The Paps West

The Paps West

The Paps West Group Walks | Join a Walk

690m Elevation
106m Prominence
I Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Hump Sim Hewitt Dillon Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore The Paps West together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

690m

2,264 ft

Prominence

106m

Coordinates

52.0153, -9.2751

W125855

OS Map

79

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a distinct cairn, providing a perfect spot for a selfie to prove you made it to the top.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky underfoot with sections of grassland and occasional boggy areas so watch your step unless you fancy a mud bath.

Mainly composed of schists, The Paps West features a backdrop of dramatic landscapes shaped by glacial activity, offering both geological wonders and enticing photo opportunities.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll have sweeping views over the surrounding hills, scenic valleys, and even the distant coastline. On a clear day, Mount Brandon and the Dingle Peninsula are also visible.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The Paps derive their name from the Irish word 'Na Pápa' meaning 'the breasts', referencing their rounded shape.

Historical Significance

Historically, the area has ties to ancient Celtic legends and is believed to have been a significant site for early Irish settlers.

Popular Routes

The Paps Loop Trail

Moderate

A circular route starting at the car park that takes you around both The Paps, providing a stunning combination of sights and a moderate workout.

9.5 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park near the start of the trail, easily accessible from the N86 road.

Public Transport

Limited bus services from Killarney to Glenbeigh, followed by a short taxi ride to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Glenbeigh has a few local pubs where you can grab a bite and a pint after your adventure. Toilets are available in the village; do your best to use them before hitting the trail!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes, particularly on exposed ridges. The rocky terrain can be treacherous when wet.

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

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring The Paps West and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Paps West?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around The Paps West through the maps

Are there other walkers around The Paps West?

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 The Paps West search or of course create your own walk for The Paps West

Can I organise a walk to The Paps West?

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 The Paps West.

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 The Paps West?

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 The Paps West 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