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Dunkerron Mtns, SW Ireland

Dunkerron Mtns, SW Ireland


Postby peter1 » Mon May 02, 2022 5:13 pm

Date walked: 29/08/2020

Time taken: 9.75

Distance: 25 km

Ascent: 1200m

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A 2 day walk and camp in the Dunkerron Mountains in Kerry, SW Ireland.

Although the route itself just about reaches the 600m contour, the terrain is extremely rough and great care is required. Also, as there are no paths or tracks once up in the hills, it's essential to be able to navigate with ease. And, as this is SW Ireland and the prevailing weather is from the Atlantic, cloud, mist and rain are very common.
The highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil, 1037m, is just outside Killarney and, if you are here to climb it, I would strongly suggest a few days in the Dunkerron mountains also.

SW Ireland.png
SW Ireland showing the area in question


The nearest town is Sneem, where essential food, fuel, etc, can be had. Kenmare, further east, has many fine restaurants, hotels, etc, and shops for stocking up on both essentials and non-essentials.


Route:
The start and finish is at GPS ref. 51.8692, -9.9274, and I got here on the Saturday afternoon after a drive of almost 3 hours and parked up.
The ascent to the ridge, w of Knocknagantee, follows a man made track which makes for an easier and more gradual ascent.

IMG_3631 - Copy.JPEG
Looking towards the cliffs at the head of Coomavoher valley. There are 5 (possibly 6) pools nestled in the cliffs.


I headed west along the ridge to take in the top, Knocknagantee West Top, 533m, which I hadn't climbed before. Retracing my steps, I contoured across to the col below Cnoc Breasail, 591m and reached it's summit after a quick climb.
I was now looking for a suitable campsite, as the time was around 6.30pm, and the view down towards Coomavaranniha Lough showed a large, flat area of grass - perfect!
IMG_3639 - Copy.JPEG
Slievenashaska from Cnoc Breasail, with Coomavaranniha Lough.
I pitched camp in the flat grassy area just left of the Lough

However...the descent from Cnoc Breasail was down the most difficult terrain I have ever experienced in 35 years of hill walking! Picture this - many, many thin flakes of rock, all standing up on their long edge, with grass gullys in between, and all at an angle of almost 90deg to the way you want to go! It need very careful route finding...and some bravery at times!

IMG_3642 - Copy.JPEG
Campsite for the night


Next morning, I was up and away by 8.00 and began the climb up towards Slievenashaska, 578m, with a detour out to An Bhinn Lair, 514m first.


IMG_3655 - Copy.JPEG
The view back to Cnoc Breasail


An Bhinn Lair is a very fine viewpoint and overlooks Lough Currane and the lovely town of Waterville.

IMG_3660 - Copy 2.jpeg
Coomcallee and An Bheann Mhor from An Bhinn Lair



My route continued towards Slievenashaska South Top, 565m, dropping in a SW direction to a col before turning SE to reach the summit of Coomnahorna, 590m. The terrain had eased a little on the way out to An Bhinn Lair, mostly short grass. However, I was now back in very rough, bouldery and uneven terrain. I didn't mind it too much - in fact, I was enjoying the challenge - as I had a heavy-ish pack which made for slow going anyway.

IMG_3663 - Copy.JPEG
Looking back across rough ground to Slievenashaska South Top


Finally, from Coomnahorna summit, I descended the East ridge to forestry where I was able to pick up a forest road. I was able to follow this down to the valley where I met the road back to my car.
I highly recommend this area (and Kerry in general) for it's fine, rugged unfrequented mountains!

(A version of this report first appeared on the mountainviews.ie website. Mountainviews is a great resource for hillwalkers in Ireland - very similar to Walkhighlands)
User avatar
peter1
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 11
Munros:220   Corbetts:1
Fionas:3   
Hewitts:24
Wainwrights:2   
Joined: Sep 10, 2018
Location: Ireland

Re: Dunkerron Mtns, SW Ireland

Postby Jim777 » Tue May 10, 2022 7:40 pm

Great to see a report on the hills of Southern Ireland. It’s been a long time since the last ones which were probably mine. Haven’t done the hills you mention but must admit I had a great time when I was over there. Got to say your pictures are pretty damn nice 😊 .
Jim777
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 24, 2017
Location: Perth

Re: Dunkerron Mtns, SW Ireland

Postby peter1 » Wed May 11, 2022 9:00 am

Jim777 wrote:Great to see a report on the hills of Southern Ireland. It’s been a long time since the last ones which were probably mine. Haven’t done the hills you mention but must admit I had a great time when I was over there. Got to say your pictures are pretty damn nice 😊 .


Thanks Jim for your kind words. Yes, we have some great hills here!
User avatar
peter1
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 11
Munros:220   Corbetts:1
Fionas:3   
Hewitts:24
Wainwrights:2   
Joined: Sep 10, 2018
Location: Ireland

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