Ireland's Purple Mountain

Ireland's Purple Mountain

Purple Mountain is a high mountain located in County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, consisting of three main peaks: Purple Peak at 832 meters, Tomies Peak at 735 meters, and Shehy Peak at 571 meters. Among them, Purple Peak is the 27th highest mountain in Ireland. Since Purple Peak is the highest peak of the mountain, the mountain is named Purple Mountain.

The western side of Purple Mountain features the magnificent Gap of Dunloe, while its eastern and southern sides are surrounded by the picturesque Lakes of Killarney. The northern side opens to the broad and flat valley of the River Laune. The eastern half of the mountain is part of Killarney National Park, with slopes covered in oak forests, some of which have stood since before human activity reached the area—truly ancient trees.

Before the 19th century, it was known as Tomies Mountain, but from the 19th century onward, the name Purple Mountain became widely recognized. Samuel Lewis’s “Topographical Dictionary of Ireland” described Purple Mountain as follows: “The name is said to be derived from the color of the slatey fragments on its surface.”

Purple Mountain

Must-visit reason: One of the highest mountains in Ireland

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Ireland[Ireland]

Province/state where the attraction is located: County Kerry [County Kerry]