Get Lost Mountaineering

Mullaghanish from near Ballyvourney

Start/Finish

Ballyvourney and Ballymakeery are effectively a single village on the main N22 road from Killarney to Macroom. There is a sign for Mullaghanish off the main road in about the centre of the village. Follow this road which twists and turns, ignoring any more minor roads to reach the locked gates where the private tarmac road starts.

Distance/Time

6 km      Approx 2 hours

Peaks

Mullaghanish, 649 m, W 215 817 (Irish National Grid System)

Irish OS Discovery Series Map 79 (1:50000)

Introduction

This is a very easy hill to ascend as there is a private tarmac road from the public road to the summit which hosts a tall TV mast, other masts and a large control building. There is no obvious highest point on the ground but walking around the building and mast should cover all possibilities. It is possible to park a car at the locked gate to the private road. The access situation is confusing as there is a pedestrian gate, a sign warning of falling ice from the TV mast and a (faded) sign saying no unauthorised access for pedestrians! However, if one walks about 30 m further along the public road, there is a locked gate by a bridge which has no signs and gives access to the private tarmac road. There are no navigation issues because of the road but, if necessary, you should be able to easily reset your GPS to the Irish National Grid System. In clear conditions, there should be good views.

Route

(1) Walk up the road to the TV mast.

(2) Retrace the outward route.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 16^th April, 2012, 20^thApril, 2012, and 1^st April, 2014.

(b) The Fossa camp and caravan site, at V 910 923 is very good and very well situated for the Killarney mountains, especially Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain as it is only about 3 miles from Kate Kearney's Cottage. At Fossa, there are camping and caravanning facilities as well as a hostel and static trailer vans can also be hired. For campers, there are excellent showers (small extra charge) and there is a good campers’ kitchen with tables, sinks and cooking area if you have your own cooker and pans. Gas rings are available (small extra charge). There is also a TV room. Reception is open quite late in the high season and the staff are very helpful. A computer is available for hire and there is a freezer in reception. There is a bus stop outside the site for Killarney. There is a 24 hour Tesco which is off the northern bypass (turn right at 4^th roundabout then right at next). Out of high season, it can be better for 2 people to rent a trailer van than to camp separately.