Mount Brandon
Mount Brandon
5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
82 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Deirdre J
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
This was a very difficult climb. Myself and my father climbed it. Both of us are experienced hikers and very fit. We climbed on a very wet day which I wouldn’t recommend. There is a lot of patches where the path disappeared and we had to keep trying to find it. When you’re close to the top there is a very steep ascent, you will have to scramble up over sharp rocks and boulders. This was very difficult when coming back. Overall it is a challenging hike but I’m sure one a dry day the views are second to none. We unfortunately had none of that. It took us 4.5 hours.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana M
Greenville, SC12 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
The trailhead to Mt. Brandon is about a 15 minute drive from Dingle. I drove from Dingle on 459 towards Feohanagh. I took a right at the road with the small Mt Brandon sign. This narrow road leads to the trailhead. There is a parking lot at the end of the road.
I set my watch and started on the trail.
The trail is well marked with white poles and additionally there are 16 crosses at intermediate locations. I found the first cross (cross 0) after hiking about 15 minutes into the hike. The white pole trail markers are evenly spaced but the crosses are not. The crosses are about 10-15 minutes spaced at the bottom of the trail and become about 5 minutes spaced near the top.
The wind was brisk and the temperature was cool. The wind picked up to about 30 mph as I progressed up and the air temperature dropped. After reaching cross 8, the trail leads to the back side of the mountain and the wind speed dropped to a lite breeze. This is about the time I walked into the clouds. Route finding became more difficult but I could see at least two of the white pole trail markers in front of me at all times so I continued. BE Carefull with route finding when the visibility is poor.
I continued on past cross numbered 14 to reach the summit. The summit has the largest cross. Additionally, there is a wind break at the summit to rest. I reached the summit in 1 hour and 58 minutes.
This is a great hike with wonderful views. My kids enjoyed seeing the sheep along the trail.
I set my watch and started on the trail.
The trail is well marked with white poles and additionally there are 16 crosses at intermediate locations. I found the first cross (cross 0) after hiking about 15 minutes into the hike. The white pole trail markers are evenly spaced but the crosses are not. The crosses are about 10-15 minutes spaced at the bottom of the trail and become about 5 minutes spaced near the top.
The wind was brisk and the temperature was cool. The wind picked up to about 30 mph as I progressed up and the air temperature dropped. After reaching cross 8, the trail leads to the back side of the mountain and the wind speed dropped to a lite breeze. This is about the time I walked into the clouds. Route finding became more difficult but I could see at least two of the white pole trail markers in front of me at all times so I continued. BE Carefull with route finding when the visibility is poor.
I continued on past cross numbered 14 to reach the summit. The summit has the largest cross. Additionally, there is a wind break at the summit to rest. I reached the summit in 1 hour and 58 minutes.
This is a great hike with wonderful views. My kids enjoyed seeing the sheep along the trail.
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael075
Dublin, Ireland124 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Climbed Brandon from the Baile Breac side in April. First thing I'd say is how brilliantly marked the trail is. secondly, I was a little concerned at how the ground conditions might be. they were excellent, No soft boggy ground at all. Mainly rock or grass. Its a very achievable climb and being able to see the next station of the cross each time gives you a nice achievable target. It was extremely windy about 2/3 of the way up and were were tempted to give up as one of us was actually blown on to the rocks by a gust. We pushed on and it was actually less windy at the top. Great experience. just do it!
Written April 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
helenm496
cork20 contributions
Aug 2017
What an Excellent Wednesday..... THE GOOD ...sun shining. August .Kerry supplies from Bacus Bakery Cloghane ..local goats cheese, local bread, local pastries, local lady with a lovely welcome & way about her.
DIRECTIONS Heading on after leaving the village turn left and then left again and drive to the end of the road passing fushia hedges full of flowers, to a small car park. Follow the sign from the car park ( left ) and go through a gate then turn to the right following the path upwards keeping the small wood to the left. Tall poles then become visible stretched out towards the ridge as you head towards the mountains in front of you.
Sights.. Eventually we saw several small lakes before and beneath us. When we looked back the views of Tralee Bay & the Sliabh Mish mountains were spectacular. We then turned right into the valley. The path eventually leads to the top,becoming very steep and some of the painted signs are hard to spot. There is a sign near the top pointing left & the path beyond this is very exposed & even on a nice day in August was bitterly cold and the wind was cutting. It was at least 10 degrees centigrade colder than the car park. The summit was covered in cloud but a huge cross marked the end of our journey.
We turned back, took shelter, and enjoyed our picnic before we started our descent. It was lovely to see the sun shining over the bay. The tide had turned but everything looked so beautiful.
