Gullaba Hill – A Panoramic Walk in County Kerry

Overview

Gullaba Hill (Irish: Cnoc Ghullaba) rises to 603 m in the northern fringe of the Caha Mountains, just north of the village of Kilgarvan in County Kerry. The hill is a favourite among experienced walkers for its expansive outlooks over the Kenmare harbour, the Sheen Valley, and the dramatic Caoinkeen cliffs that frame Lough Akinkeen. The terrain is a mix of boggy boulder‑clay, fine grass and occasional heather, punctuated by wet cols that demand careful route‑finding.

Background

While the Caha range is dotted with well‑known peaks, Gullaba Hill remained relatively unexplored until recent mapping highlighted its potential as a summit with a “fine perch for Kerry views”. The name derives from the Irish Cnoc Ghullaba – “hill of the beak/snout” – a nod to the distinctive Roman‑profile buttress on the Caoinkeen cliffs. The hill is listed on the Arderin, Vandeleur‑Lynam, Myrddyn Dewey and Sim classifications, ranking as the 277th highest summit in Ireland.

What to See & Do

• Summit Panorama – From the 603 m crest you can look south‑east to Knockboy (706 m), the highest peak in County Cork, and sweep westward across the Kenmare coastline to the far‑reaching peaks of the Iveragh Peninsula. To the north, the oddly shaped Bird Hill (412 m) punctuates the horizon.
• Lough Akinkeen & Caoinkeen Cliffs – Early in the walk the trail skirts the edge of Lough Akinkeen, backed by the sheer Caoinkeen cliffs. The cliffs’ “nose” profile is a striking geological feature that photographers love.
• Coumyfaun Lake & Coomclogherane Lake – After reaching Spot Height 625 m, a short detour drops you into the valley that cradles Coumyfaun Lake, noted for its unusual surface patterns. Continuing northward, a 100 m descent brings you to Coomclogherane Lake, set in an impressive corrie.
• Flora – In summer the summit’s grassy surface is dotted with fluttering bog cotton, adding a soft white texture to the landscape.
• Route Variations – The classic 14 km loop (approximately six hours) can be combined with the neighbouring Knocknamanagh loop for a longer trek (total 14.39 mi, 3681 ft ascent, about 6½ h). The loop is detailed on the Hiiker app and offers an alternative approach from The Priest’s Leap.

Practical Information

Getting there

Access & Parking – The walk begins at a sharp bend on the R569, just south of Kilgarvan, where a small lay‑by provides parking for a few cars. The start point is marked by a track leading to L Akinkeen (grid reference 022 657).

Route Details – The route is 14 km round‑trip with a total ascent of 750 m. The first kilometre follows a forest path before the trail joins a newly cut drainage channel that leads to the ridge. Two wet cols sit on the crest; experienced walkers can often skirt the wettest sections with careful footing. The summit is reached via a left turn up to Spot Height 637 m, then onward to the 603 m peak.

Navigation – A detailed OS Discovery Series map (sheet 85) is strongly recommended. The grid reference for the summit is W005 681, and the col at 564 m is at W002 676.

Facilities – There are no on‑site facilities, toilets or cafés. The nearest villages, Kilgarvan and Kenmare, provide food, accommodation and water refill points.

Season & Conditions – The hill is classified as “hard” – walkers should be equipped with a map, rain gear and sturdy walking boots. The terrain can become very warm on unusually hot summer days, as noted by a recent visitor who experienced one of the highest temperatures recorded on an Irish mountain.

Cost – Access to Gullaba Hill is free; there is no admission fee.

Summit Statistics

Nearby Amenities

Kilgarvan (≈ 3 km south) offers a range of B&Bs, pubs and a small shop. Kenmare (≈ 12 km east) provides a wider selection of restaurants, hotels and transport links.

Safety Note

Hill‑walking is a risk sport. The route includes wet sections and steep ascents; walkers are responsible for their own safety and must respect any access restrictions.