Cloghane - Brandon - Castlegregory, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

Re-discover the natural world - Clochán-Breannainn (Cloghane-Brandon) by Marian O'Flaherty, editor of www.dinglenews.com

The Cloghane-Brandon area, or Clochán-Breannainn in Gaelic, is certainly among Ireland's most beautiful regions. Located at the foot of Mount Brandon on the Eastern side of the Dingle Peninsula, the villages of Cloghane and Brandon overlook the gorgeous Brandon Bay. The natural beauty surrounding these two villages stands alone as one of West Kerry's unspoilt paradises for anglers, walkers, windsurfers, outdoors enthusiasts and families. The magnificent valley between the Mount Brandon range and the awe-inspiring Connor Pass, Ireland's most elevated mountain pass greets your arrival to the Cloghane-Brandon area.

The region is also world-famous for its hill-walking and mountain climbing which link into the 180km Dingle Way. Golf and pony-trekking is also available nearby. Féile na Lughnasa takes place in the Clochán-Breannainn area every July, offering plenty of local music, song, cultural activities for all the family. The Owenmore River and Lakes offer game fishing for species such as wild salmon. Cod, mackerel, turbot, skate, bass and shark may be caught off the coast. The longest beach in Ireland begins in the Cloghane-Brandon area, stretching all the way along the coastline to the Maharees incorporating many beautiful stands such as Cappagh and Fermoyle. Brandon Bay is also considered as one of the top windsurfing locations in Ireland.

© Marian O'Flaherty 2009

Republication, without the permission of the author, is strictly prohibited

A Summertime Paradise - Castlegregory & the Maharees by Marian O'Flaherty, editor of www.dinglenews.com

The scenic sea-side town of Castlegregory, located in a coastal area to the north of the Dingle Peninsula, is situated in an area of immense natural beauty. Castlegregory, its stunning surrounds, the pleasant pace of life and the warmth of its locals, offers a sense of serenity and calm unequalled elsewhere, perpetually inhabited by a great sense of community spirit. Castlegregory is a popular sea-side destination offering great local accommodation along with caravan sites and camp sites, where families can enjoy a self-catering holiday close to the beach. Sea-side restaurants and pubs offer freshly caught sea-food where visitors can enjoy a pint watching the sun go down. Other activities such as pony-trekking, deep sea angling and scuba diving are also available. For golfing enthusiasts, Castlegregory Golf is located in nearby Stradbally near the scenic Lough Gill which is famed for its many species of birds. There are also several popular walks in these areas, including one to the forest of Glenteenassig, located on the side of a mountain. Ireland's longest beach is also located nearby at the Maharees, between Brandon Bay and Tralee Bay. It is one of Ireland's top surfing and wind-surfing destinations. Great locations include Sandy Bay for beginners, Scraggane Bay for intermediates on flat water and Brandon Bay itself for the more advanced. As a consequence, water sports and activities are at a premium.

© Marian O'Flaherty 2009

Republication, without the permission of the author, is strictly prohibited

Cloghane - Brandon - Castlegregory Local Links

Information about Cloghane & Brandon Villages The Cloghane / Brandon area is located on the northern tip of the Dingle Peninsula in the parish of Castlegregory. The two villages are set in a semicircle .. . www.dingle-peninsula.ie/cloghane

Walking short break Ireland - Mount Brandon Short walking break Brandon Co. Kerry. Tour Highlights. Village of Cloghane Faha Grotto Brandon Mountain Brandon Bay Stunning Coastline Castlegregory ... www.walkinghikingireland.com

O'Connors Local Events Cloghane August 1940 on the slopes of Mount Brandon above Cloghane. ... A golf course is situated at Clubhouse Stradbally Castlegregory. An extremely scenic nine ... www.cloghane.com/local.htm

Syra Larkin lives and works on the beautiful Maharees. If you would like to find out more about Syra and her work then make a visit to her studio. Syra welcomes visits by appointment . Shoreline Studio Kilshannig, Maharees, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry. www.syralarkin.com Tel 066 71 39330