Bring very good walking shoes, good socks, rain gear, a hoodie or similar, water, food, sunscreen and allow 5 to 6 hours. It is a wonderful day out. Six hours later we returned for more pastries but they were ALL gone.
DIRECTIONS Heading on after leaving the village turn left and then left again and drive to the end of the road passing fushia hedges full of flowers, to a small car park. Follow the sign from the car park ( left ) and go through a gate then turn to the right following the path upwards keeping the small wood to the left. Tall poles then become visible stretched out towards the ridge as you head towards the mountains in front of you.
Sights.. Eventually we saw several small lakes before and beneath us. When we looked back the views of Tralee Bay & the Sliabh Mish mountains were spectacular. We then turned right into the valley. The path eventually leads to the top,becoming very steep and some of the painted signs are hard to spot. There is a sign near the top pointing left & the path beyond this is very exposed & even on a nice day in August was bitterly cold and the wind was cutting. It was at least 10 degrees centigrade colder than the car park. The summit was covered in cloud but a huge cross marked the end of our journey.
We turned back, took shelter, and enjoyed our picnic before we started our descent. It was lovely to see the sun shining over the bay. The tide had turned but everything looked so beautiful.
Bring very good walking shoes, good socks, rain gear, a hoodie or similar, water, food, sunscreen and allow 5 to 6 hours. It is a wonderful day out. Six hours later we returned for more pastries but they were ALL gone.
Written August 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eoghan O
Cork, Ireland119 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
This has to be one of the nicest walk that one could undertake on a mountain. (Warning: weather changes quickly and can go from hot to cold to wet and back again very quickly. Therefore go prepared). It will take you up to 5 hours and is not for the unfit or unprepared. However carefully managed it can be done by reasonably fit and ready walkers.
On this occasion we approached from the northerly side near Cloghane. This involved a linear walk (so a car at either end) of about 8 kilometres with a climb up top the peak at around 952 metres. The most scenic route to the summit of Brandon, the Pilgrim's path, starts at the carpark near the Faha Grotto (OS Map Q493 119) near Cloghane. We then continued to the car park at An Baile Breac to the west (OS map Q434 094)
The beginning of the walk involves some walking uphill and can be tiring. It then levels out for quite a while but is spectacular. A climb, involving quite a bit of scrambling up about 150 metres, takes one up to a ridge for the final ascent to Brandon.
After a lunch (recommended for the view alone) it's all downhill to the carpark.
On this occasion we approached from the northerly side near Cloghane. This involved a linear walk (so a car at either end) of about 8 kilometres with a climb up top the peak at around 952 metres. The most scenic route to the summit of Brandon, the Pilgrim's path, starts at the carpark near the Faha Grotto (OS Map Q493 119) near Cloghane. We then continued to the car park at An Baile Breac to the west (OS map Q434 094)
The beginning of the walk involves some walking uphill and can be tiring. It then levels out for quite a while but is spectacular. A climb, involving quite a bit of scrambling up about 150 metres, takes one up to a ridge for the final ascent to Brandon.
After a lunch (recommended for the view alone) it's all downhill to the carpark.
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natallia S
Minsk, Belarus7 contributions
Jul 2014
We learnt about Brandon in "Munster's Mountains: 30 Walkings, Scrambling and Climbing Routes" by Denis Lynch. However, we did not use the route provided in the book but took the Pilgrim's path which starts at the car park under the Faha Grotto (see map at http://mountainviews.ie/summit/9/?PHPSESSID=2hjqvlnaqn2m3a7uca8k6kueh0).
It was my first time hiking and I got absolutely excited by a panoramic view of the sea, the lakes and the mountains. We stopped a lot to take pictures. The further we went following first the white posts and then yellow arrows, the rockier and cloudier it got. At the very top it was very windy and cold - it felt as if it would start snowing any moment. We could not see anything in the clouds, but I presume that in sunny weather the view is magnificent.
Going down was much more difficult for me (at the top it was steep, at the bottom my legs were too tired). Anyway, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I would definitely recommend it to anyone fit enough to cover a long 5-hour walk.
It was my first time hiking and I got absolutely excited by a panoramic view of the sea, the lakes and the mountains. We stopped a lot to take pictures. The further we went following first the white posts and then yellow arrows, the rockier and cloudier it got. At the very top it was very windy and cold - it felt as if it would start snowing any moment. We could not see anything in the clouds, but I presume that in sunny weather the view is magnificent.
Going down was much more difficult for me (at the top it was steep, at the bottom my legs were too tired). Anyway, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I would definitely recommend it to anyone fit enough to cover a long 5-hour walk.
