Mullach Bhéal
Watch on YouTube
An easy hike up to some fantastic views on the lowest point of the Brandon Range in the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland.
This was an unplanned hike to be honest. On a previous outing to Masatiompan I passed the sign for this place and kept it in the phone just to check it out at a later date, which I never did.
I had driven along the north end of the peninsula all morning. Starting in at Blennerville, where I took some really poor pics of birds, i’m blaming the lack of light and a slow lens… Carried on to Derrymore Strand where I spent some time looking up towards the direction of Gearhane, Caherconree and Baurtregaum which I had been thinking of doing. It just looked bleak with cloud around the 400-500 meter mark.
Even tho the forecast was for it to clear in the afternoon, I decided against it, as i’m so tired of the forecasting being wrong for the last few weeks I didn’t think it was worth the risk.
Carried on down towards Castlegregory and spent a good bit of time down around the pier at the end of the peninsula and at the beach near Spillanes Bar and Restaurant. By then, the end of the Peninsula was clearing, you could see Brandon and all the others, even tho it was bit hazy. On the beach there were Brent Geese a few Curlews and other shore birds I have yet to learn the name of. It was nice chilled and relaxing.
After a while here i headed on down towards Brandon Point, stopping off at both Fermoyle Strand and Cappagh Beach. It’s a fabulous little beach with great views back to Beenoskee, Beenatoor and that whole Glennahoo Valley/ Macha na Bo. The light and conditions in the valley were changing minute to minute. I’m glad I wasn’t doing that walk today. There is a great rock formation in the beach down near the water level and would have numerous interesting opportunities for images. Seeing the farmer putting the sheep and newborn lambs out onto the field was a nice touch. The sun came out and the grass was green, it was very nice.
A quick stop at the Connor pass, which is almost obligatory at this stage and on towards the west. I’d been thinking of just heading to Ballydavid Head or Beenamann, but on the way out of Ventry saw the sign for this place and took a hard right just to see what it looked like, wasn’t expecting much as the road was narrow. I was pleasantly surprised. It has a fine car park with a few tables made from boulders and a nice view down the road and up towards the mountains. Started the walk of up. Nothing much to it, just follow the old road up.
While the views were great they didn’t lend themselves to great shots. Westwards was incredibly hazy. I like taking layer images but there was no real separation here, was still nice views. Looking back towards Beenoskee , it’s really just the one shot. I spent a good while up here even tho the wind was fairly constant and cold. Didn’t matter much tho, I have the gear for it. Decided to head down after a while.
Back at the car listened to a bit of the rugby and had some noodles and coffee, the Jetboil is deadly handy. It had been along day even up to this point and the grub was welcome.
The final destination was to head towards Clogher Head and see what the sunset was going to be like. It’s a special place to witness a sunset. Took loads of images and trying all different edits. I’m very happy with the few here, but I feel there are other ones that will be revisited in the future. A great finish to the day.
All that was left the was the long drive home. I wish I could just teleport back as it’s not getting any easier.
For the photographers out there, it’s the Canon R6 Mk II , its a pretty serious jump up from my previous with all the fancy autofocus tech and the 4K video. The way it managed the sunset and looking at the RAWs afterwards it handled it all brilliantly. I didn’t want to fully blow out the surrounding sun so slightly underexposed but there’s plenty to play with in the shadows. Finally, because of the stabilisation I was able to take a 3 shot exposure bracket hand held and it merged perfect afterwards, at least from what I can see.
I’m looking forward to the video also as with the good lenses it should allow for some good footage.
Overall i’m delighted with it but slightly terrified in case something happens it.
And with that we’re done.
Thanks for dropping by and reading this.
It was a hike that was needed.
Ed