find the "trail" we had left to mark our 2 crucial turns, one a banana! apologies all. We scrambled down just as it began to clear and got views up the valley and of the Reeks. Will definitely be back to do it from the Toomies and include the west top. But for a challenging 3 hour hike it could not have been better. The next day we had to stick to the old kenmare road but that is also very satisfying, photo of Torc at sunset included in that section. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/27/comment/2114/

This was a very enjoyable trek and we had great luck with the weather, the sun was shining for the duration. The climb itself was not that difficult, steep at the start abd at the very summit but otherwise quite gradual. The views from the top are breathtaking, to be honest didn't realise Ireland had such amazing scenery. Like others the way back down to the cottage was quite tricky and we got caught in a maze a Gorse bushes, quite prickly. I will definitely do it again, possibly in winter for a different experience! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/27/comment/2479/