Cruach Mhór facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cruach Mhór |
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Cruach Mhór (left), and The Big Gun (right), as seen from the summit of Cnoc na Péiste
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 932 m (3,058 ft) |
| Prominence | 34 m (112 ft) |
| Listing | Furth, Hewitt, Arderin, Simm, Vandeleur-Lynam |
| Geography | |
 Cruach Mhór
Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | County Kerry, Republic of Ireland |
| Parent range | MacGillycuddy's Reeks |
| OSI/OSNI grid | V840848 |
| Topo map | OSI Discovery 78 |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Well-bedded grey sandstone Bedrock |
Cruach Mhór is a mountain in County Kerry, Ireland. Its name means "big stack" in the Irish language. It stands at 932 metres (3,058 feet) tall. This makes it one of the highest peaks in Ireland. A special stone structure called a grotto sits on its top.
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Where is Cruach Mhór?
Cruach Mhór is in the eastern part of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. This is Ireland's highest mountain range. It is the first big peak you meet on the MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Walk. This famous walking route starts near the Gap of Dunloe.
What is the Ridge Walk?
The Ridge Walk is a challenging path across the mountain tops. The path between Cruach Mhór and Cnoc na Péiste (988 metres) is tough. In the middle of this path is another peak called The Big Gun (939 metres). This part of the walk is known for being very exposed. It offers some of the most serious hill walking in Ireland. The Ridge Walk continues from here to Maolán Buí (973 metres). It then goes all the way to Carrauntoohil, which is Ireland's highest mountain.
Nearby Peaks
About 3 kilometres to the east of Cruach Mhór is a smaller peak. It is called Cnoc an Bhráca (731 metres). There is also a lower peak to the east. This one is known as Cruach Bheag, meaning "little stack."
The Grotto on Top
At the very top of Cruach Mhór, you will find a stone grotto. A local farmer built this special structure. He carried all the cement up the mountain on his back! Inside the grotto, there is a small statue. This statue is changed every year. The square shape of the grotto makes it easy to spot from far away.
Mountain Classifications
Cruach Mhór is considered an important mountain for several reasons. The Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) lists it as a "Furth." A Furth is a mountain that is over 3,000 feet (914 metres) tall. It also meets other rules for a "Munro," but it is outside of Scotland. This is why Cruach Mhór is sometimes called one of the 13 "Irish Munros."
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Cruach Mhór is also part of other mountain lists. These include the Arderin, Simm, and Hewitt classifications. These lists help climbers and hikers understand the height and importance of different mountains.
