Come Ye Vagabonds Rambling up Carrauntoohil

🌄 Come Ye Vagabonds Rambling: Carrauntoohil via the Zig Zags

📅 Date: Sunday, 12th October 2025 🕤 Start Time: 9:30 AM

📍 Meeting Point: Cronin's Yard Car Park

🥾 Route: Carrauntoohil Loop via the Zig Zags & Heavenly Gates (Approx. 12 km, 1000 m elevation gain)

Join us for an ascent of Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil. We'll take the scenic and challenging route up the Zig Zags, avoiding the eroded Devil's Ladder. After reaching the summit and soaking in the 360-degree views, our descent will be via the steep and dramatic Heavenly Gates route, offering incredible views and a rewarding hike.

Difficulty: Strenuous – suitable for experienced mountain hikers with excellent fitness and a head for heights.

Estimated Duration: 6–7 hours

Terrain: Steep and sustained ascents/descents, loose scree (especially on descent), exposed ridges, and rocky ground.

Weather: Check the forecast and come prepared – We may cancel this at the last minute if the weather is not suitable.

What to Bring:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Waterproof layers and warm clothing (hats and gloves are a must)
• Food, snacks, and plenty of water
• Walking poles (highly recommended for descent)
• €2 coin for the carpark
• A spirit of adventure and camaraderie

Important Notes:

• We are unpaid volunteers and cannot accept any responsibility for participants. By joining, you acknowledge you take part entirely at your own risk.
• We strongly recommend appropriate personal accident and rescue insurance, such as Mountaineering Ireland membership or another suitable policy.
• This is a remote and challenging mountain route with limited shelter — please assess your readiness and kit before joining.
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail due to landowner restrictions (this is active sheep farming country).

After the hike, you’re welcome to join us for a well-earned pint or bite in Killarney 🍻.