Beenoskee
Good walks are even better shared.
Q5808 : On the summit of Beenoskee looking west.
Colin Park Photo source
Overview
Beenoskee: A Hidden Gem in County Kerry
Nestled in the breathtaking Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, Beenoskee stands proud at 665 meters. This notable Hewitt offers hikers a combination of moderate trails and stunning vistas that make it well worth the trip.
Getting There
Accessing Beenoskee can be done through various routes, but the most popular tends to be through the Gap of Dunloe. This route not only provides a visual feast but also prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Geological Wonders
The geology of Beenoskee is captivating; the sandstone formations tell tales of ancient seabeds and glacial carving that will amuse any geology enthusiast. Keep your eyes peeled for unique rock formations while you're sweating it out on the ascent.
Routes and Hiking Information
Beenoskee from the Gap of Dunloe
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Time: Approx. 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This route meanders through lush valleys before heading upwards towards the summit, rewarding hikers with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.
Beenoskee via the Devil’s Ladder
- Distance: 7.0 km
- Time: About 5.5 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
For those seeking more of a leg workout, the Devil's Ladder is an exhilarating route that takes you straight up to the summit, offering quite a bit of thrill along with the views.
At the Summit
Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to appreciate not just the expansive views but also the delightful stone cairn that greets you atop this picturesque peak. Perfect for a quick snack break or a group photo!
What Lies Beyond
From Beenoskee, the panoramic sights of Carrauntoohil and the Black Valley stretch out before you, making this summit a great choice for panoramic enthusiasts. The best time for views?Aim for late spring or summer when the skies are clear.
Before You Go
As tempting as the landscape looks, do be wary of loose rocks and the unpredictable Kerry weather. A sturdy pair of shoes and a good check of the forecast can spare you from a soggy bottom!
Closing Thoughts
In summation, Beenoskee is a delightful destination for hikers wanting to explore County Kerry beyond the usual tourist trail. With its rich geology, breathtaking views, and well-trodden paths, it's sure to be a highlight of your Irish adventure!
Explore routes near Beenoskee
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Beenoskee from the Gap of Dunloe
A popular ascent starting from the scenic Gap of Dunloe, taking hikers through lush valleys and up towards the summit with stunning views along the way.
Beenoskee via the Devil's Ladder
A more challenging route that follows the renowned Devil's Ladder, providing direct access to the higher reaches of the mountain, leading to breathtaking panoramas.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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Q5808 : On the summit of Beenoskee looking west.
Colin Park
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Q5808 : Beenoskee from Stradbally Mountain
Colin Park
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
824m
2,703 ft
Prominence
490m
Coordinates
52.2139, -10.0774
Q580088
OS Map
70
At the Summit
The summit features a stone cairn and stunning rock formations, providing a delightful resting spot for tired legs and the perfect backdrop for those all-important summit selfies.
Terrain & Geology
Beenoskee is predominantly composed of sandstone, a result of sedimentary processes that took place millions of years ago. The mountain showcases fascinating geological formations, including steep cliffs and exposed rock faces shaped by glacial activity.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including Carrauntoohil and the Black Valley, as well as picturesque glimpses of the lakes below.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name Beenoskee is thought to derive from the Irish 'Binnín Scéithe', meaning 'the little peak of the shield', reflecting its striking shape in the landscape.
Historical Significance
Beenoskee holds a special place in the hearts of local hikers and is often included as part of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks challenge, known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available at the Gap of Dunloe with clear signage for public access. Be sure to arrive early during peak seasons as spots can fill up quickly.
Public Transport
Buses from Killarney to the Gap of Dunloe are available frequently, especially during tourist season. Check local schedules for times.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but Killarney has many cafes, restaurants, and shops for pre- and post-hike refreshments. Public toilets can be found at the Gap of Dunloe.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Loose rocks on steeper sections, changeable weather, and potential boggy areas. Always check conditions before setting out.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Beenoskee?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Beenoskee through the maps
Are there other walkers around Beenoskee?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Beenoskee search or of course create your own walk for Beenoskee
Can I organise a walk to Beenoskee?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Beenoskee.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Beenoskee?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Beenoskee here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: Q580088
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