Access Welcome Guide
Welcome
Welcome to Cloghane Brandon — Kerry’s best-kept secret, nestled at the foot of Mount Brandon on the northern shore of the Dingle Peninsula. This is a place where time ticks by nature’s clock, where the mountains meet the Atlantic, and where every visitor is warmly received by our close-knit Gaeltacht community.
Cloghane Brandon is managed by Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith Triúigh Teoranta (CFLT), a community cooperative founded in 1973 to develop the social, economic, and cultural life of this extraordinary corner of Kerry. We are committed to ensuring that all visitors — regardless of ability, background, or need — have a full, equal, and enjoyable experience of everything this area has to offer.
This Access Welcome Guide is designed to help you plan your visit with confidence. If you have access requirements that aren’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will always do our best to assist.
Our offices are located at Halla le Chéile, situated between Cloghane and Brandon villages (Eircode: V92 DK4C). We are open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (hours may vary seasonally).
Contact Information
If you require assistance before or during your visit, please reach out by any of the following methods:
Telephone: +353 (0) 66 713 8137
Telephone (alternative): +353 (0) 66 713 8282
Email: eolas@cflt.ie
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (hours may vary by season)
Irish Text Relay service is also available — please contact us via email and we will arrange a suitable communication method to support your visit.
Getting Here
Cloghane Brandon is picturesquely situated on the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula, approximately 15km north-east of An Daingean (Dingle town) and 40km west of Tralee. Due to its remote and unspoiled location, a car is the most practical way to travel. However, limited public transport options exist and are described below.
By Car
Eircode (Halla le Chéile): V92 DK4C
Driving directions:
From Dublin & the West: Follow the M7, join the M20 near Limerick, then the N21 to Tralee. Exit via the N86; keep right at The Railway Tavern junction to take the R560 road to Cloghane.
From Cork & the South: Follow the N20 and N72 to R577, continue to the N21 in Kerry, then the N86 to R560. Take R560 Stradbally to R550.
From Galway & the North: Follow M18/N18, then N21 and N86 to R560 in Kerry. Continue on R560, then R560 Stradbally to R550.
Parking
Parking is available in both Cloghane and Brandon villages. Parking in the area is generally on-street and free. Please contact us directly if you need specific guidance on accessible or flat-surface parking closest to any particular facility.
By Bus
Bus Éireann operates a limited local service between Tralee and Cloghane (stopping at The Creamery), running once a week on Fridays. Visit www.buseireann.ie for timetables and accessibility information.
TFI Local Link Kerry also provides transport services in the county, including routes to Cloghane and Brandon. Visit www.locallinkkerry.ie for timetables. Local Link buses are typically accessible — contact Local Link Kerry directly to confirm accessibility features for your journey.
Due to the remote nature of Cloghane Brandon, public transport services are very limited. We strongly recommend travelling by car if possible. Please contact us if you need help planning your journey and we will advise as best we can.
By Taxi
A number of taxi services operate in the wider area, including from Tralee and Dingle. We are happy to provide details of local taxi companies on request — including information about accessible vehicle options. Please contact us at eolas@cflt.ie or call +353 (0) 66 713 8137.
By Air
Kerry Airport (Farranfore) is approximately 55km (around 50 minutes by car) from Cloghane Brandon. It operates flights to and from Dublin, London Stansted, and other destinations. Visit www.kerryairport.ie for more information.
Shannon International Airport is approximately 115km (around 1 hour 30 minutes by car) from Cloghane Brandon.
Key Accessibility Features
Cloghane Brandon is a rural, outdoor destination. Much of what we offer takes place in the natural landscape — on beaches, mountain trails, and open water. We aim to be transparent about both what is accessible and where there are natural limitations, so that you can plan your visit with full confidence.
Planning Your Visit in Advance
We warmly welcome anyone who would like to make a familiarisation visit before their main trip, at no additional cost. This allows you (and any companions or carers) to explore the area, assess terrain, and speak with our team. Please contact us in advance to arrange.
For activities including walking, surfing, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing, our team can advise on the level of physical challenge involved and any adapted options available. We will always do our best to accommodate visitors of all abilities. Please contact us at least 48 hours before your visit to allow us to prepare appropriately.
Outdoor Terrain
Many of our walking trails and outdoor areas feature natural, uneven terrain. Some trails are suitable for buggies, wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility, while others (such as the Mount Brandon summit trail) are challenging mountain routes. Please contact us or check individual trail pages on our website for terrain information before visiting.
Brandon Beach and Brandon Bay beaches offer sandy, open shorelines. Please contact us for guidance on accessible beach access and we will do our best to direct you to the most suitable areas.
Halla le Chéile (Our Community Centre)
Our main community facility at Halla le Chéile is located between Cloghane and Brandon villages, with car parking available immediately adjacent. If you have specific access requirements regarding the building, please contact us in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Emergency Evacuation
General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for visitors with disabilities at our managed facilities. If you have specific requirements relating to emergency evacuation, please inform a member of our team on arrival and we will be happy to discuss arrangements with you.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs, including Guide Dogs and Autism Assistance Dogs, are welcome in Cloghane Brandon and at all our managed facilities in line with Irish equality legislation. Outdoor areas and beaches in the region provide suitable space for assistance dogs. Please let us know in advance if you will be bringing an assistance dog so we can ensure water and rest facilities are available.
Dietary Requirements
Local restaurants and cafés can cater for a range of dietary requirements. We recommend contacting individual venues in advance to confirm what is available. Please see the Stay & Eat section below for local food and drink options.
Staff Assistance
Our team at CFLT is always happy to assist visitors with access queries before and during their visit. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. Please do not hesitate to ask.