Written July 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellengloucester
Gloucester, MA268 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Since we did both sides of Mt Brandon ten years ago, we did the Stations of the Cross side, (west?) Much easier. We started this hike at 3pm on Tuesday, but it was taking longer than expected, so we stopped at the 6th station of the cross and went again at 11am the next day. Prior reviews are correct, bring wind-break jacket and hat, the weather can change quickly. We are a 66 and 63 year old couple, not in great shape but we walk on the flat a lot. It took us three hours, with LOTS of stopping. Absolutely worth it. It helps to know, as previous reviewers have said, there are 14 stations, the first one is zero and doesn't count (!) and when you get to 14 you have a little further to go. Going down there is a tendency to go a bit too fast, but watch out, it's easy to take a tumble. Like any hike, tell someone where you are going and bring a little water and nibbles.
Written November 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sassaflash
Ottawa, Canada437 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
After some reading, my sister and I went up the Cloghane / Faha Ridge way because of the better views (which there were). It was a clear day so the Paternoster Lake views were absolutely incredible, with a bit of mountain top mist. A good mix of challenge and ease, the hike was great. Very eroded the last 100 m to the summit though, and if you have vertigo / fear of heights, it might be a slight challenge! But those lake views .... !
I would not attempt this if it was rainy or had rained heavily the day before - it is slippery the last 100 m or so, and when going down, VERY slippery on the grassy parts (I would recommend hiking poles, we regretted not having them after the 2nd slip and fall into mud and sheep poop!)
Bring lots of water, snacks, a rainjacket and a camera and you are set! (and have extra water and snacks in your car for the end!)
Takes approx 5-6 hrs at moderate pace, with some breaks, being in reasonably good shape.
I would not attempt this if it was rainy or had rained heavily the day before - it is slippery the last 100 m or so, and when going down, VERY slippery on the grassy parts (I would recommend hiking poles, we regretted not having them after the 2nd slip and fall into mud and sheep poop!)
Bring lots of water, snacks, a rainjacket and a camera and you are set! (and have extra water and snacks in your car for the end!)
Takes approx 5-6 hrs at moderate pace, with some breaks, being in reasonably good shape.
Written September 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susanwalsh
Glasgow, UK1,539 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
I have been looking at this mountain from across Tralee Bay all my life and have waited until I am 65 to climb it. On a glorious day in April my husband and I set off to through Dingle and approached the mountain by the West route which we were told was the easiest of the two routes. It is as well that we didn't try the other route from Cloghane as it gave me all I could do to get to the top. The stations of the cross markers deceived me initially as the first one doesn't count! When one reaches the fourteenth one there is still quite a steep ascent left to get to the final cross on the summit. I watched the young leaping ahead of me taking no time to do the ascent and envied them! However when I finally got to the top it was wonderful. The views out to the Blaskets, Slea head and of Tralee Bay are superb. I sent my younger sister a text to wish her a Happy 64th birthday and she was amazed that I had made it. The route is very straightforward and clearly marked. Remember a jacket as it gets windy about half way up even on as perfect a day as we had. Coming down was torture! Elderly knees!
Written June 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leilalily
Dublin, Ireland26 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
A last minute decision to walk Mount Brandon while the weather was sunny and clear and what a beautiful walk with amazing views of the coast the whole way. Had we known how long it would take or how steep it was we might have stopped at the shrine to have our first rest! It took 2 hours to get to the top and its hard to imagine what the view is like until you get there, a 360 view of the whole peninsula, quite breathtaking with lots of friendly faces along the way. The hardest part really was the start which is a slow long incline with plenty of stops to take in the view!! A wonderful way to spend a few hours if your hanging around waiting for some wind or waves to develop like us! Bring plenty of water, good footwear and a camera for the top!
Written August 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Mount Brandon do-able for children? We are visiting Kerry with my 7yr old and considering trying it. We are not really experienced hikers.
Written August 6, 2020
Hello. I heard that on Brandon there is a source. Can anyone tell me where to look for it?
Written June 22, 2019
I’m going to be driving from limerick just wondering what point to start the climb to mount Brandon from?
Written October 7, 2018
There are two routes up,the most scenic is from Faha outside the village of cloghane but best done in good weather.The other is from an baile breach which is on the road from dingle to slea head,you will turn right off this road signposted mount Brandon.Hope this helps
Written October 8, 2018
There seems to be a a differing opinion on the difficulty of the climb - I will have a 3 and 5 year old, will it be suitable for them?
Written June 28, 2016
The easiest route is from the west. It was no problem for an 8 year old in perfect weather. 8 year old is normal fit and doesn't do a lot of hiking. A 5 year old might be ok, but probably a bit tough/long for a 3 year old.
Written June 29, 2016
Is it advisable to hike the Mountain in January? Also, are there any camping sites there or nearby?
Written March 26, 2016
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