Activities

Guests at the Climbers Inn have an exceptional range of immensely beautiful and historical significant attractions to choose from.

Mountaineering

Glencar is the gateway to climbing the McGillycuddy Reeks, Irelands highest mountains and include the only three peaks in Ireland over 1000 metres.

The Acoose Horse Shoe. this is undoubtedly the “Jewel in the Crown” with such fine summits as below

Carrauntoohill         3,314ft (1050m)

Beenkeragh             3,313ft (1020)

Caher                      3,200ft   (985m)

Skregmore               2,790ft (858m)

Skregbeg                   1,883ft (579)

 

Any ascent of Ireland’s highest mountain is a rough challenge requiring a good level of fitness enabling you to hike in mountainous terrain for 6 hours plus. It is a magnificent, rugged and scenic mountain and climbing it is an experience that one dosen’t forget. On a fine day, views extend to the faraway mountains, lakes and farmlands of west cork and north and south Kerry. There are also some lovely walks less strenuous walks around the base of the mountain.

We can organise climbs for individuals, and groups with prior notice.

Packed lunches are also available.

Walking

Some of the finest scenic walks in Ireland can be found in the Glencar Highlands. If Carrauntoohill is too much of a challenge there are a superb selection of routes in this vast area comprising of high, low and medium level rambles and walks to suite everybody from two to twenty miles in length.

The famous Kerry Way a marked trail that passes our door starts in Killarney then over nights in the Blackvalley and then Glencar and onto Glenbeigh. At over 200km, the Kerry Way is one of Ireland's longest signposted walking trails and also one of the most popular. Looping around the Iveragh Peninsula, the Kerry Way goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.

Rock climbing

The best rock climbing in the area is undoubtedly the Gap of Dunloe which carries a long established tradition. Sea cliffs on the Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas also provide spectacular outings.

Fishing

Every year fishermen from around the world have been visiting Glencar for the wild Irish Salmon and trout in our rivers.

The Upper Caragh River flows through Glencar and is a famous salmon fishery which produces an average of 300 salmon a year. It is considered one of the best salmon rivers in Ireland, getting a run of around 300 salmon a year. The riverside paths and footbridges are perfectly kept with very accessible banks. There are tackle shops in Killarney where rods, reels and flies can be hired. The main fishing lcoations include Caragh Lake, the Caragh River, Lough Accosse. Boats can be hired for fishing on Caragh Lake.

Golfing

The Kerry area is now recognised as one of the world’s leading golfing destinations. Boasting numerous top class courses, the sheer quality of the golf is unparalleled. We are less then 30 minutes drive to some excellent courses.

Cycling

With some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery on our door step what better way to explore the area than by bike. Cycle and explore the back roads and trails of Caragh Lake, Lough Accose and Blackstone’s bridge and Lickeen woods to name a few, this cycle will provide you with the quietest and most remote roads in Kerry with breath taking views at every turn

Why not try the Caragh lake loop cycle where you can start and end in the Climbers Inn.

We cycle past Lough Acoose and the remote Glencar area, into Killorglin. From there we take the Ring of Kerry road as far as the Red Fox bar where we take a left turn cycling past the scenic Caragh Lake and onto Blackstones bridge and back to The Climbers Inn. This cycle will provide you with the quietest and most remote roads within Kerry showing up wonderful and breathtaking views at every turn.

Equestrian

Located just 21kms from the Climbers Inn is Burke’s trekking Centre.

Burke’s Trekking Centre is a friendly, family run, professional trekking centre which caters for riders of all levels of ability. Its prime location at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the Glenbeigh horseshoe circuit of hills, ensures that whether you are looking for a gallop along the sands of Rossbeigh, a trek in the mountains overlooking the village or a gentle stroll along the country roads, you will find what you are looking for.

With rides to suit everyone from children over the age of 8 (and nervous parents!) to the more experienced.The centre is situated within a stone’s throw of Rossbeigh Beach which is six miles long. Riding along on Rossbeigh Beach close to the water’s edge is an experience riders of all levels will never forget.

Burke’s Riding stables are situated in the seaside village of Glenbeigh 20 minutes drive away. They provide horse treks through the beautiful countryside or beech treks on the beautiful Rossbeigh beach. We can arrange this for our guests.

Outdoor pursuits

Not far from us is the Cappanlea Outdoor Education Centre, the perfect place for a family day out together. Activities included are kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountaineering, orienteering, hill walking, raft building, sailing, windsurfing, team building, field studies and camping.

Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe located just 21.6km from the Climbers Inn.

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east). Starting from Kate Kearneys Cottage it is a lovely trip to cycle, walk or take a pony & trap for the 11km from north to south and continue in to the Black Valley. There are five lakes located along the route Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the ‘Wishing Bridge’ so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true. There is a very popular full day trip, which you can do which contains a boat ride through the Lakes of Killarney from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle.

Killarney Town

Killarney town is a 40 minute drive from the Climbers Inn passing McGillycuddys reeks mountain range. . Killarney’s national park holds beautiful scenic walks and cycles, and the perfect place for a picnic. Ross Castle includes tours of the 15th century castle tower and garden grounds. In addition to this, Muckross House and Farm also possess guided tours of the magnificent gardens, the old farm houses and the 19th century lakeside mansion. Independent walks are allowed on the garden grounds of Muckross House, Killarney National Park and around the town of Killarney should you prefer.

Rossbeigh Beech

Beech: Rossbeigh beach is only a 20 minute drive from us, past Glenbeigh village.. Accompanying this is a playground at the beach which can provide hours of fun for the children. Accredited with the Blue Flag status the beach is an excellent amenity for:

  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Canoeing
  • Surfing
  • Building Sandcastles
  • Beach Fishing
  • Bird Watching
  • Wide range of Watersports

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry offers a picturesque 180km loop drive around the Iveragh Penninsula designed to be driven in an anti-clockwise direction. It can be travelled in three and a half  hours, but with stops, is best enjoyed as a full day trip. The drive takes you through such towns as, Killorglin, Kenmare, Cahirsiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel and Killarney and through the majestic Moll’s Gap.

Ballaghoisin pass onto Waterville

Departing from the Climbers Inn to Waterville over Ballaghisheen is a wonderful drive through one of the remotest places in Ireland.The landscape is a grassy plain bounded on all sides by mountains and truly on a bright, sunny day it has few equals anywhere in Ireland. The road is quite narrow but with a good surface and there are several places along the pass where it’s possible to pull off the road. The landscape is simply stunning and often visitors say it reminds them of the film Lord of the Rings. If you’ve a hankering for somewhere spectacularly different from the usual tourist routes, then I can’t recommend the Ballaghbeama Gap enough. Equally, should you crave a place of unspoilt beauty where you’re not likely to see another car, then this is for you.

One American writer says of the area: “Most Magnificent - The trip was to Waterville in Kerry, the last part of which, from Killarney on, takes you over the mountains through Glencar, which I here and now declare to be the most magnificent scenery on the face of God’s earth."  From the Irish Echo New York, 4 March 1989.