Tomies Mountain [An Chathair]

About Tomies Mountain [An Chathair]

Rising steeply above the western shores of Lough Leane, this prominent peak marks the eastern gateway to the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Its lower slopes are cloaked in the ancient oaks of Tomies Wood, while the airy summit offers a sprawling, contrasting perspective across the Lakes of Killarney toward the distant Paps of Anu.

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Did You Know?

• •The Irish name An Chathair translates to 'The City' or 'The Stone Fort', likely referencing the mountain's natural fortress-like appearance, while the English name 'Tomies' is thought to derive from the Gaelic 'Tuamaí', meaning burial mounds.
• •The mountain is frequently climbed as part of a classic horseshoe ridge walk that includes its neighbour, Purple Mountain, usually starting or finishing near the famous Gap of Dunloe.
• •From the 734m summit, walkers gain a particularly clear view of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Island sitting on the waters of the Lower Lake, set against the backdrop of the town of Killarney.
• •The northern slopes are home to O’Sullivan’s Cascade, a multi-tiered waterfall within the oak forest that, according to local legend, flowed with whiskey until the arrival of the English changed its composition to water.
• •Despite its status as a Hewitt, any pride in reaching the summit is often short-lived once you look west and see the massive, jagged silhouette of Carrauntoohil looming nearly 300 metres higher.