The brave Tuatha De Dananns were singularly expert in naval affairs, and their descendants were by no means unwilling to impart information to the saint.
The venerable St.Enda, the first Abbot of Arran, was then living, and thither St.Brendan journeyed for counsel.

Probably he was encouraged in his design by the holy abbot; for, he proceeded along the coast of Mayo, inquiring as he went for traditions of the western continent.

On his return to Kerry, he decided to set out on the important expedition.

St.
Brendan's Hill still bears his name; and from the bay at the foot of this lofty eminence he sailed for the "far west." Directing his course towards the south-west, with a few faithful companions, in a well-provisioned bark, he came, after some rough and dangerous navigation, to calm seas, where, without aid of oar or sail, he was borne along for many weeks.

It is probable that he had entered the great Gulf Stream, which brought his vessel ashore somewhere on the Virginian coasts.