Description

https://www.kerryclimbing.ie/howling-ridge/ Howling Ridge is known as one of Ireland’s classic and famous multi-pitch mountaineering routes.

A steep, well defined ridge which cuts up the north-east face of Carrauntoohil.

It is graded V.

Diff in summer and goes at various grades in winter, depending on conditions. It is the central of three ridges high on the jagged North East face of Carrauntoohil.

On its left separated from Howling by Collins’ Gully, is Pipets Ridge and to its right is Primroses Ridge.

Howling Ridge starts at the lofty perch known as Céim an Fhia / the leap of the deer or more commonly known as the “Heavenly Gates”, the point where the narrow path traversing the NE face of the mountain passes through a notch and breach in the steep face.

The first half of the climb is a series of steep sections interspersed with easier climbing.

The most difficult part of the route is a steep buttress of rock high up on the face known as The Tower. It was first climbed in February 1987 by two local mountaineers, Con Moriarty and John Cronin in winter conditions.

The route gets its name from Cons dog – Grimsel who followed them in the glen and then waited at the Heavenly Gates, howling while the pair completed the climb. The climbing is not technically difficult but the constant exposure, potential wet and windy weather conditions, extremely loose and at times greasy rock, intermittent vegetation, and lack of escape options make this a serious climb.

KerryClimbing have a 100% success rate on guiding this route and have literally climbed it 100’s of times in all weather conditions so you can be assured you are in the safest of hands. Steep, committing and exhilarating – an exciting and unforgettable route to the top of Irelands’ highest mountain!!!