Overview
Hag’s Tooth (Irish: Stumpa an tSaimh, also recorded as Stumpeenadaff) is a sharp, triangular rock spike rising to 662 m (2,170 ft) in the heart of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, County Kerry. Positioned in Hag’s Glen, the pinnacle overlooks the Eagle’s Nest corrie on the north-east face of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. It serves as a critical waypoint for hillwalkers and scramblers, marking the start of an exposed ridge that connects Ireland’s two highest summits: Beenkeragh (1,010 m) and Carrauntoohil (1,038 m).
Note on elevation: Some older guidebooks list the height as 650 m. Current Ordnance Survey data and MountainViews records confirm the summit at 662 m.
Geology & Names
The Irish name Stumpa an tSaimh translates to “stump of the sorrel”, while the alternative Stumpeenadaff comes from Stuimpín an Daimh, meaning “little pinnacle of the ox”. The peak is formed from well-bedded grey sandstone belonging to the Lough Acoose Sandstone Formation. This geology shapes the walking experience: the rock is generally solid but fractures easily along bedding planes, creating the characteristic steep, blocky terrain. The western slopes are particularly prone to loose boulders, a factor that requires careful foot placement throughout the ascent.
On the Vandeleur-Lynam scale, Hag’s Tooth ranks as the 193rd-highest summit in Ireland. Its measured prominence sits at 27.3 m, just under the standard 30 m threshold, but its visual impact and role as a ridge gateway more than compensate for the technical classification.
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 primary options to reach the Tooth and the adjoining ridges:
- Direct ridge scramble: Follow the established path up the exposed spine to Beenkeragh, then continue east to Carrauntoohil. The narrowest section of the ridge 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 approximately 5 to 7 hours.
- O’Shea’s Gully (Heavenly Gates): A steep, grassy chute on the western flank of Carrauntoohil. It can be used either as an approach to the main ridge or as a descent from Carrauntoohil after completing the traverse, before looping back to the trailhead. It offers a slightly less exposed line for those hesitant about knife-edge sections.
- Northern gully approach: A more gradual, stone-strewn track that approaches from the north-east. This route is often preferred in wet conditions when the main ridge becomes 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 days are longer and the ground is typically drier. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, turning exposed rock into a slippery hazard. Winter ascents are possible but require full mountaineering experience, ice axes and crampons due to snow and ice accumulation 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 complex six-hour helicopter rescue by Kerry Mountain Rescue, highlighting the real risks involved.
To manage these hazards:
- Check the Met Éireann forecast and mountain warnings before departure. Sudden gusts and rapid cloud drops are common on the Reeks.
- Carry a helmet, sturdy boots with aggressive grip, and a rope (essential on wet or icy days).
- Avoid the ridge in high winds, rain, or snow. The best conditions typically occur in April, June, and August.
- Do not attempt the scramble alone. A competent group member comfortable with exposure is essential for route-finding and safety.
- If you are new to exposed scrambling, several local outdoor operators in Killarney offer guided ascents of the Reeks, with expert route-finding and safety briefings.
Practical Information
- Parking & Access: Cronin’s Yard is the main trailhead; a €2 fee is charged on exit (coin needed at the barrier). The car park is larger than signage suggests but fills on busy summer days – an early start is advisable. An alternative layby exists at Lisleibane (grid reference V82600 87450). From Killarney take the N72 towards Killorglin, turn left at Fossa Village, continue approximately 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). GPS apps like PeakVisor or the MountainViews walking card are useful supplements, but paper maps remain the most reliable backup.
- Summit coordinates: 52.005587 N, -9.735763 W (OS Grid: V809 58 850 44)
- Fees: Mountain access is free. The €2 Cronin’s Yard parking fee applies.
- Supplies: Cronin’s Yard has a café, toilets and hot showers. There are no facilities on the mountain itself – stock up before you leave the trailhead. Electric vehicle charge points are available in the car park.
- 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 experience the Reeks landscape:
- Black Valley: A remote, scenic valley east of the mountains, suitable for a gentle walk or a scenic drive.
- Beaufort: Located roughly 15 km away, this village serves as the traditional gateway to the Reeks. It hosts a tourist office, several pubs, and a range of B&Bs.
Plan your visit around the weather window and pack for changing conditions. The ridge rewards careful preparation with unbroken views across Ireland’s highest peaks, but it demands respect for the terrain. Start early, carry your navigation tools, and leave the mountain with plenty of daylight in reserve.