Climbers from all over the globe come to Howling Ridge for the epic views from this roped climb up Ireland’s highest mountain.

This climb is considered a rite of passage in Ireland’s climbing community and includes a multi-pitch scramble on severe grade terrain up an exposed, rocky outcrop. The route is a technical scramble up the northeast face of Carrauntoohil, a difficult enough route in summer and even more challenging as the seasons change and winter kicks in.

A pair of locals, Con Moriarty and John Cronin, are thought to be have been the first to ascend to Carrauntoohil via this route in 1987, and the climb takes its name from Moriarty’s dog Grimsel who waited for his master howling at the start of the climb until he returned.

This is wild climbing at its best where the conditions change quickly and the surface can be unpredictable. But it’s worth the effort. The summit is spectacular with panoramic views across the Kingdom.