Brandon Hill Hike, Kilkenny Ireland: Can you do it solo?

I did the Brandon Hill Hike by pure chance while I was on my way to my place in Kilkenny. I just wanted to check it out, and I thought it was just a five-minute walk from the car park. Well, I was wrong.

It was a real hike and a challenging one, but I did it anyway just because I met some hikers on their way back in the parking lot who told me it was easy, short, and safe. So I decided to go for it.

In this article, I will tell you all about it so that you can make an informed decision on whether it’s your thing or not.

Brandon Hill Trail Overview

Elevation Gain – 515 mt
Length – 7.5 KM (4.6 miles)
Difficulty Level – strenuous
Time – around 3 hours (back and forth)

Brandon Hill is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Locals love it and it’s a popular place to go for a walk, a run, or a bike ride in nature. Some bring their dogs as well.

It’s Located in the southeast region of Ireland, south of the pretty town of Kilkenny.

The trail starts at the mountain’s base and winds its way up through dense forest before emerging onto open grassy slopes. As hikers ascend, they are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the River Barrow and the Blackstairs Mountains. The summit of the mountain is marked by a large cross, which serves as a fitting reward for the effort put into the climb.

Getting to Brandon Hill

As you can see from the map above, there are two access points to Brandon Hill each one with its own parking lot from where the trails start. I arrived at Raahendonore Car Park because that’s where Google Maps sent me.

Keep in mind that the car park is free and not supervised. I had all my staff in it because I was moving from one place to the other and I was a bit nervous but luckily nothing happened to it. Ireland is quite safe overall but you can find thieves everywhere in this world.

In fact, you will find signs saying to avoid leaving valuable objects in the car scattered around the country, especially in car parks next to hiking trails.

The other car Park is located a few miles away, you can find it on Google Maps.

From both car parks, you can find a map with some useful information and all along the trails you will find signs that mark the Km you have walked and the distance to Brandon Hill.

Hiking Brandon Hill

Trail Overview

The trail is approximately 7.5 km long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete; some people make it in 1 hour 30 minutes. The trail starts easy but gradually becomes more difficult as hikers approach the summit.

You can enjoy the variety of landscapes and views as you go and take advantage of the spectacular landscape while you catch your breath.

It’s impossible to get lost hiking Brandon Hill, but on the way down, you need to be careful not to go to the wrong car park. You will find clear signs at a junction, but if you are too confident you may miss them. 🤣

Safety Tips

I never like to walk in the woods on my own, because you never know what can happen. However, I felt safe hiking Brandon Hill. It was late in the afternoon on the 8th of July 2023 ( I didn’t remember but the dates in my photos reminded me). I met a couple of hikers during my hike, one at the beginning and another solo traveler by the hill. It was reassuring.

The other positive thing is that you have phone reception almost everywhere. So if something happens, you can call 112 or 999.

Those are emergency services and work from any phone. Both numbers are free of charge. 112 works in any EU country and from any phone.

I am sure if you go on a weekend or earlier in the day you will find more people along the way.

Here are some safety tips

👉 Look where you are going. The terrain is very uneven, and if it rains, it can be slippery; if you set your foot in the wrong way, you can twist your ankle, and we don’t want that.

👉 Make sure you dress properly ( see below)

👉 Bring a functioning phone and a battery charger with you so that in case you are in difficulty, you can call for help.

👉 mind the signs and remember the name of the parking lot where you left the car so you don’t end up in the wrong car park.

👉 If you hike in the summer, use sunscreen even if it’s not sunny.

👉 Let your friends or the owner of the place where you are staying know where you are going.

👉 Have travel insurance and bring the information with you at an easy reach. I have been using SafetyWing as I found it to be the best for what I need, but keep in mind it’s not a full travel insurance, and they don’t cover flight-related issues, just medical. I have recently found TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER which is a great site to compare different insurance companies. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase.

What to wear during the Brandon Hill Hike

✔️ Hiking boots are important to protect your ankles, especially in such uneven terrain.

✔️ Dress in layers, as you may warm up during the hike, but it’s going to be chilly on the top, especially on a windy day. Also, on the way down, you will be colder, as there is no effort.

✔️ A waterproof jacket is always a good choice as in Ireland, you never know when it’s going to rain.

✔️ A backpack to keep your stuff would be ideal

✔️ A full 1L water bottle to hydrate during the hike. You will get thirsty!

Duration and Difficulty

The Brandon Hill hike is considered moderately difficult and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The hike is suitable for most fitness levels, but hikers should be prepared for some steep and rocky sections. Overall, the Brandon Hill hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Kilkenny and get some exercise at the same time.

Brandon Hill Summit

At Brandon Hill’s summit, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Barrow Valley, Mount Leinster, and the Blackstairs Mountains. The summit also boasts a stone cairn, which is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying a well-deserved rest after the hike.

In addition to the cairn, there is a large cross, a popular landmark, and provides a great backdrop for photos. It is also a symbol of the area’s strong religious heritage.

Wildlife and Flora

The Brandon Hill hike is not only beautiful, but it is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Hikers may spot red deer, foxes, rabbits, and a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon and the kestrel.

In fact, you will be walking at the sound of an intense bird chirping, especially at the top. I could not identify the bird species, but they were cute tiny birds with quite a voice.

The area is also home to a variety of wildflowers, including heather, gorse, and foxgloves.

Brandon Hill Hike: Final Thoughts

Overall, the Brandon Hill hike in Kilkenny, Ireland offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a challenging and rewarding hike.

It’s challenging because of the steepness but if you go slowly and you take your breaks along the hike you can do it even without previous training. If you are visiting the area, this is one of the top things to do in Kilkenny.