Ireland’s Toughest Hike - The Coomloughra Horseshoe

If you’re looking for the Irish hike that properly tests your legs, lungs and head for heights, this is the one. The Coomloughra Horseshoe is a full-value mountain day in County Kerry that links Ireland’s three highest summits, Carrauntoohil (1,038.6m), Beenkeragh (1,008m) and Caher (1,000m), via ridges and a few hands-on sections.

Expect 12–15km on tough ground, ~1,300m of ascent, and 6–8+ hours on the hill for competent, well-prepared hikers. 

The route sits in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry. Most walkers start from the Hydro Track above Lough Acoose, near Glencar/Killorglin. The usual access is a steep concrete lane through a locked gate at roughly V772871 (limited parking along the road verges, we recommend to arrive early and park with care). 

The hike is a committing ridge circuit that rings the corrie containing Coomloughra Lough and Lough Eighter (“the Egg Lake”), tagging Beenkeragh, Carrauntoohil and Caher. The traverse of the Beenkeragh Ridge is narrow and exposed in places. It isn’t technical rock climbing, but you’ll use your hands and you’ll want calm weather. This link-up is widely considered one of Ireland’s finest and most serious ridge walks. 

How to hike it (clockwise, the popular way)

1) Hydro Track to Lough EighterFrom the gate on the Hydro Track, grind up the steep concrete to Lough Eighter. The angle eases near the lake, this is your last easy ground for a while.

2) Cnoc Íochtair / Skregmore to BeenkeraghClimb stony, pathless slopes to the shoulder, then on to Beenkeragh. The ridge soon narrows and becomes exposed, occasionally scrambly. If winds are up, this is your decision point. 

3) Beenkeragh Ridge to CarrauntoohilPick your way across the arete via faint paths and easy scrambles. Take your time!

4) Carrauntoohil to Caher RidgeFrom the high point of Ireland, continue west along the broadening ridge to Caher and Caher West Top, there are big views down to the lakes and out across the Reeks here.

5) Descend to the Hydro TrackDrop back towards the Hydro side to close the loop. Navigation matters here, so carry a proper map and know your bearings. 

Distance, time & effort: plan for a 12–15km loop, ~1,300m ascent and 6–8+ hours depending on conditions, experience and group size. Build in generous margins for weather and breaks. 

Essential logistics

Maps & navigation

Use a real mountain map and compass (and the skills to match). Recommended: Harvey Superwalker MacGillycuddy’s Reeks 1:30k or OSI Discovery Series Sheet 78 (1:50k). Don’t blindly follow a phone app or random line on Google Maps; several dangerous lines have been removed at the request of Kerry Mountain Rescue. 

Dogs

There’s a strict no dogs policy across the Reeks due to active farming and livestock; signage at access points is explicit. Please respect local landowners. The entire range is privately owned. 

Safety & rescue

This is serious mountain terrain. Check multiple weather sources, start early, bring headtorches, layers, waterproofs, food, water, and a charged phone (plus power bank) in a dry bag. In an emergency, call 999/112 and ask for Mountain Rescue; give a clear description and grid reference. 

When to go

Pick a clear, calm day. The Beenkeragh Ridge is no place for strong winds, heavy rain, ice or lightning. If the ridge is beyond your comfort on the day, switch plans: the Caher Route from the Hydro side is a strong out-and-back alternative with less exposure. 

Guides

If you’re unsure, hire a qualified local guide based around Killarney/Beaufort - worth it for route-finding, pacing and decision-making in complex ground. (Kerry Mountain Rescue’s route notes also outline common lines and bearings, which you can use with a map.)

If you give the Coomloughra Horseshoe the respect it deserves, you’ll get the most rewarding mountain day Ireland can offer - three summits, one skyline, and a story you’ll feel in your glutes for days!