Carrauntoohil<\/a> to the east. As Ireland’s highest mountain, its pointed shape contrasts considerably to the Dunkerrons mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe likelihood is that Carrauntoohil has always stood above the great ice sheets and consequently it retained its pointed summit. Carrauntoohill is 1039m high and is 266m higher than Mullaghannattin (773m) and and 287m than Beann (752m), namely the highest peaks in the Sneem Dunkerron Mountain Range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope this whets your appetite for a Sneem walking holiday. When you book a holiday or day hike or walk with us, we’re confident you’ll have a great time and want to return again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect on an \u00c1laind Walking Holiday – Sample Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\nArrival on Day 1 in Sneem, Co. Kerry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Our guest walkers gather at 8pm in our comfy lounge area at \u00c1laind Lodges, Sneem for the group welcome and briefing session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We outline the holiday itinerary and check everyone has the gear to be safe, warm and comfortable on the next day’s walk. To ensure that we start promptly in the morning, we prepare as much of our kit that night for the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking Itinerary for Day 2 <\/h3>\n\n\n\n On Saturday morning we gather at 8AM for a substantial \u00c1laind Lodges breakfast with continental and hot cooked food choices. Over breakfast we’ll chat about the itinerary for the day’s ridge walk. We check the weather forecast once more, collect our packed lunches and board our transport to our starting point at Coad Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weather for the day is North-westerly 8km wind, bright & sunny with temp 8 degrees and perfect visibility. These are perfect conditions for this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ridge Walk – one of the best in Kerry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Our route takes us initially along the Kerry Way gently inclining at the start. One walker remarks how this stretch is perfect for warming up her leg muscles before we veer off-trail onto the ridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The southerly views over Kenmare Bay stretching out into the Atlantic and to the Caha Mountains on the Beara Peninsula are simply stunning. We spend a while to take it all in and take some panoramic photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along the way we pass a number of holy wells dedicated to Saint Crohan who was from this area. The wells form part of an annual pilgrimage that takes place on 30th July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just beyond the third well is the Windy gap, where we set out onto the ridge to the east. Onward we go along its summits for 5.4 Km ticking off the many spot heights along the way. The well-preserved and circular Staigue Fort from the Iron Age (300 – 400 AD) comes into view below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking this wide and manageable ridge feels like you are on top of the world. The perfect weather has everyone in high spirits, consequently we take our time discussing the landscape, flora, fauna and good Mountain skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Well Earned Break. See you on the Sunny Side<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nEnd of Kerry Walking Day 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Our total distance was 12 KM with a height gain of 570m; Height loss 623m; Max Height 460m; and a Minimum Height 25m. This is definitely one of the best coastal walks with moderate difficulty that I have experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon reaching \u00c1laind Lodges, we relax for a while with a drink before freshening up for our evening meal in Sneem village. Afterwards we retire early to bed after a full day\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 3 Walking Itinerary <\/h3>\n\n\n\n Today starts with breakfast and a gear and weather forecast check. We can expect Westerly 10Km winds and overcast skies but it should be dry all day with a temperature of 10 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setting out at Coomyanna Bridge on the outskirts of Sneem, we ascend a steep stoney track to the top of River Hill at a height of 383m. From here we’re afforded spectacular views of the cliffs and Lough Commeen below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat A Feeling, When You Reach The Top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe arrive at Lough Coomnacronia and Eagles Lake after crossing the lower slopes of Finnararagh and Knocknagantee. Sometimes I extend this route to the plateau on top of Finnararagh, but not today because of the low clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lower trail is below the clouds and offers stunning views of the Ring of Kerry and Beara Peninsulas, albeit from a maximum height of 380m. Spirits are again high and we find a sheltered spot beside the spectacular Lough Coomnacronia for a spot of lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s true that the best sandwich and cup of tea are those you have on the mountainside. On the towering vertical cliff walls above we watch with amazement as two groups of wild goats climb vertically towards the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our next stop is the magnificent waterfall at the aptly name Eagles Lough, where spectacularly a white tailed eagle makes an appearance for us. Indeed we’re honoured that the eagles are regular visitors to Knocknagantee’s mountainous cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sea Eagle Spotted High Above Eagle Lake Cliff.<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe End of Walking Day 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n From here we decend across the grassy bog to reach a quiet rural backroad to Alaind Lodges Sneem. We’re feeling proud of our achievement, which saw us walk 12Km with a height gain of 380m; height loss of 450m and a maximum height of 380m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On arrival at Alaind Lodges, we sit for a while and a chat in front of the fire. Everyone is relaxed, as we’ve a couple of hours before our evening restaurant booking in the village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 4 Departure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n After breakfast the walking holiday comes to and end, with most of the group departing. Encouragingly one couple is staying on for the next walking holiday, which starts the next day and follows different routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can learn more about our \u00c1laind Lodges<\/a> accommodation and the different types of walking holidays<\/a> we offer. The benefit of booking a walking holiday with us is that we make it easy for you. We’ll manage all the logistics and your accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you have a question about \u00c1laind Walking Holidays? Contact me, Fergal Harrington, directly by email<\/a> or phone at +353-85-2581480.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to Experience the Best Walking on the Ring of Kerry, please view our holiday packages<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n