Name of Pilgrimage Site: Mount Brandon
Eircode nearest house at base of mountain – V92XW52
Why is it a place of pilgrimage?
St Brendan and his monks introduced Christianity to the area, they deliberately chose to use the old pagan sites for oratories and Christian worship, to emphasize the dominance of the new religion over the old. Brendan and his monks had their hermitage at the summit of the mountain, and a Foithir na Manach further north on the western slope. The remains of Tobar Bréanainn and Teampailín Bréanainn are still to be seen at the summit.
Mount Brandon stand 3,127 ft, (953 metres) (formed about 200 million years ago, it is 170 million years older than the Himalayas.) above sea level with the peaks of Brandon ridge dominating the west end of Chorca Dhuibhne peninsula. In ancient times it was named “Sliabh a Daidche,” but later named after St Brendan the navigator born in 483 CE, and in pre-Christian times may even have been the site of pagan ritual and worship of the Crom Dubh Diety.
Further information e.g. prayers or rituals associated with the site
Nowadays people begin their climb from Faha and may come down to Cill Maoilchéidir in the Dingle side and onto Cuas a Bhodaigh where St Brendan set out on a voyage for the western world, or they may return the way they went.
Years ago, on June 29th, pilgrims from Cloghane started their journey from the little Chapel in the old cemetery; they did not cross the river or go by Faha.
Years ago the three dedicated days were May 16th St Brendan’s Day; June , 29th of June and 29th of July which is Féile Lughnasa, (a celtic festival).
Pilgrims at the top walked nine times round the path at the top of the mountain, reciting 15 mysteries of the rosary and casting a pebble on a mound(cairn) of stones. They finished with the creed at the little altar in the centre and drank from St Brendan’s well to finish their devotions. Those who continued to Cill Maoilchéidir and onto Cuas rang a bell at 6pm to complete their pilgrimage.
Information drawn from The Parish of Cloghane, The Centenary of St Brendan’s Church. 2005, Printed by Leinster Leader Ltd. Pages 48-49
https://holywellscorkandkerry.com
This gives good pictures and more extensive information.