The two of us packed after work on the Friday and drove to Wicklow late. We waited for exactly midnight to snap a photo, start the watches and head up Lugnaquillia. Tough conditions with wind and rain but no issues.
After two hours of driving and with new socks we were headed up the Black Road to Galty Mór. It was dark and cloudy but cleared by the col for an amazing sunrise. With some running we touched the cross after 57mins 30s and we’re back at the car not long after. It was a long drive to Kerry where we picked up fresh lunch in Lidl.
For this section we parked in Lisleibane. Tough climb up Cruach Mhór and a slow start across the first scrambling sections. On top it was windy but mostly clear as we ticked off the next few. When we reached the top of the devils ladder there were 50+ people there. We ran past, our to Caher and Caher West where the wind was strongest, then returning up Carrauntuohill. Clouds had rolled in now, so we moved quickly, leaving the crowds the clamber up The Bones and onto Beenkeragh. I’ve done this route before and there’s no nice way down so we sidestepped our way to the main trail as directly as we could and we’re at the car not long after.
This final drive was a tough one, made possible by double espressos from a coffee stand. We had been eating all day but stuffed down all the pasta and bars we had for some energy and set off to a windy Mount Brandon. It was getting dark now and was a gloomy, windy climb. More a slog than anything and we were delighted to make it back to the car.
Our goal had been sub-24hrs and we had an hour to spare. A tough day, especially the drives, but two very happy lads once we arrived home.