There seems to be some debate as to whether Mt Brandon is the 8th or 9th highest peak in Ireland, but either way, we were quite keen to make another pilgrimage to an Irish summit. It is apparently often shrouded in mist and today was no different, but we went for it anyway.
As with most mountains, there are various ways to reach the summit, but given the less than ideal conditions, we opted for the straightforward western flanks rather than the Grade II rocky scramble. The route is marked by very handy crossed - fifteen in all, which lead the way to the summit.
It wasn't exactly raining, but we were inside a cloud, so it was full waterproofs on by the time we reached the top.
A team of blokes were at the summit cross drinking bottles of Guinness when we arrived and the offered to take a photo of us.
We then ducked out of the wind and had a nice lunch in the lee of St Brandon's shelter (a small pile of rocks).
The views soon returned, when we emerged out of the bottom of the clouds and it looked like there might be some lines of swell entering the bay.
After taking a well earned break in the van cafe, we returned to the coast, where there were indeed waves! Summoning up a little extra energy, we got back into our (almost dry) wetsuits and enjoyed some good waves in the clear waters.
When we got out, we drove straight to Dingle of some much needed food and drink....
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