Top 20 Mountain Passes in Ireland

Following the steep, winding road between Portmagee and St. Finian’s Bay leads to the Coomanaspig Pass: a rugged mountain pass at an altitude of 185 meters, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish interior meet in a single panorama. From the summit, a 360-degree view unfolds—the pointed Skellig Islands on one side, the green valleys of the Iveragh Peninsula on the other. The climb itself, with gradients of up to 15% and sharp bends, feels like a mini expedition. At the top, where wind and clouds have free rein, you experience the Wild Atlantic Way in its purest form: grand, silent, and pristine.

Very great section and always fun..

Cranks.

Stunning views, very quiet roads, challenging hills. Amazing place!

Rising to 3,300 feet (1,000 m), Caher is Ireland's third highest peak, only topped by neighbouring Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh. It's a high point on the classic Coomloughra Horseshoe, one of Ireland's most coveted mountain days. Its Irish name, Cathair na Féinne, means fortress of the Fianna, the mythical warriors and hunters of Irish legend.

The Long Woman's Grave car park is right at the top of a gentle climb, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in the rolling landscape. Whether you're coming from the north or the south, the roads take you through varied terrain that reveals new panoramas with every bend. It's worth taking a moment to read the story of the "Long Woman" at the memorial - somehow this mystical atmosphere fits perfectly into the surroundings. On the way up, you hardly encounter any traffic, which allows you to fully concentrate on nature and your own line in the bends. The fresh breeze and the smell of damp grass add a little extra to the climb. But the roads are not always in the best condition - some sections do require attention, especially after a rain shower. Once you reach the summit, there is a small rest area, ideal for taking a quick breather and regaining strength for the next stage. A perfect spot to take a short break before continuing with renewed vigor.

The trail winds through the rugged landscape of the Caha Mountains and connects the Beara Peninsula with the mainland. The climb is gentle but long - ideal for getting into a steady rhythm and enjoying the surroundings to the fullest. The highlight of this route, literally, are the tunnels that have been carved directly into the rock. They mark the border between Cork and Kerry - and offer a very special experience when you cycle through them. Especially on a slightly misty day, a mystical atmosphere is created here that makes cycling an unforgettable experience. The views that accompany you on the way stretch across green valleys to the vastness of the Atlantic - simply breathtaking without being exaggerated. However, you should be careful in the tunnel - it is narrow and can be slippery, especially after rain. But that is exactly what makes this pass so special: the challenge paired with the peace and isolation of Irish nature.

If you read the tips for this climb here, it is uncertain whether the people who gave the tips actually went through it. If you are used to walking in the Alps with everything that goes with it, you will find this mountain a bit "strange". The Devil's Ladder is actually a water-bearing stream bed that is quite steep, and only "sure-footedness" does not adequately describe this climb (you can't imagine the descent). In the Alps, no one would attempt a climb like this without a helmet, that's where it starts, because everything is slippery and loose. When you have managed the Devil's Ladder, you are halfway up and still working your way through raised moor and rocky scree. There are no paths in the Alpine sense. This also means that there are no, really NO, markings of any kind. Instead, fog and low-hanging clouds quickly set in, making it impossible to find your way. You shouldn't do it without a Komoot tour on your phone (or similar), because there is no way to orient yourself and the paths are hardly recognizable as such, especially in the fog. The summit cross at the top is cool, but you should be prepared for challenges on the way down. At the parking lot below you should have 2 euros for the fee. The pub down there is nice. There is nothing on the mountain (just for the sake of completeness). So if you're more into hiking than climbing, you should be prepared for a 5-6 hour challenge. Without high shoes you can hardly get up and then you have to carry half the raised moor down with you, because you have to climb into passages there. Being sure-footed and not afraid of heights is something to be taken seriously and literally. I wouldn't do it without a helmet again.