Overview
Coomacarrea (Irish: Com an Charria, meaning “hollow of the stag”) rises to 772 m (2,533 ft) and claims the title of the highest point in the Glenbeigh Mountains on the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry. Part of the famed Glenbeigh Horseshoe, the mountain sits amid a rugged, sparsely populated landscape of high grass, deep corries and exposed ridges. Its summit is marked only by a modest pile of rocks, but the sense of isolation and the panoramic vistas over the Atlantic coastline make it a prized objective for serious hill‑walkers.
Background
While Coomacarrea does not have a recorded human history in the traditional sense, its name reflects the Gaelic tradition of describing the landscape – a “hollow of the stag” that hints at the wildlife that once roamed these uplands. The mountain is listed on several Irish hill‑walking classifications: Marilyn, Hewitt, Vandeleur‑Lynam, Arderin, HuMP and Sim. It is also the 61st‑highest summit in Ireland and the highest point of the Glenbeigh Horseshoe, a popular ridge‑walk that attracts seasoned walkers seeking a remote challenge.
What to See & Do
- Summit Views – From the grassy top you can see the sweeping Atlantic coastline, the distant peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, and the rolling hills of the Iveragh Peninsula. On clear days the sea‑lit horizon stretches for miles.
- Massive Corries – The mountain’s north‑facing corries are dramatic, bowl‑shaped depressions that collect winter snow and create striking silhouettes against the sky.
- Ridge Walking – Coomacarrea forms the high point of the Glenbeigh Horseshoe ridge. The full circuit, which includes neighbouring peaks such as Colly, Seefin and Callahaniska, covers roughly 40.8 km with an ascent of 2,405 m. The route typically takes 11–12 hours for an experienced party.
- Flora & Fauna – The upland heath supports heather, gorse and a variety of wildflowers in summer. Red deer and occasional golden eagles have been reported in the area, adding a wildlife element to the walk.
- Photography – The remote setting provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light bathes the corries in gold.
Getting There
The most common starting point is the village of Glenbeigh, where a small car‑park sits near the centre (grid reference V66810 91004). From the car‑park the Glenbeigh Horseshoe route begins, following marked tracks and occasional cairns. Public transport to Glenbeigh is limited; the nearest bus stop is on the main R564 road, and the closest train station is at Killarney, about 45 km away. Visitors travelling from farther afield typically drive via the N70 coastal road, which offers scenic views en route.
Practical Information
Coomacarrea is a free‑entry natural feature; there is no admission fee or formal opening hours. Access is most commonly gained from Glenbeigh Village, where a small car‑park is available near the village centre. From there the Glenbeigh Horseshoe route begins, following marked tracks and occasional cairns. The route is described on the MountainViews track page (see link below) and is considered challenging – the ridge includes exposed sections that can become slippery in wet conditions.
Navigation – The summit lies at grid reference V61136 82521. The area is covered by the Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series maps Sheet 78 and Sheet 83. A GPS device or a reliable smartphone app with offline maps is advisable, as the terrain can be featureless in places.
Distance & Timing – The full Glenbeigh Horseshoe loop is 40.8 km with a total ascent of 2,405 m. Experienced walkers usually allocate 12 hours (including breaks) to complete the circuit. The ascent to Coomacarrea itself can be tackled as a shorter out‑and‑back from the Curra Hill car‑park, but most walkers prefer the full ridge for the sense of accomplishment.
Safety – Hill‑walking in Ireland is classified as a risk activity. The ridge can be exposed, especially on the western flank where clouds may roll in quickly. Walkers should carry a map, compass, and sufficient water and food. The route is popular among local hill‑walkers, and the MountainViews page notes that 266 members have logged the summit.
Social Media – Visitors are encouraged to share their experience using the hashtag #Coomacarrea772m to connect with the growing community of “Highpointeers”.
Useful Links
- Coomacarrea on Wikipedia
- Glenbeigh Horseshoe route (MountainViews)
- High Point Ireland entry for Coomacarrea
Classification Summary
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Marilyn | Prominence ≥ 150 m |
| Hewitt | Height ≥ 2 000 ft & prominence ≥ 30 m |
| Vandeleur‑Lynam | Irish peaks ≥ 600 m with prominence ≥ 15 m |
| Arderin | Irish peaks ≥ 500 m with prominence ≥ 30 m |
| HuMP | Prominence ≥ 100 m |
| Sim | Summit with prominence ≥ 30 m |
Coomacarrea offers a blend of physical challenge, dramatic scenery and a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare on Ireland’s more frequented peaks. Whether you are ticking off a high‑point list or simply craving a remote mountain experience, the summit rewards perseverance with unrivalled views of Kerry’s wild coastline.