Description of the attraction
Brandon is a mountain on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The mountain got its name in honor of Saint Brendan Clonfertsky - one of the twelve Apostles of Ireland, who became famous mainly for his legendary journey to the "Island of the Blessed".
Mount Brandon is 952 m (3123 ft) high and is the highest peak in the Dingle Peninsula mountain range and the ninth highest peak on the island of Ireland. The eastern slope of the mountain has a number of so-called "glacial circuses" formed during the Ice Age, while the western slope has a rather solid structure and is almost completely covered with grass. The top of the mountain is rounded and smooth, as it was once a nunatak, and in combination with the conical peak of Barr an Ghéaráin, it creates a very impressive contrast. There are several hiking trails to the top of the mountain.
Historians believe that the Mount Brandan pilgrimage dates back to the pre-Christian period and is closely associated with Lugnasad, an ancient Celtic festival that opened the beginning of the harvest season. Since Mount Brandon has been associated with the name of Saint Brendan for many centuries, it is especially popular among Irish Catholics today. The Mount Brandan pilgrimage route is often referred to as the "Holy Road" and begins at the southern tip of the Dingle Peninsula at Cill Mhic an Domhnaigh (Kilvickadowning), and ends at the top of the mountain, which is also called "Brendan's Oratory." This path is marked with small white crosses, and the peak itself is crowned with a large metal cross. At the top of the mountain, you will also see the remains of an old stone structure, which, according to legend, existed here during the lifetime of Saint Brendan himself.
At the northern foot of the mountain, on the shores of Brendan Bay, there is a small village of the same name. Every year, on the last Sunday of July, there is a "harvest festival". Brendan's Bay is considered one of the best windsurfing spots in Ireland.
