Ireland 2025 – Day 6 of Hike

Day 9 of our trip would be Day 6 of our hike on the Dingle Way. The 13-mile hike to Cloghane is one of the most remote and dramatic sections of the DINGLE WAY, and the most challenging as we reached the highest point. The trail offered a combination of history and breathtaking views. We crossed the shoulder of Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest mountains and passed by groups of standing stones. This was by far the coldest day of the hike due to the elevation. We were literally hiking in the clouds.

The descent down the mountain was steep, but we were rewarded by spotting a hut where we had a dry place for lunch. We then crossed blanket bogs where the turf is still harvested in the traditional way before ending up in the quiet village of Cloghane. We also passed by an amazing art gallery.

Our lodging that evening was the O’Connors Guest House, which is also where we had dinner. With scenic views of the mountains and Brandon Bay, the guest house is also a traditional Irish pub serving good drink, food, and craic. It is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and traditional music. Because the musician who was to play that evening had to cancel, one of our fellow travelers was gracious enough to serenade us and the other patrons with music and song.