WALKING TRAIL
Slí Na NGallán Loop Walk
The walk focuses on the three Standing Stones (Galláin) in the townland of Cluain Searrach which are orientated on the rising sun at the summer solstice. The stone alignment is situated on the lower east slopes of Mount Brandon commanding an extensive view across Brandon Bay towards the central mountain ridge that forms the backbone of the Dingle Peninsula. Originally there were five standing stones, with two now lying flat and partly buried. The two fallen stones had fallen by the early 19th century. The remaining stones stand at 2.75m, 2.14m and 2.1m high.
Summer Solstice: The summer solstice takes place on June 21st (with the effect over the Stones visible for 2-3 days on either side of the actual date), and marks the longest day of the year. In the west of Ireland the sun sets very late – past 10pm – and the soft glows of twilight can last until after midnight, with the first tendrils of dawn alighting the sky as early as 3 or 4 am.
Route: You start your journey in Cloghane Village, passing by the ruins of the 13th Century Catholic and 19th Century Anglican churches above the village, past the early-Christian (now almost hidden) St Brendan’s Well, over the Cloghane River followed by a gentle climb along the old pilgrim route to Mount Brandon until you come to the Faha road. Turn right and then left up the gently climbing boithrín with beautiful scenic views over Brandon Bay and finally through the fields at the end of the road to the Galláin. From there follow the signs along the quiet local roads back to Cloghane village.
Google Map Coordinates for stones: 52.247426842011464, -10.178472651080035