Best difficult hikes in County Kerry
Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.
Here are some great hikes to explore in County Kerry.
Most popular hikes
Reviews for difficult hikes in County Kerry
Stoompa and Mangerton Mountains Loop from Brackloon
ThomasKelly · reviewed 8 months ago
If you are going to Stoompa expect to be walking through a lot of marshy grass, even on a relatively nice day. There was low cloud when we hiked from Stoompa to Mangerton and with no visible trails until you get to Mangerton, a bit of navigation experience would be recommended. It comforting to have a map and a compass when there's only a couple of metres of visibility. Unfortunately we didn't have any views on Mangerton but it was still a good long day hike.
DDKerry03 · reviewed over 1 year ago
Challenging but rewarding hike. The path is relatively easy to follow if you pay attention. Anyone hiking in the Reeks should be comptetent in the use of a map & compass but on a clear day you likely won't need it on this trail. You can continue along Caher ridge after reaching the peak if you want to reach the peak of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. This added around 30mins each way for me but bear in mind that you will need to ascend to Caher again on your way back. The toughest parts are the initial climb from the carpark up the "hydro track" until the bend, and the final ascent to Caher West Top. There is then another steep descent before a handy enough incline from there to Caher. The whole thing took me around 4 hours of hiking, including Carrauntoohil, so for me it would be around 3 hours for the carpark to Caher and back plus a break at the top.
Frequently asked questions for hikes in County Kerry
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. However, it can be a beautiful time to hike in Ireland, as the landscapes transform with vibrant autumn colors. The weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and plan accordingly. Spring (March to May) offers similar conditions, with cool temperatures and occasional showers. It's a quieter time to explore the trails, and you can witness the country's lush vegetation come to life.
Winter (December to February) can be challenging for hikers due to shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and more frequent rain. However, some enthusiasts still enjoy winter hiking in Ireland, taking advantage of fewer crowds and the unique beauty of frost-covered landscapes. Safety is paramount during this season, so ensure you have appropriate gear and check local conditions before embarking on your adventure.
For more detailed climate information and to plan your hiking trips accordingly, you can visit Met Éireann, Ireland's National Meteorological Service: https://www.met.ie/
Remember to always prioritize safety and be prepared for changes in weather conditions, regardless of the season.
To learn more about Ireland's flora and identify specific species, resources like the National Biodiversity Data Centre provide valuable information and interactive guides: https://biodiversityireland.ie. Remember to respect and protect the natural environment by not picking or damaging any plants you encounter during your hikes, ensuring that future hikers can appreciate Ireland's diverse flora.
