Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley
There is something extra special about West Kerry…. something in the air that once you drive past Inch beach West bound… it instantly feels as though you’ve arrived on holidays! Here at OntheQT we LOVE to spend time down in Dingle and beyond! On a recent weekend trip we climbed Mount Brandon… and I couldn’t recommend it more!
A 3124 ft mountain on the Dingle peninsula, (the highest Irish peak outside the Macgillycuddyreeks), this hike aint for the heart-fainted, but well worth the view at the top if you’re willing to give it a shot! (You can do it!)
We arrived to Ballybrack car park, wrapped up in fleeces and hats, laced up our hiking boots, and off we set on our adventure! The hike began with a line a white posts which guided us to reach the first of the 14 stations of the cross which lead the way to the summit. Not only do these make for a great pitstop point, they have a fascinating history as pilgrimage to Mnt. Brandon dates from when the pagan deity Crom Dubh was reputedly evicted from his stronghold by St Brendan! To this day a strong tradition of prayer continues at each station.
Enjoying the fresh air, embracing the speactular scenery and stopping for a few biscuits along the way… we were delighted when we made it to the top just in time for lunch! Although it was a little foggy when we made it there, on a good day Mnt. Brandon offers views stretching from Carrauntoohil West to the picture perfect Blasket islands and then North to the surreal outline of the Aran Islands. No wonder it is arguably one of the finest views to be found anywhere in Ireland!
Refreshed after our lunch stop, and proud of our achievement, we chatted all the way down the mountainside… and we were back at the car before we knew it! Such a fun and healthy adventure!
Have a super day out, enjoy the views and don’t forget to send us in some photos here at OntheQT… we LOVE to hear from you all! x
- Map: OSi, Map of Mount Brandon, 1:25,000. Suitability: There-and-back outing to Brandon’s summit that is well marked and should present few problems.
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours.
- Starting Point: Although there are multiple starting points – OntheQT started at Ballybrack. West of Dingle, follow the harbour road through the first roundabout and continue following the R459. Eventually, a minor road (right) is signposted Mt Brandon and leads to Ballybrack car park!