Stay & Eat
Cloghane Brandon is home to a charming selection of local accommodation and dining options that reflect the warmth and character of this Gaeltacht community. While the area does not have large hotel chains, the quality, hospitality, and sense of place on offer here is second to none. We recommend contacting individual venues in advance to confirm their accessibility provisions.
Where to Stay
O’Connor’s Guesthouse — Cloghane A well-regarded guesthouse offering comfortable accommodation in Cloghane village. www.oconnorskerry.com
The Cé Hideout B&B — Brandon A charming bed & breakfast in Brandon village, looking out over Brandon Bay. www.thecehideout.com
Mount Brandon Hostel — Cloghane A popular hostel for walkers and adventurers, ideally located for those exploring Mount Brandon. www.mountbrandonhostel.com
We recommend contacting accommodation providers directly to discuss your specific access requirements, including room layouts, step-free access, and parking.
Where to Eat & Drink
Murphy’s Bar — Brandon A traditional Irish pub in Brandon serving food and drinks with a warm local welcome. www.murphysbarbrandon.com
O’Connor’s Bar & Restaurant — Cloghane Bar and restaurant offering food and hospitality in the heart of Cloghane village. www.oconnorskerry.com
Brandon Café (Mullally’s) — Brandon A welcoming local café in Brandon. Follow on Instagram (@cafe.brandon) for the latest opening times.
Accessible Destination Highlights
Cloghane Brandon is a wonderful base for exploring the wider Dingle Peninsula and County Kerry. Below are some of the outdoor experiences and nearby attractions you might enjoy during your visit. We encourage you to contact individual venues in advance to confirm whether they suit your specific access requirements.
Disclaimer: The accessibility information provided about third-party venues and experiences has not been independently verified by CFLT. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. If you have concerns, we strongly recommend contacting the venue or attraction directly to confirm whether it meets your needs.
Outdoor Experiences
Brandon Bay Beaches Several sandy beaches along Brandon Bay offer gentle, open terrain near the shoreline, including areas around Brandon Point and Kilcummin Strand. Generally flat and accessible by car to the parking areas.
Cloghane Area Walking Trails A range of walking trails of varying difficulty start in and around Cloghane village. Gentler low-level routes are available alongside more challenging mountain ascents. Visit cloghanebrandon.ie/activities/walks-trails/ for trail information.
Surfing & Paddle Boarding Brandon Bay offers excellent conditions for surfing and paddle boarding. Our team can advise on beginner-friendly and adapted options. Visit cloghanebrandon.ie/activities/surfing-paddle-boarding/ for more information.
Boating on Brandon Bay Gentle boating experiences are available on Brandon Bay. Contact us in advance to discuss any specific accessibility requirements for boarding. Visit cloghanebrandon.ie/activities/boating/ for more information.
Sea & River Fishing The Owenmore River and Brandon Bay offer fishing opportunities for all experience levels. Contact us for guidance on accessible fishing locations. Visit cloghanebrandon.ie/activities/fishing/ for more information.
Wider Kerry & the Dingle Peninsula
Wild Atlantic Way Cloghane Brandon sits on the Wild Atlantic Way — one of Ireland’s most celebrated scenic driving routes, offering spectacular coastal views accessible from the road. Visit www.thewildatlanticway.com for more information.
Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) The wider Dingle Peninsula offers heritage sites, scenic drives, beaches, and the vibrant town of An Daingean (Dingle), approximately 15km from Cloghane. Visit dingle-peninsula.ie for visitor information.
Conor Pass (Connor Pass) One of Ireland’s highest mountain passes, Conor Pass offers dramatic panoramic views accessible by car. The viewpoint near the summit can be enjoyed without leaving your vehicle, and there is a car park at the top.
Tralee The county town of Kerry, approximately 40km east of Cloghane Brandon, offers a full range of shops, services, restaurants, and accessible facilities including Tralee Town Park and Kerry County Museum.
Events & Festivals
Cloghane Brandon hosts a range of events throughout the year, including Tinteán Ceoil (traditional music evenings), Campa Samhraidh (summer camp), and Féile Lughnasa — a beloved community festival held annually. For upcoming events, visit cloghanebrandon.ie/whats-on. Please contact us in advance of events if you have any specific accessibility requirements.
Emergency & Medical Information
We recognise that not every visit goes smoothly, and we want you to feel reassured. Below is essential emergency and medical information for the Cloghane Brandon area.
In the event of an emergency, always call 999 or 112 first.
Nearest Hospital: University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, Co. Kerry Approximately 45 minutes by car from Cloghane Brandon Tel: +353 (0) 66 718 4000
Nearest Pharmacy (approx. 20 minutes by car — Dingle/An Daingean): Grogan’s Pharmacy, Spa Road, Dingle, Co. Kerry Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 0518
O’Keeffe’s Family Pharmacy, Strand Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry
GP / Out-of-Hours Medical: SouthDoc (out-of-hours GP service for Co. Kerry): 0818 355 999 For GP recommendations local to your needs, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
Irish Coast Guard: In the event of a maritime emergency on Brandon Bay, call 999 or 112, or contact Valentia Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.
Defibrillator (AED): A community defibrillator (AED) is available locally. Please contact us on +353 (0) 66 713 8137 for the exact location.
If you have specific medical equipment needs, require refrigeration for medication, or have any other medical considerations for your visit, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to assist you.
Share Your Feedback
We are constantly reviewing and improving our visitor experience, and any changes will be reflected in this Access Welcome Guide.
We welcome your feedback! If you have any questions or suggestions about accessibility in Cloghane Brandon, please contact us at eolas@cflt.ie or call +353 (0) 66 713 8137.
This Access Welcome Guide was produced in June 2026 and will be reviewed and updated regularly.