Gullaba Hill [Cnoc Ghullaba]

About Gullaba Hill [Cnoc Ghullaba]

Situated in the rugged Shehy Mountains near the Cork-Kerry border, this 603m peak offers a classic West Cork experience. Expect a mix of sandstone outcrops and wet, peaty ground. It sits at the head of the remote Borlin Valley, providing a quieter, wilder alternative to the nearby, more prominent Knockboy.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Cnoc Ghullaba; while 'Cnoc' is the standard word for hill, the specific meaning of 'Ghullaba' remains a subject of local debate, possibly referring to a personal name or a forgotten geographical descriptor.
• •The summit provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Caha Mountains to the west and the main ridge of the Shehy Mountains stretching south towards the summit of Knockboy.
• •The ascent usually involves navigating the typical Old Red Sandstone terrain of the region, where rocky ribs are frequently interspersed with sections of deep, soft bog.
• •It is classified as a Tump, meaning it has a drop of at least 30 metres on all sides, though in the context of these sprawling hills, it can feel like a high point on a broad, undulating plateau.