Crohane [An Cruachan]

About Crohane [An Cruachan]

Rising to a distinctive point on the eastern edge of the Mangerton range, this rugged Hewitt offers a quieter alternative to Killarney’s busier peaks. Its conical profile—reflected in its Irish name—surmounts steep, boggy slopes that open up to impressive views of Lough Guitane and the distant Paps of Anu.

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Did You Know?

• •The name An Cruachan translates from Irish as 'the small reek' or 'the conical hill', a reference to its sharp, symmetrical profile which stands out clearly from the surrounding moorland.
• •The summit provides an exceptional vantage point for viewing Lough Guitane to the northwest, as well as the deep, U-shaped valley of the Horse's Glen tucked into the side of neighbouring Mangerton Mountain.
• •Despite being overshadowed by the higher Kerry peaks to the west, Crohane is classified as a Marilyn because it is separated from the main Mangerton massif by a deep col, giving it over 150 metres of topographical prominence.
• •The most common approach is from the north or east, requiring a traverse of high, peat-heavy ground that is notoriously difficult to navigate in the frequent low mist of the Shehy Mountains.
• •The ascent provides a masterclass in Irish bog navigation; by the time you reach the rocky summit, you will likely have developed a very intimate, firsthand understanding of the exact depth of the local water table.