Baile na hAbha to Cloghane

Start Point: Baile na hAbha Car Park@ O.S. Map 70 Q 432 123

We join the Dingle Way from the car park at 90 meters above sea level. The sea is a constant on our left hand side as we follow the marked trail. We leave Brandon Creek behind us and the remains of the promontory fort of “An Dún Rua”. The fort once stood 12-15 feet high and the same in depth stretching across the headland between the two creeks. As we continue uphill Mt. Brandon looms high above us to the right and Más an Tiompáin to our left. Passing through a gate at 470 meters a track breaks off to the left and leads to the start of the descent to Fothair na Manach, a challenge for another day!

From the gate we have 180 meters to climb before reaching the coll at 650 meters. On the final approach look out for the rock formation that resembles a hooded monk on the left of the path! For some the coll might be the target for the day and time can be taken to examine the Ogham Stone that stands on the eastern side of the coll. The inscription has been translated as “Ronan, the priest son of Comgall”. Both sides of the stone are inscribed with crosses.

We will begin our descent here from where the trail crosses the saddle between Más an Tiompán and Piaras Mór. The addition of works on this section make the descent safer, cleaner and easier but care is still advised especially if the day is wet.

The final section sees the Dingle Way heading south before finally entering Cloghane Village for some enjoyable refreshment!

**Shuttle bus option available for return to Dingle and Baile na hAbha**