Purple Mountain, Mountain summit in County Kerry, Ireland.
Purple Mountain is a summit in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range standing at 832 meters, composed of sandstone formations with steep slopes facing multiple directions. The landscape combines rocky exposed sections with vegetated slopes typical of mountainous terrain in this region.
The English name emerged during the 19th century, replacing earlier references like Tomies or Toomish found in historical documents. This renaming coincided with changes in mapping practices and administrative terminology of the period.
The mountain carries both an English and Irish name - An Sliabh Corcra - reflecting the linguistic duality of this region. Visitors encounter both names on signs and maps, connecting them to the area's identity.
Multiple hiking routes lead to the summit, including a roughly 14-kilometer loop starting at Kate Kearney's Cottage near the Gap of Dunloe. The terrain is demanding, so proper hiking boots and weather protection are essential for the climb.
The exposed rock surfaces are composed of Old Red Sandstone, creating violet-reddish hues that distinguish this peak across the landscape. This natural coloring is what gives the mountain its distinctive name.
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