Cnoc an Bhráca, together with its near neighbour Cnoc na DTarbh, are the last (relatively) high summits along the great ridge of the Eastern Reeks; beyond here the ground gradually declines to the lesser eminence of Struicin, before conclusively plunging to the Kerry plains. It is a mountain of rough grassy slopes and in possession of a fine summit cairn.

The ascent is generally made from the Gap of Dunloe to the north-east, perhaps starting from the fleshpots of Kate Kearney's Cottage at (V88080 88811 A), walking south into the Gap before leaving the road to follow the obvious bog road up the flanks of Struicín. On emerging on the higher ground walk south across a potentially very boggy section before a final steep pull to the top. Views are very extensive to the north, over the declining ridge and lowlands, the Tomies/Purple Mountain group lies to the east, and the continuing Reeks ridge rears up dramatically to the south-west.

Other ascents can be made from higher up the Gap of Dunloe (for instance from (V870833 B) near the head, but suitable discretion should be exercised given the complex, steep and craggy nature of the terrain. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/87/comment/4847/

Normally, 731 meters would be considered quite statuesque for an Irish hill, but not when you're a member of the MacGillycuddy family. The photo shows the route west from Cnoc An Bhraca up to the main eastern ridge. A distinct track descends to a col (Eisc An Bhraca) and continues up to Cruach Mor's grottoed summit. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/87/comment/3785/

Looking back from the ridge before Cruach Mhor to Cruach Bheag in the centre foreground and Cnoc na Braca behind. In the back ground is Lough Leane, Tomies Mountain and Purple Mountain over the Gap of Dunloe Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/87/comment/1148/

Climbed Cnoc an Bhraca on 3.Jun 2009. It was a very hot and dry day on the end of a dry waether stage. Started at Kate Kearney´s Cottage at 10:00. It is an easy and fast ascent from Gap of Dunloe via Turf Path to the elevated bog plain around Strickeen Hill. Here the path ends and i passed Strickeen Hill on left, crossing the bog field and heading for the path on the foot of Cnoc an Bhraca. The bog field was easy to walk because of the dryness, i think in a wet time it will be much catchier. I arrived on summit after 2,5 hrs walk. Here are great views to the Reeks, the Black Valley and Purple Mountain. Descending via Cnoc na dTarbh and Drishana, and from here following a fence i reached the Black Valley road approximately 800m southwest of Madman´s Seat. Back through the Gap of Dunloe. The whole walk takes around 6 hrs. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/87/comment/3914/

Having done the 4 tops of the Purples Range earlier in the day, I approached the turf path feeling tired but given that the day was still relatively young due to an early start, I took the zig zags up to the base of Strickeen Hill. I had been dreading the trudge through the bog but the overnight frost and snow meant that it wasn't anywhere near as bad as anticipated and the walk gave time to enjoy the exceptional view across to the reeks - it really is exceptional up there and feels very remote. Quite quickly, I was across to the snow-covered path up Cnoc an Bhraca. The path seems to diverge in a couple of places and after a couple of wrong choises, I met back with the path higher up the mountain and a last pull up the rocky upper end of the mountain gave way to the summit. Fantastic viewing point across to the eastern ridge - I was tempted to cross over to Cruach Mor for a look at the grotto but gave it a miss and headed for Cnoc na dTarbh. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/87/comment/4412/