Foel y Geifr is a subsidiary summit of Esgeiriau Gwynion, and included in a group of hills known as the Hirnantau.
Since Foel y Geifr forms part of the Hirnant horseshoe, many consider it to be a Berwyn peak.
However, geographically it belongs to the Aran Fawddwy group, its parent peak being Esgeiriau Gwynion.
The summit is the highest in a ridge that forms the western backwall of Cwm Hirnant.
Two other summit lie along the ridge: Trum y Gwragedd and the Hewitt Foel Goch (Hirnant).