Masatiompan (Más an Tiompáin) – Mountain Walk in the Brandon Group, County Kerry | Kerry

Overview

Aerial view, Kenmare Town, Co Kerry Courtesy Failte Ireland

Masatiompan (Irish: Más an Tiompáin, meaning “rump of the drum/hump/hollow”) rises to 763 m (2 503 ft) in the heart of the Brandon Group on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. It is the second‑most northerly summit of the range and ranks 68th among Ireland’s highest peaks. The mountain’s conical summit, a modest prominence of 108 m, sits on a ridge that separates gentle western grasslands from the dramatic eastern corries of the Brandon massif. Its location on the Wild Atlantic Way makes it a natural stop for walkers seeking both rugged scenery and a touch of cultural heritage.

History & Cultural Context

The name Masatiompan reflects the mountain’s rounded shape, but the site also carries a deeper archaeological story. At the saddle between Masatiompan and the neighbouring Piaras Mór lies a 6th‑century Ogham stone, reputed to be the highest such monument in Ireland at 653 m. The stone bears the inscription “of the priest Rónán son of Comgánhas” and a Maltese cross, hinting at a blend of early Christian and possibly pre‑Christian symbolism.

Masatiompan is part of the historic Cosán na Naomh pilgrimage network that culminates on Mount Brandon. While the mountain itself is not the pilgrimage’s terminus, the trail that passes its slopes is sign‑posted as part of the Pilgrims Path/Dingle Way, linking ancient monastic sites such as Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar.

What to See & Do

Gap of Dunloe, The Ring of Kerry, Co Kerry Courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Feature	Details
Summit Height	763 m (2 503 ft)
Prominence	108 m
Grid Reference	Q465145
Key Views	• Southwest: Ballydavid Head, Smerwick Harbour, Dingle, Blasket Islands • South: Mount Brandon, Conor Pass • West: Sás Creek, Tralee Bay, Maharee Islands, Slieve Mish range, Beenoskee • Northwest: Kerry Head, Loop Head (Co Clare)
Special Feature	Highest Ogham stone in Ireland (6th c.) at 653 m
Nearby Interest	O’Connor’s Pub in Cloghane – displays engine of a WWII aircraft that crashed on the Brandon slopes

The summit offers a 360° panorama that includes the Atlantic coastline, the island chain of the Blaskets, and the rugged peaks of the Brandon Group. Photographers will appreciate the contrast between the deep eastern corries and the sweeping western sea views.

Practical Information

Getting There

Ballykissane Pier (1916 Memorial) Killorglin n/a

The walk begins at the Teer car‑park (elevation 130 m), a small lay‑by just outside the coastal village of Cloghane on the Wild Atlantic Way. The car‑park eliminates the need for a road walk from Cloghane itself. From the parking area, a minor track road runs for about 3.5 km to a stone‑built shed with a green roof, perched above the Arraglen river valley and the ruins of an old settlement.

Route Description

The route is 12.5 km round‑trip and typically takes 4 hours for a fit walker. It is classified as moderate to strenuous due to steady ascent (≈770 m total climb) and some rocky sections near the summit. The walk follows a well‑marked grass path that joins the Pilgrims Path/Dingle Way. After the shed, the trail climbs toward the saddle between Piaras Mór (748 m) and Masatiompan. At the saddle, the Ogham stone marks a natural viewpoint before the final 20‑minute scramble along an old fence line to the summit.

Metric	Value
Distance (round‑trip)	12.5 km
Total ascent	770 m
Total descent	770 m
Estimated time	4 hours
Difficulty	Moderate‑to‑strenuous

The walk is sign‑posted, but a Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) map (sheet 70) or a reliable GPS device is advisable for the initial track‑road section. The MountainViews entry for Masatiompan (grid Q465145) provides additional contour detail.

Facilities

Parking: Free at Teer car‑park (limited spaces, arrive early in peak season).
Restrooms: None on the route; facilities are available in Cloghane village.
Refreshments: After the hike, the nearby O’Connor’s Pub in Cloghane offers a pint and a view of a World War II aircraft engine displayed outside – a reminder of the four wartime crashes that scarred the Brandon slopes.

Safety Notes

The ridge can be exposed in high winds, especially near the summit and the Ogham stone. The stone itself is set on a small cairn; walkers should stay on the marked path to avoid fragile turf. The route is popular with hill‑walkers, so occasional groups may be encountered on the narrow sections.

Nearby Attractions

Masatiompan sits within the Brandon Group, making it an ideal base for exploring other highlights of the peninsula:

Brandon Bay – a sheltered inlet popular with wind‑surfers and sea‑kayakers, just a short drive from the trailhead.
Brandon Mountains – the wider mountain range offers additional ridge walks, including the classic ascent of Mount Brandon.
Mount Brandon – the highest peak in the group (952 m) and a historic pilgrimage destination.

These sites can be combined into a full‑day or weekend itinerary for walkers who want to experience both coastal and upland scenery.

Seasonal Tips

Spring (April‑June): Long daylight hours and relatively mild weather make this the most popular time. Wildflowers begin to colour the lower slopes.
Summer (July‑August): Expect the busiest crowds; bring sun protection and be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
Autumn (September‑October): Cooler temperatures and fewer walkers; the landscape takes on golden hues, but daylight diminishes quickly.
Winter (November‑March): Snow and strong Atlantic winds can make the ridge hazardous. If attempting the walk, ensure you have appropriate gear and check the weather forecast.

Public Transport & Access

Information on bus routes or train connections to Cloghane/Teer car‑park is currently unavailable. This section requires further research to provide accurate public‑transport options.

Masatiompan (Más an Tiompáin) – Mountain Walk in the Brandon Group, County Kerry