Overview
Hag’s Tooth (Irish: Stumpa an tSaimh, also known 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. It sits in the dramatic Hag’s Glen, overlooking the Eagle’s Nest corrie on the north‑east face of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. The pinnacle is a favourite waypoint for hillwalkers because it marks the start of a spectacular ridge scramble that links Ireland’s two highest summits – Beenkeragh (1,001 m) and Carrauntoohil (879 m).
Note: Some older sources list the height as 650 m; the most recent OS‑derived data and MountainViews record the summit at 662 m.
Geology & Naming
The Irish name Stumpa an tSaimh translates as “stump of the sorrel”, while Stumpeenadaff derives from Stuimpín an Daimh – “little pinnacle of the ox”. The rock is composed of well‑bedded grey sandstone of the Lough Acoose Sandstone Formation. The western slopes are notoriously unstable; loose boulders can tumble without warning, a fact that seasoned scramblers keep in mind.
History & Naming
The feature is listed as the 193rd‑highest summit on the Vandeleur‑Lynam scale, although its measured prominence is 27.3 m, just shy of the 30 m threshold. It has long been a landmark on the classic Devil’s Ladder route to Carrauntoohil and appears on early Ordnance Survey maps as “Hag’s Tooth”.
What to See & Do
- Hag’s Tooth Ridge – From the base of the Tooth, a narrow, exposed ridge climbs steeply to the summit of Beenkeragh. The scramble is graded 2 (moderate) and offers exhilarating exposure.
- Beenkeragh Ridge – After Beenkeragh, the ridge continues eastward to Carrauntoohil, famed for its airy feel and dramatic drops.
- Eagle’s Nest Corrie – Below the Tooth lies a deep glacial bowl that contains Lough Cummeenoughter, the highest lake in Ireland, and a series of striking gullies.
- Panoramic Vistas – From the Tooth and adjoining ridges you can see the full sweep of the Reeks, the Atlantic coastline, and on clear days the distant Dingle Peninsula.
Route Options
The classic Hag’s Tooth Ridge Trek starts at Cronin’s Yard (the traditional car‑park for the Devil’s Ladder). Three main ascent options are commonly used:
- Direct ridge scramble – Follow the marked path up the exposed ridge to Beenkeragh, then continue to Carrauntoohil. This is the route described in most guidebooks and takes about 5 – 7 hours total.
- O’Shea’s Gully (Heavenly Gates) – A steep, grassy gully that skirts the western side of the Tooth before joining the ridge. It provides a slightly less exposed alternative for those uncomfortable with the knife‑edge sections.
- Grassy northern gully – A more gradual, stone‑laden track that approaches the Tooth from the north‑east, useful in wet conditions when the ridge is slippery.
Descent options include retracing the Devil’s Ladder, or dropping down the Heavenly Gates/O’Shea’s Gully for a quicker, more scenic exit.
Route Statistics (from Reeks District)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 – 7 hours (full loop) |
| Length | 12 km (full loop) |
| Difficulty | Grade 2 scramble; rated Difficult on HiiKER |
| Elevation gain | ~840 m |
| Pet friendly | No |
A shorter Hag’s Tooth & Beenkeragh loop (≈8.8 km, ~3 h 10 min, 840 m gain) is popular for those seeking a compact day.
Seasonal & Weather Advice
The ridge is at its driest and safest in April, June and August. Early spring and late autumn can bring snow, ice and rapidly changing conditions. Always check the weather forecast before setting off and be prepared for sudden gusts on the exposed sections.
Photography & Views
Sunrise from the summit offers a golden glow over the Eagle’s Nest corrie and Lough Cummeenoughter. The lake, Ireland’s highest, reflects the sky like a mirror – a favourite shot for landscape photographers. In clear weather the view stretches to the Blasket Islands and the Galtee Mountains.
Safety & Rescue History
The ridge is described as “remarkably unstable” and has been the scene of accidents. In May 2019 a climber fell approximately 650 ft from the Hag’s Tooth Ridge; the Kerry Mountain Rescue team required a helicopter and a six‑hour operation to recover the body. This underscores the need for:
- Good weather and clear visibility
- A rope or via‑Ferrata‑style protection on wet or icy sections
- A competent group member comfortable with exposure
Practical Information
- Access points – The most common trailhead is Cronin’s Yard (free car‑park, limited spaces in summer – about 20 vehicles). An alternative car‑park is at Lisleibane (grid reference V82600 87450). Both are reached via the R568 from Killarney.
- Grid reference – Summit: V809 58 850 44 (OS grid) – also 52.005587 N, ‑9.735763 W.
- Maps – OSI 1:30 000 MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and 1:25 000 series (sheet 78). A 3‑D map is available on the PeakVisor app; the MountainViews page provides a printable walking card.
- Gear – Sturdy boots, a helmet, a rope (especially on wet days), and a waterproof jacket. The western slopes can shed loose rock.
- Fees – No admission charge; the area is open access under Irish right‑to‑roam legislation.
- Nearby town – Beaufort (≈15 km) is the nearest gateway village with shops, B&Bs and a tourist office. The larger town of Killarney (≈30 km) offers a full range of accommodation and transport links.
- Accommodation – Cronin’s Yard hosts a small tearoom (see croninsyard.com) for snacks and tea. For an overnight stay, the Castlerosse Hotel (castlerosse.ie) in Killarney provides rooms and a leisure centre.
- Public transport – No direct bus service to the trailhead; the most convenient option is to drive from Killarney or take a taxi.
Nearby Attractions
- Black Valley – A remote, scenic valley east of the Reeks, ideal for a quiet walk or a drive before or after tackling Hag’s Tooth.
- Beaufort – Gateway village with a tourist office, pubs and B&Bs; a good base for Reeks day‑trips.
Links & Resources
- PeakVisor 3‑D panorama – downloadable from the PeakVisor website.
- MountainViews summit page – detailed user reports and GPS data.
- HiiKER app – route rating 4.31/5, difficulty “Difficult”.
- Irish Times travel piece – personal account of the ridge scramble and safety tips.
Hag’s Tooth is a quintessential Reeks experience – a blend of rugged geology, dramatic ridge lines and sweeping Irish scenery that rewards the adventurous traveller with some of the most memorable mountain views in the country.