Overview
Hag’s Tooth (Irish: Stumpa an tSaimh, “stump of the sorrel”) is a sharp, triangular rock spike in the heart of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, County Kerry. It stands in Hag’s Glen above the Eagle’s Nest corrie on the north-east face of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, and for hillwalkers it is less a summit to bag than a signpost: it marks the start of the exposed ridge that links Ireland’s two highest tops, Beenkeragh (1,010 m) and Carrauntoohil (1,038 m).
Its height is usually given as 650 m (2,130 ft), though MountainViews and some guidebooks put it at 662 m; the surveys don’t agree, and it makes no difference on the ground. What matters more is the drop on either side of the ridge beyond it.
Geology & names
The Irish name Stumpa an tSaimh means “stump of the sorrel”; an alternative, Stumpeenadaff, comes from Stuimpín an Daimh, “little pinnacle of the ox”. The rock is well-bedded grey sandstone that splits easily along its bedding planes, which is what gives the Tooth its steep, blocky shape. The western slopes are the loose ones: boulders sit poorly here and can shift underfoot or come down from above, so watch your line on the way up.
On the Vandeleur-Lynam list its prominence is about 15 m, which is exactly the threshold a peak needs to qualify. The Tooth scrapes on by the height of a single sharp step above its col.
Route options & navigation
The standard approach begins at Cronin’s Yard, the traditional trailhead for the Devil’s Ladder route. From there, walkers have three main options to reach the Tooth and the ridges beyond:
- Direct ridge scramble: Follow the established path up the exposed spine to Beenkeragh, then continue east to Carrauntoohil. The narrowest section, between the Tooth and Beenkeragh, is known locally as The Bones – a knife-edge stretch that drops sharply on both sides and demands steady footing and a clear head for heights. The full circuit takes about 5 to 7 hours.
- O’Shea’s Gully (Heavenly Gates): A steep, grassy chute on the western flank of Carrauntoohil. It works as an approach to the main ridge or as a descent after the traverse, and offers a slightly less exposed line for anyone hesitant about knife-edges.
- Northern gully approach: A more gradual, stone-strewn track coming in from the north-east, often preferred in wet conditions when the main ridge turns slick.
Route statistics (full loop):
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 5–7 hours
- Elevation gain: ~840 m
- Difficulty: Grade 2 scramble (moderate); rated Difficult on HiiKER
- Alternative: A shorter Hag’s Tooth & Beenkeragh loop covers roughly 8.8 km and takes around 3 hours.
When to go
The safest and most enjoyable window for scrambling the ridge is late spring through early autumn, May to September, when the days are longer and the ground is drier. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms roll in quickly and turn exposed rock into a hazard. Winter ascents are possible but need full mountaineering experience, ice axes and crampons for the snow and ice on the ridge.
Safety & conditions
The terrain around Hag’s Tooth is unforgiving in poor weather. The ridge is notoriously exposed, and the western slopes can shed loose rock without warning. In May 2019, a fall on the ridge required a six-hour helicopter rescue by Kerry Mountain Rescue – a fair measure of the real risk here.
To manage the hazards:
- Check the Met Éireann forecast and mountain warnings before you set off. Sudden gusts and rapid cloud drops are common on the Reeks.
- Carry a helmet, sturdy boots with aggressive grip, and a rope for wet or icy days.
- Don’t take on the ridge in high wind, rain or snow; wait for a settled spell.
- Don’t scramble it alone. A group member comfortable with exposure and route-finding is essential.
- If you’re new to exposed scrambling, several outdoor operators in Killarney run guided ascents of the Reeks with proper route-finding and safety briefings.
Practical information
- Parking & access: Cronin’s Yard is the main trailhead; a €2 fee is charged on exit (a coin is needed at the barrier). The car park is larger than the signage suggests but fills on busy summer days, so start early. An alternative layby sits at Lisleibane (grid reference V82600 87450). From Killarney take the N72 towards Killorglin, turn left at Fossa Village, continue about 8 km to Kissane’s Shop, cross the small bridge and take the next left for roughly 3 km to the yard.
- Maps & navigation: Carry OSI 1:30 000 MacGillycuddy’s Reeks or the 1:25 000 series (sheet 78). Apps like PeakVisor or the MountainViews card are useful backups, but paper is the most reliable.
- Summit coordinates: 52.005278 N, -9.734167 W (OSI grid V809850).
- Fees: Mountain access is free; the €2 Cronin’s Yard parking fee applies.
- Supplies: Cronin’s Yard has a café, toilets and hot showers, plus EV charge points in the car park. There’s nothing on the mountain itself, so stock up before you leave the trailhead.
- Getting there: No public transport reaches the trailhead. Driving from Killarney or Beaufort is the only practical option.
Nearby stops
After descending, the surrounding area offers quieter ways to take in the Reeks:
- Black Valley: A remote, scenic valley east of the mountains, good for a gentle walk or a slow drive.
- Beaufort: About 15 km away, the traditional gateway to the Reeks, with a tourist office, a few pubs and B&Bs.
If the ridge looks like too much on the day, don’t force it: the walk up Hag’s Glen to the foot of the Tooth and back is a fine outing on its own, on a clear path with the Reeks closing in around you. Turn around at the base and you’ve had the best of the view without any of the exposure.