Cloghane / An Clochán - Brandon / Cé Bhréanainn:
Situated on the northern side of the Dingle Penninsula, tucked in at the base of Mount Brandon and washed by the sparkling surf on Brandon Bay, the Cloghane-Brandon region is surely one of the great beauty spots of the world. All around are links with an eventful past; beehive huts, Bronze Age fields systems, ring forts, cross slabs and those enigmatic designs picked out on boulders and megaliths often refferred to as rock art.
Walking:
A fine selection of Waymarked Trails through the Cloghane-Brandon hills has made the area a favourite destination for hillwalkers. Walks range from short shoreline strolls to the high level Brandon Ridge Walk. There is a Cloghane- Brandon Walking guide, Siúlóidí an Leithriúigh, contains an interesting and informative blend of route descriptions and local information.
Fishing:
In Cloghane-Brandon, there is a choice between shore angling at Cappagh and Fermoyle strands or casting for trout and salmon in the magnificent Owenmore River Valley.
Flora:
In the Cloghane-Brandon area, in close proximenty of mountains, sea and moorland makes for an interesting mix of wild flowers, such as the Sea Pink(Thrift) Rubhán , The Greater Butterwort/ Leith uisce, Orange-red Montbretia, Fuchia, Foxgloves/Lusmór/méaracáin sí and many more.
History:
Loch a'Dúin is one of the most significant ancient sites in the country, containing a most remarkable series of monuments from the Bronze Age. In this valley of 1,500 acres, there are 90 stone structures dating from 2500 BC up to modern times. Guided and self-guided walks can be taken through this area. Call in to the Information Centre in Cloghane for maps and more information.
Local Festivals:
Corca Dhuibhne The Cloghane / Brandon area lies within the Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne and has a rich heritage of music, language, and dance. Everywhere there are traces of a way of life almost forgotten elsewhere. Neighbours helping each other cut and harvest turf, stories shared by the fireside, songs composed about local characters, local rivalry over rams. Music sessions are commonplace in the local pubs, and set dancing is enjoying a revival, as is the Irish language amongst younger people. The Crom Dubh Festival was recently revived and has proven to be very successful. The Brandon Regatta is still going strong in August, as is the tradition of the Wren on 26 December.
Lughnasa Festival:
On the last weekend in July, the festival of Lughnasa is held, with a wide variety of entertainment available. The highlight of this weekend is the ascent of Mt Brandon, with music and poetry reading and a picnic at its peak with the world at your feet ; never to be forgotten. On the Sunday, the Cloghane Pattern is celebrated with the festivities moving to Brandon on the Monday night. Sheep shearing, dog trials, traditional meat pies, face painting, street entertainers, open air dancing, and music and poetry readings are just some of what is on offer. Of course, pints of Guinness and traditional sessions can be found in all the local pubs over the weekend, and indeed, throughout the year.
The Brandon Regatta:
is held on one of the last Sundays in August every year. This is a series of curragh (boat) races with many different categories. Contesting boat teams travel right up the west coast, and winners and losers alike celebrate with music and song afterwards
Activities:
Pony trekking, scuba diving, windsurfing, canoeing and waterskiing are available in Castlegregory village and on the Maharees peninsula, about a five-minute drive away. The nearest golf course is a fine links course in Stradbally, about an eight-minute drive. Ballybunion, Killarney, Tralee, and many other famous courses are within an hour's drive
Beatha Award:
In 1997, Cloghane-Brandon was one of the recipients of the first ever Beatha Environmental Quality Mark. The network of walks, a waste management plan including recycling and home composting and the raising of local enviornmental awareness are all ingredients in the project which aims to make the region a more attractive enviornment and resource for the local community as well as visitors
Shops:
There are a couple of local shops for general groceries, and there is a Post Office in both villages. There are also some local arts/craft galleries that are well worth visiting.
