Conor Pass, Cloghane and Brandon Point
Are you ready for an adventure?
Of course you are!
You already know from Social Media that I LOVE the views from the Conor Pass, don’t you? And if you’ve already been there, you know what I am talking about.
Let’s go!
When leaving Dingle, pass Garvey’s SuperValu (on the left) and take the second exit at the next roundabout and head straight for the Conor Pass (An Chonair). Enjoy the views on Dingle and continue following the road to the Conor Pass.
The Conor Pass is Ireland’s highest route and the road now rises quickly, winding its way to the summit. There’s a parking space at the top which is the perfect place to start your hike or to just enjoy the view on Mount Brandon, Cloghane and Fermoyle Beach. We both love the views from up there and can’t get enough of them.
The panorama view has it all - mountains, the sea, beaches, glacial lakes, valleys. Looking south, you can see Dingle Bay stretched out in front of you. Looking north, you can see Mountain Brandon, Brandon, Cloghane, Fermoyle Beach and the whole beauty of the Maharees Peninsula.
It can get quite windy up there - you might remember my instagram stories from November 2019 (‘twas windy for sure, haha!). The beautiful scenery was really worth it though. And to be honest, give me rain and wind and I’m excited.
In summer you can often find an ice-cream van up there in the car park, selling ice-cream, tea and local paintings. I love spending lunch breaks up there, enjoying the view and taking photos. It’s a great start for a short hike up the mountains to the left and right of the road - the views from up there are even more impressive and … there are sheep! YAY!
While the road to the summit is very easy to drive, the road winding down on the other side is very narrow in places. Be aware of that, especially in poor weather. You can always use the N86 to Camp instead if you’re heading to the Maharees.
If you do continue following the road on the north side, stop at the next, smaller car park beside a waterfall and make a ten minute climb to the hidden Pedlar’s Lake.
Follow the road and turn left onto the road to Cloghane. As mentioned before, Cloghane (An Chlochán) is packed with memories for me. I has a secluded and rough scenery, especially for drone shots.
Both Cloghane and Brandon are amazing if you fancy quiet and secluded stays. Cloghane’s few buildings (and a beautiful church) shelter in the lee of Mount Brandon, looking out to the bay.
Stop at O’Connors in Cloghane for some local food and pub life - ask why there’s an aeroplane engine out the front! Or enjoy the spectacular views at Murphy’s Bar Brandon, a great pub on the pier in Brandon, right between the mountains and the sea.
Follow the road through Cloghane and Brandon until you reach the small car park at Brandon Point. If you can, enjoy the fantastic views (and sheep!).
Brandon Point lays at the foot of Mount Brandon. Mount Brandon is beautiful and impressive and it gives me that special feeling when looking at it that I can’t put into words.
There are many legends surrounding it, the best known being St Brandon and its voyage to the Americas. According to this legend, St Brendan climbed to the top of Mount Brandon to view the Americas before starting his journey.
The car park at Brandon Point is the perfect start for a great hike. Sheep wander around and it’s a popular spot for watching birds and sea life. And most of all: the views from up there are spectacular. Enjoy!
Etta
Looking for dog-friendly airbnbs on the Dingle Peninsula? I got you covered: here are my favourite dog-friendly airbnbs and hotels in Ireland (and there are real gems on the Dingle Peninsula!).