The Dingle Way section from Feohanagh to Cloghane begins on the west side of Mount Brandon. The rocky coast has fishing spots; further afield, there are trails, Irish-language culture and seasonal music. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the long mountain hike separately from activities in the wider area.
Hiking Mount Brandon
The Dingle Way stage from Feohanagh to Cloghane is 21 km long, involves 650 metres of elevation gain and takes about seven hours. It is considered a challenging hike, so it can be the main focus of a day’s walking. Check the weather and trail conditions before setting out; weather and ground conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
The Dingle Way leaves Feohanagh heading northeast along an old green road. The section climbs to the shoulder of Mount Brandon and crosses the saddle between Mas an Tiompáin and Piaras Mór. Check the trail surface and route locally. One section of the Dingle Way runs from Feohanagh to Mas an Tiompáin.
Mount Brandon rises above the communities of Feohanagh and Cuas. An old Ogham stone also stands on the saddle between Mas an Tiompáin and Piaras Mór, along the Dingle Way section starting from Feohanagh. Those who choose this route will encounter both named landscape features and a historic stone.
Coast and trails in the wider area
Near Feohanagh, there are fishing spots on the rocky coast for conger eel, wrasse and dogfish. Before fishing, check access, conservation rules and safety conditions. This is a different way to experience the coast from the challenging hike on Mount Brandon.
The wider area around Ballydavid, Feohanagh and Murreagh is suitable for cycling, with quiet roads and relatively flat terrain. Traffic and road conditions can vary seasonally. The same wider area around Ballydavid, Feohanagh and Murreagh also has walks to Coumaloghig and up to Arraglen. Check local trail conditions and access before setting out. The area’s relatively flat cycling terrain contrasts with the 650 metres of elevation gain on the Dingle Way stage—a useful distinction when planning your day.
Gaeltacht culture and seasonal music
Feohanagh is in the heart of the West Kerry Gaeltacht; the named area also includes Ballydavid and Murreagh. During the summer months, the area around Ballydavid, Feohanagh and Murreagh is visited by school groups from across Ireland: in the area around Feohanagh, they learn Irish and experience Gaeltacht culture.
Traditionally, during the summer months, music sessions take place every evening in most pubs in the area around Ballydavid, Feohanagh and Murreagh. The programme is seasonal; ask locally about your travel dates. Brandon Creek is nearby and is associated with the legend that Saint Brendan began his journey to America there. The place adds a local tradition to the walking and cultural experiences.
Getting there and choosing where to stay
The R559 runs from Dingle to Murreagh, Ballydavid and Feohanagh. Road conditions and traffic can vary seasonally. On the Slea Head Drive, the route crosses a bridge at Feohanagh and then continues towards Brandon Creek.
When looking for accommodation, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: will the challenging Dingle Way stage define your hiking day, or would you like to plan several activities in the wider area? This can help you match your stay to your plans for each day, without treating the mountain hike, cycling and regional trails as alternatives of equal length or difficulty.
Discover more destinations: Fenit, Dingle, Killarney, Castlegregory, Ballyheige, Listowel, Beaufort, Kilgarvan
For the regional travel overview: County Kerry.
