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Piaras Kelly of Kerry Climbing, on Cnoc na Peiste, MacGillycuddy's Reeks, organiser, Killarney’s Ultimate High Peaks Challenge, which takes place on July 9. PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN
 

 
HAVE you got what it takes to take part in Killarney’s Ultimate High Peaks Challenge? This spectacular one-day event, in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, will test participants’ endurance, stamina and self-sufficiency in some of Ireland’s toughest mountain terrain. This year’s challenge takes place on Saturday, July 9.
Kerry is the adventure capital of Ireland and Killarney’s Ultimate High Peaks Challenge is certainly the pinnacle of all mountain adventures with the most dramatic mountain scenery in Ireland.
It promises to be an exhilarating and truly unique event in which participants will self-navigate along a pre-planned marshalled route across the highest mountain range in the country – the magnificent MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
Adventure enthusiasts will trek over 25km of stunning, wild, rugged mountain terrain ticking off many of Ireland’s highest summits with a total height gain of over 2500 meters.
The event is organised by Piaras and Catherine Kelly of KerryClimbing.ie, both active mountaineers and outdoors enthusiasts with a vast knowledge of the Kerry mountains. “This is not a race…but a challenge event, where participants will test their personal navigational skills, fitness, determination and stamina,” said Catherine.
Piaras added: “The Killarney Ultimate High Peaks Challenge is organised and run by Mountain enthusiasts for Mountain enthusiasts.”
KerryClimbing is one of the leading guiding and mountain adventure activity providers in the South West with extensive experience and knowledge of running safety and rescue back up for a variety of mountain events.
The grand finale to this exhausting but memorable mountain challenge will culminate with a vibrant and well-deserved after-party and barbecue in Cronin’s Yard. The medals will also be presented to mark your participation in the event.
“Here you can finally kick back and enjoy a delicious array of freshly prepared salads, delectable cooked meats and home baked breads all served by our event caterers and chefs and washed down perhaps with a few nice cold beers from the ‘High Peaks’ bar. Enjoy a drink on us as we toast to one truly amazing day!” said Catherine.
“If you’ve any ounce of energy left you might be tempted to take to the floor and dance a jig or two but after such a long tiring day on your feet no one can blame you if you’d much prefer to just chill and relax and soak in the eclectic atmosphere and sounds of traditional Irish music with the stars twinkling above and surrounded by the silhouetted majestic peaks you now know so well.
Registration is now open and places are limited; see www.killarneypeakschallenge.com