Carrauntoohill (IPA [ˌkærənˈtuːl]; Irish: Corrán Tuathail), also spelt Carrantuohill and in various other ways, is a mountain located in County Kerry, Ireland, and is the highest peak in Ireland. It is 1,039 m (3,409 feet) tall and is the central peak of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range. There are two other peaks in this range above 1,000 m (Beenkeragh, 1,010 m; and Caher, 1,001 m) and four others on the island over 3,000 feet, in the Dingle Peninsula (Mount Brandon), south Tipperary (Galteemore) and County Wicklow (Lugnaquillia). A large metal cross 5 metres (16 ft) tall tops the peak.

The name "Carrauntoohill" derives from the Irish language Corrán Tuathail, meaning "Tuathal's sickle" .

The mountain is most often climbed from the north-east, along the Hag's Glen to the col between Carrauntoohill and Cnoc na Péiste, and then north-west up the steep Devil's Ladder. The route has become more dangerous in recent years due to loose stones and crowding . No special equipment is needed to climb the mountain, but caution is advised. Alternatively, one can walk the two other 1,000 m peaks in a horseshoe trip, starting from the west. The traverse from highest point to the second highest involves a light scramble. The weather conditions on the mountain are very changeable, and due to a high number of underdressed tourists attempting the peak each summer, there have been a number of deaths.

[Source: Wikipedia]

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