Carrauntoohil, Mountain summit in MacGillycuddy's Reeks, County Kerry, Ireland
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain summit in Ireland, rising in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range in County Kerry. Three stone ridges run from the top in different directions and connect to neighboring elevations.
A steel cross was placed on the summit in 1976, replacing an older wooden structure. The earlier marker had stood at the highest point in the country since the middle of the 20th century.
The name comes from the Irish ‚Corrán Tuathail', describing a sickle-shaped landform visible from certain angles. Hikers often notice this shape as they climb higher and the ridges reveal their curves.
The route via the Devil's Ladder begins at Cronin's Yard and climbs through steep sections with loose rock. The journey takes between four and six hours, depending on pace and weather.
Lough Cummeenoughter, the highest lake in Ireland, sits below the rock walls of Eagle's Nest. The lake bottom consists of a natural sandy bed, uncommon at such altitude.
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